Somewhat bored, holed up in Wyalkatchem for a few weeks yet, we took off on a leisurely drive to Koorda’s IGA to get cream, not available, and came out with ice creams and mushrooms. I love a plan. 😋
Next onto Marshall Rock, somewhere we wanted to see, but until now we had decided on other side trips along the Wheatbelt Way.
We had heard you can drive your car to the top of Marshall rock, and saw a video on it on one of those YouTube videos.
Spurred on, we decided to give it a go. We are limited with rock climbing until at least the end of the year (high summer), so we’re visiting loads of other sites in the meantime.
It’s a beautiful rock, a leisurely slow drive up in the Jeep, and we reached the top, complete with picnic table!
A fabulous view from the top, 360 degree panorama.
From the top, we could look down on fields of stubble, left over from last year’s crop, desperately waiting for rain. The farmers are ready to go, fertilising and seeding the paddocks, but still nothing on the horizon.
There is a free camp at the base of the Rock, clean, peaceful and a good spot to rest for a while. It looked good, and maybe next time we’ll do that.
Further down the main road out, are the remains of the Pergande homestead and sheep yards. Built between 1910 and 1913 the house had additions made to ensure being a grand house for its time.
Today only part of the chimney and lots of stones are all that remain.
The sheep yard walls are still there. Made out of granite, using the heat and cooking method. The rock was heated up with fire, then cooled quickly with water. They then split the granite and brought the thin sheets to the site.
A very hard and demanding job to get those yards made, transported and erected. And they’re still there today! You can only marvel at the skill and workmanship needed.
On the way back we found a few spots to visit next time, Billycatting Hill Conservation Park and Yarragin Rock.
We must admit to being a little stir-crazy, having been here for almost two months.
How great would it be if Australian ‘manufacturers’ kept spares in stock for caravans, not to mention cars and utes. Some of the stories from other travellers about the lack of parts for just about everything make us think that we’re lucky with only a 10-12 week wait.
See the gallery here.
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