Esperance

Dec. 13-16, 2014

Esperance and the surrounding national parks are best known for their white sandy beaches and crystal clear water.  It was about 8 1/2 hours to get here, but it was worth it because the scenery was spectacular! The first day we spent touring the local beaches around the town. 

Twilight Beach in Esperance.
Voted one of the top beaches in Western Australia.

Fun at the beach!

Time to cool off.

Crystal clear water.

Christmas Aussie style!

Our next stop was an exact intact replica of Stonehenge in the U.K.. It was constructed based on the summer solstice in the southern hemisphere, which we kissed by one week.  The stones are solid granite acquired from a quarry across the road.

During sunrise on the summer solstice (Dec. 21), the sun shines directly through these stone walls onto the alter in the centre of the formation.  Quite the engineering feat.

Inside Stonehenge.

Dominoes anyone!

Family Photo.

The next day, we were off exploring again.  This time to Cape Le Grand National Park.  We started with a hike to the top of Frenchman's Peak, which was essentially climbing straight up the granite rock face.  Very steep at times, but heaps of fun!  Then to more white sandy beaches to swim and enjoy the sun while we still can.

Frenchman's Peak.

The girls enjoying a rest at the top.

The large hollow cave near the peak.
You can just see the ocean on the other side of the mountain.

Suzie celebrates reaching the summit.

Noah on top of Frenchman's Peak in Cape Le Grand National Park.

Hellfire Bay.

Suzie and her new Aussie friend.

Lucky Bay: white sand, crystal clear water and kangaroos.
It doesn't get much better than this.

Looking for food.
Unfortunately he was too slow, Noah ate it all.

Up close and personal.

Ellise in a stare down.

Only in Australia!