One of the things I love about being a blogger is that I get to go to some really interesting places and then write about them. Not only that, it’s often to do things which are a little on the wildside in out of the way places, where I can get close to wildlife, enjoy the Australian bush and experience things that ultimately are just good for the soul.
To tell you the truth I’m normally a tropical girl. I love bright garish colours and lush vegetation.
But the sights and sounds of the Australian bush, and the feeling of being miles from anywhere in ancient woodland are pretty special too. Nothing to do but sit with a cup of tea on the verandah of a wooden cottage and listen to the birdsong, or read a book, or drink a glass of wine.
And in the early mornings to walk and chat – no internet connection for miles – well that’s what it’s like just 2 hours south east of Perth in the Dryandra.
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Heading to the woods
Anyway, last weekend we packed up bedding, food and wine supplies and headed two hours south of Perth to the Dryandra Woodland, which consists of 17 bushland islands in a sea of wheatlands and grazing pastures near the town of Narrogin. It’s actually the biggest tract of remnant vegetation in the western Wheatbelt and is habitat for several of Western Australia’s rare and endangered animals.
Sundowner time
As the sun began to set we arrived at the bushcamp which is nestled in 22,000 hectares of woodland, among marri and powderbark trees where we hoped to have the opportunity to observe some of WAs threatened wildlife species.
First though it was time for a sundowner with our friends as we watched kangaroos bouncing about with joeys in their pouches. Out came the G & T’s and some nice chilli and lime olives before we cooked up a storm on the outside barbecue.
And so to explore the Australian Bush
The Dryandra Woodland supports a large number of animal species in comparison to the rest of the surrounding area known as the Wheatbelt, but almost half of those originally found here have disappeared. However, if you’re keen, there are more than 25 mammals, 100 birds and 50 reptiles to look out for.
It was all a long way from my home office, my computer and my filtered coffee.
Why the Australian bush is good for your soul
- You’ll find beautiful quiet bush walks, and drives where you’re unlikely to see another car.
- Peace, quiet and serenity. No white noise, no road noise, no pollution.
- Time for introspection.
- Time to connect with your partner.
- Beautiful woodlands with native wildlife.
- And just being able to mess around and act like a big kid again dammit!
The bush definitely calms my soul. How about you? Perhaps you’ve got a favourite ‘soul’ retreat you’d like to share with us?
Want to know more? Jill Harrison has also written about the Dryandra at Life Images by Jill
The Wise Woman’s No Fuss Wardrobe Basics
Australia has so much to offer. In April/May while walking the Camino is Spain, we met a lot of Aussies who travel to Spain with the sole purpose of walking the Camino. We also met a couple on the Camino who lived in Perth. We visited Australia in 2004 and it was all kinds of wonderful. Our son spent a semester at the University of Melbourne so of course we had to go and visit him!
Great that you’ve met so many Aussie travellers Patti and that you’ve visited Melbourne. Next up WA? Right! Lol 🙂
I, too, fell in love with those strappy sandals! Your post about the Australian bush made me feel like I was walking in your shoes!:-)
Oh that’s lovely, Irene! Thank you 🙂
OK, you had me with the cute sandals and your post only got more interesting from there. I’ve always wanted to visit Australia and hope to make the trip sooner rather than later. For now I enjoy your stories and a virtual guided tour of the unique Wandoo trees, the kangaroos, numbats and a bilby. Dryandra, Australia sounds fascinating!
Thanks Anita! I’m happy to entertain you, please keep coming back for the ride and hope to see you in Aus one of these days 🙂
What a wonderful spot for a bush escape. It certainly does reinvigorate heart and soul to get out into the bushland and immerse yourself into a bit of nature. You were very sensibly dressed for your hike from head to toe, which is something I probably should take heed of. I enjoy a day trip into some of the Hinterland areas near the Gold Coast and doing some rainforest walks. Nothing like fresh country air to make you feel better.
Yes, I’m an advocate of covering up in the sun Kathy. Your Qld rainforest walks sound just the ticket for a soothe my soul outing too.
Jo, As someone who lives in Connecticut (USA) I can’t imagine seeing a kangaroo hopping past my window! Deer, yes. Kangaroos? Definitely not. Love your pictures. They give me a glimpse into life across the planet, one of the great joys of blogging. Thank you.
Ahh, that’s lovely Laurie, thank you. I do agree … blogging is wonderful like that 🙂
I love walking, these look like great places to explore, thanks Jo
For anyone who loves walking it’s a great place Rae … and dappled light … so much nicer than full on sun.
I agree Jo that Dryandra is a great place for a weekend getaway, and only 2 hours or so from Perth it is also easy to get to, and in a conventional vehicle, although the roads in the park are gravel. We have visited several times, but I hope next year to have a longer stay so we can explore some of the trails we haven’t walked before. The wildflwoers are fantastic in spring. and Barna Mia make it possible to see some of our more secretive wildlife. I was interested to hear about the huts as we have only camped in the past.
Thanks for the link to my blog Jo – here is my last Dryandra blogpost if your readers are interested from a camping point of view. http://www.lifeimagesbyjill.blogspot.com.au/2015/11/camping-in-dryandra-woodland-western.html
Thanks Jill, and yes it’s definitely a place that begs to be returned to. I was struck by how very different it is to anywhere else I’ve been in SWA. Spring will be on our list for sure.