Southern Peaks Tour

 

16 – 24 OCTOBER 1999

 

DAY 1

SATURDAY 16th OCTOBER 1999

PERTH TO MOUNT BARKER BY COACH

After having lunch at Frost Park in Mount Barker, collect your gear and pitch your tents on the oval then its On Your Bike for a smorgasbord of places to see.  Some may wish to check out the results of the weeklong wine festival that concluded Friday. Visit the old Railway Station or the Art Gallery in the local library or just unwind.

 

DAY 2

SUNDAY 17th OCTOBER 1999

MOUNT BARKER TO DENMARK 57km

Today sees us leave Mount Barker and head down hill for the first 10km, through a flourishing winery area past some highly prized and grand establishments, before turning off and heading towards Denmark through undulating forest, wild flowers and farming land.

 

DAY 3

MONDAY 18th OCTOBER 1999

DENMARK TO ALBANY 65km

After cleaning out Denmark’s bakeries of the delicious fruit buns, we follow Wilson’s Inlet on the way to Albany, passing through the areas of Borholm and Torbay.  There is a picturesque lunch stop at Cosy Corner where one can take a dip in the great Southern Ocean.  On arrival in Albany we can take up the option of the indoor pool, spa or sauna at the Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre where we will be staying for the next two days.

 

DAY 4

TUESDAY 19th OCTOBER 1999

REST DAY IN ALBANY

What you do today is up to you.  Explore the historic city of Albany, visit the Gap and Blowholes on route to the Whale Station museum.  If that is not enough enjoy the views from the southern peaks of Mount Melville, Mount Clarence and Mt Adelaide.  On the way back visit the Old Strawberry Farm, watching out for the low door frames!  Or you can lounge around by the heated pool, spa or sauna and when you have had enough, challenge a friend to climb the indoor wall.

 

DAY 5

WEDNESDAY 20th OCTOBER 1999

ALBANY TO PORONGURUP 58km

We leave Albany and head north to the Porongurup National Park via Oyster Harbour. We pass through forest and open farming land with the distant Porongurup Range in the background looking awe inspiring. After setting up camp in the Caravan Park, one can set off and explore the local peaks such as Castle Rock or go off and sample the local produce.

 

DAY 6

THURSDAY 21st OCTOBER 1999

PORONGURUP TO BORDEN 92km

Today will see the energetic ones departing early to check out the local sites and tastes leaving others to meander through canolla and wheat farming areas in the shadow of the Stirling Ranges. We pass by Bluff Knoll (some 1000m in height) and a Dutch windmill nestled amongst grapevines prior to reaching Borden.

 

DAY 7

FRIDAY 22nd OCTOBER 1999

BORDEN TO GNOWANGERUP 37km

A short day today will give you plenty of time to wander around Gnowangerup and visit its museum and Art’s council.

 

DAY 8

SATURDAY 23rd OCTOBER 1999

GNOWANGERUP TO CRANBROOK 80km

Today sees us leave Gnowangerup behind as we travel through gentle undulating farming land, stopping for lunch in Tambellup.  We pass a Pink lake prior to Cranbrook where an excellent stage awaits us for the traditional On Your Bike Concert!

 

DAY 9

SUNDAY 24th OCTOBER 1999

CRANBROOK TO MOUNT BARKER 55km

We leave the concert town of Cranbrook and head to Mount Barker via Kendenup with a final glance at the Southern Peaks in the distance.  After lunch in Mount Barker its back on the bus to Perth, where you can start planning for next years tour!