camping

I grew up camping, and always loved that feeling of being wrapped in the arms of nature. Of getting out of doors to explore what this beautiful earth has to offer. I think growing up with a fascination of shows like The Swiss Family Robinson and The Secret Garden added to my sense of excitement and yearning for discovery. It is one of the passions I have dearly wanted to pass on to our children and so moving home to Australia we have finally found the space to bring these experiences to life for them. When we were invited by friends to go camping down into the lush bushland at Honeymoon Pool in the Wellington National Park, Collie, I jumped at the chance. Time to dust off our little tent and gear up. Let’s go!

Honeymoon Pool is so named apparently, because during WWII when the army arrived for training they found loved-up couples celebrating their honeymoons on the banks of the river. But this area has been used for thousands of years before the settlers arrived, by the Noongar Aboriginal people, who have lived in the area for some 40,000 years.

Honeymoon Pool is located almost 30km out of the town of Collie, and a two hour drive from Perth City. It is nestled in the heart of Wellington National Park, an area covering 17,000 hectares of jarrah, marri and yarri forrest. The Collie River runs through providing pockets of perfection for picnics, kayaking, swimming and fishing. Little camping spots are dotted around, and tracks for hiking and biking fold and furl throughout. The Wellington Dam is located here, built back in the early 1900s, it is the second largest dam in the state. You can visit the dam and walk to the lookout to see across the catchment area and learn more about the history of the area.

The town of Collie is a sweet little place. It is a coal mining town with a long history that continues to this day, of providing the state with its energy needs. This town is surrounded by spectacular bushland, dreamy landscapes and beautiful waterways, some of which are the remnants of the town’s mining history, making it a great tourist getaway to explore.

I remember that many years ago, before kids, SB and I were staying down south and we went for a drive around Collie just for a day.  We stopped in at a magical place deep in the bush, beside a stunning river, and I only realised when planning our camping trip, that we had visited Honeymoon Pool. I remember being in awe of the peace and magic of this space back then. Stopping by for a quick look however, really has nothing on actually camping there. Something shifted with the knowledge we would be sleeping under the trees, and it was like their branches parted ways to show us the secrets on offer in their special world. That is what camping at Honeymoon Pool is like. So, let’s get into it.

The Campgrounds

Honeymoon Pool offers only 20 tent sites that are nestled deep amongst the trees. It is unpowered and caravans are not allowed. It is tranquil here, and the well-spaced sites give much desired privacy. This is a place where you feel snug and tucked away in a secret haven.

There is one toilet block with flushing toilets but no showers. There are electric BBQ’s near the river for when the fire ban is on, and each site has a picnic bench with seating and a fire pit with plate for use in the off seasons. Fire wood is delivered every other day to keep you stocked up too. Just one of the thoughtful actions from the Shire. There are also rubbish bins near the road and there are taps at each end of the area with water for cooking with – not drinking unless boiled. So while this is not totally basic camping – be prepared to rough it a bit.

Now, until recently Honeymoon Pool was a free camp ground and it was a ‘first come, first serve’ nightmare. Another camper we met said they’d been coming for 18 years and this was the best year yet because now you have to book and pay for your sites. This means they are not overcrowded and you get to enjoy your space, and indulge in the beautiful surrounds without the mayhem of holiday revellers. You do get the day tripping foot traffic who come to jump into the river and have a BBQ, but you get used to that. The cost is small and you book online through here.

The Gift of Nature

Tall beautiful trees and broken trunks covered in moss and thriving with insect life lay in comfort amongst the leaf litter, providing a perfect natural playground for children to explore. If you have a phobia of birds, which one of my friends has, then be warned. You see birds are not only abundant, they are extremely enthusiastic about your food. I just loved the friendly ducks who welcomed us kindly. That is until the little quacker’s broke into our tent and pooped on our bed as they rummaged through our bags for food. And what we believe to be the Butcher Birds – well, they work in groups and plot to ambush your food. So make sure you keep it in plastic tubs and an ice box. And do not turn your back on the BBQ for one moment. We lost good bacon that way.

Honeymoon Pool

Honeymoon Pool itself is absolutely stunning. This calm tranquil water is full of magic, and in the early hours watch the morning mist creep across the water, ducks create barely a ripple as they silently drift along.

In the evenings take your lamps to the water’s edge to see the marron forage for dinner. There are walk paths around the river so by day you can go off and explore upstream. You will find rapids and stunning landscapes as you explore this pristine part of Western Australia. This is a perfect place to put your kayaks in and gently paddle up and down stream. The water is icy cold, and I was told by a local that whether it be 40 degrees or 14 degrees, the water temperature is always the same – bitter cold.

By night rug up, because it gets cold, and prepare to be mesmerized by the star-filled sky, and deep syrupy silence that envelopes you. When all you can hear is your breathing and the crackle of the fire, sit and cuddle a glass of red wine, or warm cup of tea and just breath in the silence, observe the way your skin tingles in the cool fresh air and listen for the tiny whispers that come from the trees, as if they are sharing stories of bygone times. This really is a very special place.

The children had the greatest adventure. They turned the bush into their playground. They ended their days covered head to foot in dirt, happy and giddy with fresh air and joy. We warmed large pots of water on our stoves and sponge bathed them clean before they snuggled deep into their sleeping bags to hide away from the freezing night temperatures.

Camping is so good for the soul. Getting out into the wild, breathing in the fresh air, tuning into the serenity the trees bring, and going offline to just get back to basics for that little while. If you need supplies the town of Collie is a short trip down the road. There is a café nearby where you can buy ice, get takeout food, coffee, drinks and ice creams, but they know they are the only ones around so will charge you for the privilege.

If you wish to go out and explore the area, pick up the local map, they had them at the toilet block. You will find lots of nooks and crannies to visit for stunning photos, picnic spots and secluded swimming areas.  

Details

• Honeymoon Pool, River Road, Worsley, Western Australia
• What: camping with tents, no caravans allowed. Sites are unpowered, there are toilets, no showers, and water taps for cooking water
• How: Book your site https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/site/honeymoon-pool-campground
• Pack: drinking water, warm clothes, warm bedding, your camera, keep all food in tight secure tubs or it will get eaten. An unopened packet of crisps met a violent end thanks to the butcher birds. Their name does them justice. Oh and take your kayaks if you have them
• No dogs allowed
• There are rubbish bins on site but leave only footprints at your site
• Best time to go: mid seasons like end of summer, spring and late autumn. The water in the lake is always icy cold, no matter how hot it is. Summer gets very hot and winter gets bitterly cold and wet