Collie - coal mining town

Collie is the only coal mining town in WA. No coal is exported it is used to fire up all the power stations in WA.
This is Stockton lake 8 kms east of Collie. Stayed here the night & were treated to this lovely view in the morning.



This beautiful Anglican church was donated by a Welsh lady who's husband had worked in coal mines in Wales. It was built in early 1930's at cost of 2000 pounds.

Mural was painted on canvas & glued to the wall. Cost 1500 pounds.



Stain glass window

Another painting in dome above the altar

St Brigids Catholic church

Bob & coalminer statue outside tourist information centre. They have a replica coal mine next to the centre where you can do a tour & learn about how harsh the working conditions were & all for about 6 Quid for 6 days work. No occupational health & safety rules back then!!!


Wattle tree in full bloom.

Minniup pool, great swimming hole in summer, Collie river

Last stop on way out of town Mumby pub @ Mumbillup.

Gnome village in Wickepen

Just around the corner from Albert Facey's homestead, Bob noticed a sign "Gnome village" & this assortment of gnomes, sheep, shoes etc etc were in a paddock next to someone house. Last count 1482 gnomes reside here!!!!

Albert Facey homestead in Wickepen

We were heading for Corrigin but missed the road & ended up in Wickepen. Nice little rural town & home of Albert Facey homestead. Albert wrote the book “A fortunate life”.

Williams Woolshed

Stopped to have a look at the Williams Woolshed & Shearers Yarn. History of wool industry & life as a shearer & shearing sheds etc. These are murals depicting the story of shearing etc.






Bob & his new friend

More photos of Wave rock

More photos on or around the granite dome that Wave rock is part of. When the area was first opened up to farming in 1920 -1930's it was desperate for water. They built a dam wall & then a brick wall 3/4 way down the dome which forced the water in the dam. It is still used today & works very effectively.


Jan on top of rock

A short walk around the base of the rock brings you to "Hippos Yawn", really looks like a hippo with it's mouth in a huge yawn

Boulders on top of the rock

Gnamma rock pools on top of the rock, used by Aboriginals & early explorers

Jan admiring the view from the top

Rock wall directing all the water off the rock face into the dam. How ingenious!!!

Dam

Bob

Bob on top of the rock

World famous "Wave Rock" @ Hyden

Wave rock is about 1/2 way between Perth & Kalgoorlie. It was much more spectacular than I thought it would be. The colours in rock face are really beautiful especially when the sun shines on it.

Wave rock

Jan surfing the wave !!!


Bob on a wave !!!!!

Sculptures in Hyden

As you drive in Hyden there are these wonderful sculptures in park depicting all the people who were pioneers in the area & made a fantastic contribution to making the town thrive back when times were really hard & people helped each other survive in the harshness of this remote area.

Welcome to Kulin & Tin Horse highway

Hit the road again thru Kondinin to Kulin. Kulin has “Tin Horse Highway” leading 14kms from town out to the Kulin bush races track. Took photos of all the horses out to the track. Some were a good laugh especially “Fillypooosis” !!!! Track was in pretty good condition. Next meeting is 1-3rd October 10. Would love to come out for them, but don’t know where we will be in Oct. Next to the track was Jilaken rock & decided this would be a good spot to camp for the night. Another walk to top of the dome rock. Made some phone calls while we were on top, great reception. Once again great views from top, big salt lake.





Fillypoosis. Don't you just love it!!!