Everywhere On Wheels: Margaret River to Augusta

Friday 9th December

Again, a good day for cycling, not too hot, enough cloud to provide some protection from the sun, and above all, dry. The route was almost entirely along the undulating, scenic Caves Rd - the area is riddled with limestone caves, some of which are open to public viewing. I chose to visit Calgardup Cave, 14kms from the start of the day’s ride, arriving just after it opened at 9am, and so was the only visitor there. It was great being able to experience the darkness and silence in the depths of this long, unlit cave, I was given a torch and left to guide myself through it.

The limestone formations were very impressive:

Entrance to the cave was via a scenic bushwalk dotted with spinifex trees:

There was a platform for abseiling into the cave through an access hole:

The route continued through forest:

After about 40kms I reached Hamelin Bay which had a lovely long beach:

I arrived in Augusta, the destination for today, around 1.30pm, and checked into the Baywatch Manor Resort:

Then rode off on a side trip to Cape Leeuwin, the southwestern most point of Australia, where the Indian and Southern oceans meet. The lighthouse, built in 1896, is the tallest on the Australian mainland. This area is noted for its dangerous currents and often experiences stormy weather, though today was unusually calm.