Port Gregory - Pink Lakes, called Hutt Lagoon - 11th May, 2022

 Woke up to heavy cloud, no sun and looking like rain. Left Port Denison / Dongara twin towns at 9.00am. Had a drive round town to areas we didn’t see yesterday, while we were waiting for the fish shop to open. Yesterday when we purchased our prawns we were told that there would be fresh oysters coming in at 10.00am this morning. So hence the delay for leaving town. We then drove straight up to Geraldton 67kms further north. We have been as far north from Perth to Geraldton before to see the HMAS Sydney memorial, but we decided that we wanted to revisit the place again. We weren’t interested in stopping in the town really as it was such an untidy industrial area when here previously. We then headed another 166km north to Port Gregory where the pink lakes are via Northampton one of the oldest settlements in WA outside of Perth.

Yesterday we had a site with an ensuite bathroom.(your own area). You see  these more these days.

Port Denison Harbour. We stayed on the waterfront right along on the right. You can see the weather is deteriorating.

Above and below. Went along to the other end of town to see South beach which is more of a surf beach. The sand is so white and fluffy along this coastline.

Along the beach at low tide there were huge piles of sea grass.

Have now arrived at Geraldton. Seafood country up this coast.

Walking down to Geraldton surf beach which goes for miles. Sand dunes all up this coast. Some places they are very high.

We have now arrived at the HMAS Sydney II memorial high on the hills behind Geraldton CBD looking out over the sea where the ship went missing during the war in 1941. On Sunday 16th of March 2008 at 1103,HMAS Sydney was found at a depth of 2480 metres, 112 nautical miles (207kms) west of Steep point WA.The souls of the men of HMAS Sydney II were commemorated with a ceremony over their final resting place. This memorial comprises many symbolic elements expressing the tragic loss ofHMAS Sydney II. The precinct is based on a circular plan symbolising totality, wholeness, infinity and eternity. It is approached by a path, curving upwards, forming a ceremonial entrance ramp to the dedicated area. 

The waiting women sculpture — at the edge of the precinct stands a sculpture of a women appearing almost real. She leans anxiously into the wind. Frozen in time and bronze, her strained gaze fixed patiently forever on the far horizon “ waiting women” - grieving for her menfolk.

The wall of remembrance — is semi circular wall faced with WA Black Granite, engraved with the names of the 645 men lost.

Looking out to sea where they think the ship went missing. The sanctuary — This is the centre piece and inspiration heart of the entire complex. It consists of seven pillars testifying to the national significance and intention of the memorial.

Just a quick drive through Northampton. One of the oldest settlements in WA outside Perth. Historical town with character buildings.

More rusted iron art representing the times.

One of the local churches.

Looking along the street look how old the shop buildings are.

Several kms before we arrived at Port Gregory we came to Lynton Convict Depot. 1853 - 1856 .Above the convict hiring depot.

Just as we were approaching Port Gregory we came to the ‘The Pink Lake’. Called Hut Lagoon. Which is a remarkable pink lagoon which is coloured by the presents of Algae and bacteria which lives in the salt lake. The colour of the lake can change from pink to red to lilac depending on the time of the day, time of year and cloud cover.The ideal conditions occur during mid morning to sunset on a sunny day. Unfortunately we didn’t see it at its best as it was midday  and full cloud cover. The locals said it has been amazing all this week bright pink with the clear sunny days. Unfortunately we missed the true  spectacle by one day. We leave tomorrow morning but the rain has started tonight and looks like it might continue for a couple of days. So therefore tomorrow will be a non event for photos as we travel up the  coast to Kalbarri with its high cliffs dropping to the sea. Was really looking forward to that as it will be quite different to what we have seen so far.

The lake is mined both for salt and for its food colouring properties.

Now down in Port Gregory. A place with convict history,fishing, wheat lands and getting away from it all. The tiny village is a sleepy fishing port which is made of very special and beautiful white sands dunes which are 10 to 15 metres high. It has the remarkable pink lake and some of the interesting and well preserved convict ruins anywhere in WA. The port has natural  protection from the open seas surrounded by a wall of reefs.

Town of Port Gregory. One shop on the left, a fire engine house on the right and straight ahead the road leads to the beach

Entre tonight.

. Followed by huge lamb mid loin chops and veg. They were twice the size  of the chops we get at home