After our recent trip into the outback to Ninghan Station we all decided that the next Austrekkers trip would be a bit closer to home. The Fawcett Track had opened recently so we all headed down to Harvey for an overnighter.
Harvey is about 130km south of Perth and is a sleepy country town famous for its oranges and dairy produce. During winter the surrounding bush is lush and green and the rivers and creeks swiftly flowing.
We all met at a respectable 11am and after some GPS issues Tristan finally found us and we set out onto the trails a little after 12. It was easy going along unsealed dirt roads until we came to the start of the Fawcett Trail. A few muddy puddles and rocky hill climbs later we managed to find an ideallic campsite right on the Murray River and promptly setup camp and cracked out first tinnies.
The night was incredibly clear with the stars visable and a full moon rising. We all thought it would get cold and we were right. Sure am glad I took the thermals and my big jacket! After many shenanigans and drinks around the fire the stragglers called it a night around 3am!
We awoke to a bone chilling 2.9 degrees celcius at 8am the following morning. Ice had formed on the outside of tents and swags and drinks left on the table had frozen. It sure was difficult getting up out of the warm swag, and the morning was spent thawing out in front of the fire eating a hearty cooked breakfast.
Vehicles were packed at a leisurely pace and we headed back out along the trails to Dwellingup. It’s here we said goodbye to those heading home down south and made our way back to the city.
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