Saturday, 15/01/2011 Julien: To take my first break in 2011, we decided to try a little getaway in the south, perfect this season (austral summer). Although we left this Saturday, January 15, the adventure began the day when we went to Fremantle to get our rental car and rolled to the left for the first time. Funny feeling, but once in circulation, you get used very quickly.
On Saturday morning we're headed for Busselton, our first step. The goal is to drive up to reach the places we wanted to visit. En route, Julie crossed her first kangaroo ... dead on roadsides, struck by car ... Rule No. 1 in Australia: avoid driving at night outside cities.
Julie Busselton is a pleasant little seaside town located 230 km south Perth. En route short stop at Yalgorup National Park to observe thrombolites on the shores of Lake Clifton. Thrombolites are one of the oldest life forms on Earth with 
dominated the oceans there are several 1 billion years. They are photosynthetic and are probably largely responsible (with stromatolites and other) increased the amount of oxygen in the water and atmosphere, which allowed the emergence of life forms based on respiration.
Second quick stop at the Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury. This center, located on the beach, studying dolphins and has established an "interaction zone" public can meet the dolphins. Dolphins often seem to come in early morning. We arrived mid-afternoon and have regretted having paid the entrance ($ 10 / person) because there were no dolphins in the bay for much less in the "interaction zone". In addition, the proposed exhibition is ridiculous (2 aquariums, 1 video, 3 minutes and a fake skeleton) and smaller than the store to remember the center. The "interaction zone" is the only interest of this center, provided going at the right time and have a little luck.
Sunday, 16/01/2011
Our next stop was Margaret River region, famous for its vineyards, the beaches ideal for surfing and caves.
We first drove to Cape Naturaliste, to enjoy the scenery. The "Eagle Bay Road wends its way around the bay of the same name, and the Bunker Bay, just as pretty. We then made a small walk around the lighthouse at the tip of the Cape before heading back south.
We were then visit the "Wardan Aboriginal Centre" where we hoped to learn a little more on Aboriginal culture. The center was closed unfortunately. We then borrowed the "Caves Road" winding through caves (cellars in English) and vineyards. We also stopped in two of them for a tasting and came away with two bottles. We also visited the Mammoth Cave, one of three main caves in the area.
Monday, 17/01/2011
Julien: We had an appointment for guided tours (required) two other caves: Cave Lake and Jewel Cave.
Again very impressive and magical, these caves have delighted us and allowed us to do our little daily exercise. Indeed, there are many steps to descend into the caves and then to exit (500 steps to Jewel Cave).
We then went down to Cape jusqu'Augusta then Leewin where the Indian Ocean meets the Southern Ocean before we relax "Hamelin Bay", a pretty little bay known for the presence of "Stingray".
Tuesday, 18/01/2011
We continued our journey east this time to reach the region of the Southern Forest. Many road that day. We do have the opportunity to stop in the Pemberton area where many national parks, protecting the great forests of Karri and fauna which are home. The Karras, giant trees of the Eucalyptus family, reaching over 70m high and are endemic to the region.
A major area attractions are "Climbing Trees", these Karras we can climb through huge piles driven into their trunks, forming a "Staircase" spiral. Between the piles is emptiness. We're obviously not attached and have a safety net as a simple side we prevents tipping the hard side (but not miss a walk) ... sensitive souls refrain from vertigo, over 50% of people do not attempt the ascent. Julie there is also tried without success and stopped halfway to the intermediate platform (20m) of "Bicentenial Tree." This is the most great trees to climb peaking at 68m in height. I tried it and was already very reassuring to the first platform. It took me the motivation of two other climbers to get into the second and périeuse part of the climb ... but I got there and show the top is fabulous. Indeed, we dominate the canopy and the entire region of the upper 68m of the tree. ... An incredible show, before the descent, just as périeuse. We also see the past Gloucerster Tree. A little less high (60m) and near the town of Pemberton, it attracts more tourists and neither Julie or I have attempted the ascent.
Heading towards Walpole, our day's destination, we performed the beautiful "Great Gorest Trees Drive, crossing Shannon National Park. This track is not often visited but in good condition, is sinking deeper into the forest. We had the chance to cross a large black bird walker (kind ostrich) as well as a bend, a female kangaroo and her baby. Surprised, they have observed a few moments before fleeing hopping.
Wednesday, 19/01/2011
Julie : We spent the day in the Walpole-Noralup National Park. We visited the Valley of the Giants' forest of giant trees (Karr, Tingles ,...) harboring inherited from Gondwana flora (the super-continent there are 750 million years). The main attraction of the park is the famous Tree Top Walk, a metal bridge length of 600m, a 40m high, which allows you to walk among the giant trees. A real technical feat, it is designed to sway slightly in the wind ... Again: Beware of vertigo. Although much less frightening than the "Climbing Trees ", it can wander amid the canopy.
the same place, but on the ground this time, we started stroll of "Ancient Empire, winding between and around the Tingle Trees. Indeed, holes are formed at the base of the trunk under the combined action of chamignons, fire and insects. The growth of the tree then gradually enlarges the hole can then become impressive.
We spent the rest of the day we walk on foot or by car, points of view perspectives.
Thursday, 20/01/2011
Julien: Walphole We left Thursday morning accompanied by Catherine, a packer's French we had to cross Hostel towards Albany, the last leg of our journey.
In way we stopped at "Elephant Rocks" and "Green pool, two very beautiful places.
We joined Albany around noon and started to visit the few historic buildings and museums of the city. Albany was indeed the first European settlement of Western Australia, Perth before, in 1826. Some old houses still remain, including the oldest cottage in Western Australia dating from 1832. The city was known in particular flourished during the whaling activity (read: "whaling"). Banned in Australia today, the old whaling station closed in 1978, was transformed into a museum: the Whaleworld.
Wild Coasts of the Southern Ocean are magnificent. The waves also created geological curiosities due to erosion and other phenomena. We were able to admire some of these creations such as "Natural Bridge", "The Gap" and "Blowholes.
Unfortunately we have not had time to visit the "Whaleworld" too big to time we had left.
Friday, 21/01/2011
We left Albany in the morning for a direct return to Perth to make the rental car.
The South West Corner is a diverse region, from beaches, caves, vineyards and forests. Distances are relatively short but the rest of Western Australia (Albany is only 405 km from Perth). We loved exploring this region.
