Today we travelled another 200km north. The corrugations on the way out of Warroora did seem to be less challenging than on the way in. Not sure if that is from the rain, or that the roads we travelled on yesterday were just so much worse!

Once we had pumped all the tyres back up to highway pressures, we diverted via Coral Bay where we were keen to have a look around. The wind (while much less than yesterday) was still a bit too strong for me to be interested in snorkelling, but Karen was very keen. When we arrived in the town, it was lovely – except for the ridiculous number of caravans lining the streets and all the many caravan parks. Mav managed to jag a spot and the Scott’s found one in the back streets after a while trying. Bob and I had to turn the van around twice in the streets and couldn’t find a park at all so we filled up with fuel and headed directly through to Exmouth. Absolutely crazy number of caravans.

Jase and Sue were only about half an hour behind us, and the Scott’s stayed behind, put in their kayaks and spent some time snorkelling in the bay. Sadly, while there was heaps of coral, it was all bleached – which we had heard had happened all up the Ningaloo Coast this year due to warm sea temperatures.

Once we were settled into the caravan park at Exmouth, we walked with the Allen’s to the shopping centre and had a late lunch at a great hotel with a pretty cool vibe. I enjoyed a frozen strawberry margarita while the others had beer/ginger beer. Very relaxing.

Then we headed back to the caravan park via the Discovery Centre. Here we planned our afternoon activities and headed out to the Mildura shipwreck. This ship was a cattle steamer and was wrecked in 1907 during a cyclone. Jason and I enjoyed droning above and around the wreck in great afternoon light.

We followed this with a leisurely walk up the beach. I’m loving this place already!

Finally, we headed to Vlamingh Head Lighthouse for sunset. There had to have been 50 cars already there when we arrived! Regardless, we pulled up, got the chairs out of the car, poured a wine and soaked it all up.

Meanwhile, the Scott’s arrived in town and headed out to the Mildura wreck for sunset.

Tomorrow we get to swim with whale sharks (we hope). The weather will be a little breezy, but much better than the last few days. A very early start, so we’ve all retired to our vans to pack for the day and make sure all the cameras etc are fully charged. Can’t wait!!