Porongurup Range was a challenging bush walk for me.The range is located 360 kms south east of Perth and 40kms north of Albany in the south west region of Western Australia.The 4.4km return journey from the carpark to the granite skywalk at Castle Rock which rises 670 metres was described as a walk. (insert laugh here). It was a scramble, a climb, an exhausting journey. Oh my, but it was worth it when I reached the summit and looked out over the surrounding countryside. Looki

On a stormy day I visited The Gap and Natural Bridge in Torndirrup National Park near Albany, Western Australia. The cold, wet weather enhanced the dramatically stark and beautiful views. Here you look over the Southern Ocean towards Antarctica, 6,915km (4,296miles) away. A purpose built lookout cantilevers out over rocks, 37 metres above sea level. It is only once you step foot on this solid creation and are able to see The Gap from above that you hold your breath with the b

Albany was the site of Australia’s last whaling station which operated from 1952 to 1978. Fortunately, whaling for profit was banned in 1986. My visit to the whaling station was not entertaining, rather it was educational and taught me a lot about why we need to protect whales. The Cheynes Beach Whaling Company was the longest running and most successful whaling company in Australia. At its peak it supplied up to 60% of the world’s market for Sperm whale oil. It was used for

In late 1914 over 41,000 Australians and New Zealanders left Albany, bound for the First World War. The National Anzac Centre overlooks the harbor from where they departed, and now stands proudly at this heritage site which includes the Princess Royal Fortress. I have visited this site twice and found it moving each time. We should never forget the sacrifice so many people made for future generations. As the convoys left the harbor, this is the last sight many of the soldiers