South of Mandurah the coastal residential strip continues. The cities of Bunbury, Bussleton and Dunsborough sprawl along the edge of Geographe Bay for over 80km onlhy occassionaly interupted by farming and forests.
Bunbury is the first major city south of Perth's southern suburbs. A pleasant mix of industrial, commercial and residential with a relaxed holiday village vibe. The vibe is understandable when you realise that this region is one of the most georaphically remote spots on the globe. It is about as far as you can get from other capital cities in the world.
Even the seagulls be chill'n...
The city is awash with murals...
Well maintained old buildings dot the city centre...
Public art makes a statement...
Port of Bunbury
Bunbury Lighthouse
Busselton is the largest city in the south-west, basically because it is where all the big brand name stores are located. The iconic Busselton Jetty, once 1842m, is/was the longest wooden piled jetty in the southern-hemisphere. Fire and storms have since reduced it's length to about 600m...
It is none-the-less photogenic...
We had some outings to national parks and nature reserves in the hunt for elusive birds and native flowers, with some success.
Forest floors everywhere are covered in lillies...
Busselton is also the main entry point to the Margaret River region. We visited a Protea farm...
Busselton/Margaret River is home to hundreds of artists. For three weeks in September each year over 150 artists open their studios to the public. Art is everywhere. This sculpture is in the front yard of a Busselton solictor's practice.
A mural with a story...
The main shopping centre has been built around a chapel to preserve the chapel...
The chapel is now a coffee shop.
Oh! a baker of extra-ordinary cakes was found too.