Sunday 26 February: Cape le Grand National Park

 After breakfast we head east to the Cape le Grand National Park. About 50 minutes along empty roads we enter the park and manage to find space in the small car park to climb Frenchman’s Peak. A large mound of rock towers above us but a well marked trail guides us to the summit in less than an hour. We’ve beaten the crowds and the views are impressive although it’s still a bit cloudy. Again we’re pleased we brought our walking poles. Onward to Lucky Bay allegedly the number one beach in Australia. It is certainly spectacular. A vast crescent of squeaky white quartz sand with clear turquoise water. And even kangaroos on the beach! The idyll is somewhat spoiled by the large number of 4WD vehicles that drive along and park on the beach. Very Aussie! We walk right to the end and take numerous photos. It is so photogenic. Back for a swim and some relaxation. Coffee in the van, picnic and beer and more relaxing before we head off to Le Grand beach. From here you could drive your 4WD 12 miles down the sands! The campsites on the beach look idyllic but have been fully booked for months we gather. We stop at Hellfire Bay and brew a cup of tea to drink on the beach in the late afternoon sun. Back to base for sweetcorn and omelette.