After wrapping up our adventures at Cape Le Grand, our journey led us to Albany. We initially returned to Esperance to explore a few beaches we had missed, but the weather initially had other plans as we got caught in a torrential downpour. We patiently waited out the storm while replenishing our supplies and enjoying a leisurely lunch. By the time we reached the iconic Twilight Beach, the rain had cleared and we got some lovely sunshine. We spent a few hours there before heading off to find a place to park up for the night.

The following morning, we set off towards Kalgan, which is just outside of Albany. An old friend from London, Greg, has a Tiny House on his partner Sarah’s parents’ property. The original plan was to set up camp there and catchup but unfortunately work and other commitments meant that Greg and Sarah were up in Perth. Nevertheless, we received a warm welcome from Sarah’s parents, Bron and Dave who showed us around the property. The unexpected perk was experiencing the charm of the Tiny House—something both Robyn and I had always dreamed of. It was a delightful upgrade from two weeks in a van, and Robyn and Lily made the most of the outdoor bath, overlooking the bush and farmland.

With our base established for a few days, we embarked on exploring the local treasures. Our first stop was the Sunday market at the Albany Boatshed, where we sampled a few local baked goods and enjoyed the live music. Next, we ventured to some of Albany’s renowned attractions, The Gap and Natural Bridge. The Gap, a magnificent natural rock formation sculpted by centuries of ocean swells, offered breathtaking views from a platform suspended 40 meters above, where we gazed in awe at the powerful waves below. Nearby, the Natural Bridge, formed over millennia as the ocean washed away the rock to create a bridge-like structure.

Our exploration continued north to the popular Granite Skywalk. The bushwalk was a gentle climb leading to stunning granite peaks with walkways offering panoramic views of the surrounding area and the Stirling Ranges. Reaching the topmost walkway involved some rock scrambling and a 7-meter ladder climb, adding a thrilling touch to the adventure.

The following day, we headed to Denmark for a day filled with fun and excitement. We started at a local bush maze, a creation by a generous family for everyone to enjoy. The kids outpaced us to the centre with ease! Their most anticipated adventure, however, was Zorbing—an exhilarating experience in a giant inflatable ball rolling downhill, creating a sensation akin to a moving water slide. Initially planning for just one descent, we found ourselves swept up in the fun, completing two runs on the short track and then daring the world’s longest, spanning over 500 meters. We were well looked after by the kind owners of the business, making the kids hot milo and taking us down to their blackberry bushes, allowing us to pick containers full of fresh berries. The afternoon led us to William’s Bay, celebrated for its beaches. We began at Green’s Pool, a tranquil, rock-enclosed haven perfect for snorkelling, where we saw a few different fish. Next was Elephant Rocks, an astounding formation resembling its namesake, where Ollie and Lily body-boarded amidst the rocky “elephants.” Quick visits to Waterfall Beach, with its meter-high natural spring waterfall, and Madfish Bay followed, though we didn’t linger long due to rising winds. Before returning to our cozy Tiny House for a final night, we indulged our palates at a local winery and cheesery, tasting an array of cheeses and a delightful Chardonnay. Collectively, we favoured the Chilli Garlic Gouda and took a wedge with us. As dusk settled, we bid farewell to Bron and Dave, whose warm hospitality made our stay unforgettable.

On our departure from Albany, we explored a few more local beaches—Emu Point and Middleton Beach—where we enjoyed a delightful coffee while the kids played on the swings. Energized and content, we set our sights on the next exciting chapter of our journey: Margaret River, affectionately known as Margs by the locals.