17th September 2014
Albany is on a big harbour and on the southern end is the Torndirrup NP, an area with a wild coastline to the southern ocean.
 |
| Natural rock arch in Torndirrup NP [2 people standing on left] |
When Australia was part of the super continent Gondwana, it was attached to Antartica along the entire southern coastline of WA and SA. The same gneiss rocks found on this coastline are found in Antartica. Weathering has fractured the rock and in places spectacular arches and gaps have developed.
 |
| Old whaling station at Discovery Bay |
The coastline near Albany was the first area in WA to be settled by Europeans and they came for whaling. The old whaling station, which unbelievably was still in operation until 1978, has been preserved. All the gory details are described, it really was a horrible industry.
 |
| Cheyne IV whaling boat in operation 1947-1978 |
One of the whaling boats has also been preserved and put into dry dock. The vessel can be explored to get a feel of life for the crew who would sometimes be at sea for 6 months.
 |
| Pygmy Blue Whale skeleton |
There are several whale skeletons on display including a 22 metre pygmy blue whale. This whale beached and died on the coastline nearby.
Right next to this reminder of past brutalities is a beautiful stretch of coastline.
 |
| Beautiful coastline at Discovery Bay |
 |
| Confrontation over food |
Adjoining the old whaling station is an area of the settlement which has been rehabilitated and planted with over 50 species of endemic WA coastal plants. Frankly this was disappointing, but the area also included an animal sanctuary featuring Australian mammals, birds and reptiles. The mostly nocturnal mammals were all active due to being fed during the day. I captured an interesting encounter between a possum and a barn owl. The possum had a chicken gizzard which the owl wanted, but was not successful whilst I was watching.
No comments:
Post a Comment