Experience: The Bunker Bay Evening Expedition
Location: Bunker Bay to Sugar Loaf Rock
Duration: 2.5 hours
Distance: 5kms
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Equipment Required: Sunscreen, water & enclosed footwear. Afternoon tea supplied.
“Magnificent, gorgeous and exhilarating!”, wrote Dr Linda Friedland of her recent experience on Cape to Cape Explorer Tour’s Bunker Bay Evening Expedition on Saturday 16th October.
Linda, Peter, Aaron and Benji Friedland just make up the majority of the fantastic Freidland Family (there are 5 children in all) who, along with fellow doctor Shyan Vitayasekaran, embarked on a two and a half hour journey from the Quay West Resort Bunker Bay, around the west coast and all the way south to Sugar Loaf Rock.
The fabulous Friedland Family overlook Sugarloaf Rock while a pod of passing Humpbacks breach out in front (R-L Linda, Peter, Benji and Aaron)
Typical of late spring in this part of the world, a light southerly breeze was wafting and a sun-bathed sky ensured Bunker Bay’s famed azure seas were looking as sensational as ever.
“One of the highlights of this particular experience is the level of variety in terms of geography, topography and landscape”, explains Cape to Cape Explorer Tour’s marine expert Gene Hardy.
“On one side of the Cape we have the sheltered waters of Geographe Bay, home to Australia’s 2nd largest temperate seagrass meadows and known habitat for many of the states’ iconic fish species, including the prized dhufish.”
“And on the other is the wild west coast, where lashing winter storms and rock shores almost completely inhibit the growth of seagrass.”
“These same winds also prune the coastal heath down below 2m in height”, explained Gene.
But what the coastal heath lacks in height, it sure makes up for in diversity.
"An exceptional and unique experience", wrote Peter Friedland of the Cape to Cape Track and it's inspirational natural beauty and incredible biodiversity.
“It’s true that the biodiversity of this area is what really sets it apart from the rest of Australia”, says Cape to Cape Explorer Tours’ environmental scientist Drew McKenzie.
“We have well over 6000 different plant species existing in the south-west area and of these, an enormous amount are endemic – that is occurring nowhere else on the planet.”
Drew pointed out a unique range of trigger plants (Stylidium species) present on this walk that actually feature a spring-loaded style, meaning any insect visiting for a snack trips off the flower and gets swatted with pollen!
“The range of adaptations allowing these plants to survive in these harsh environments really is incredible!”
Speaking of incredible, it’s mind blowing how good food tastes when you really earn it, and the afternoon tea of freshly baked muffins, gourmet slices, fresh fruit and juice was certainly well deserved.
Next we came across the 20 metre high Cape Naturaliste lighthouse, carved out of local limestone in 1903.
Before long the lighthouse was back in the distance and Sugarloaf Rock had come into view. Everybody stopped to take in the grandeur of the ancient formation and watch the humpbacks playing out in front. And then it was over…
“I could have gone for a few more hours!”, wrote Linda on her return to the Quay West Bunker Bay Resort. Not surprising really, Linda is an international health expert and the whole family looked as fit as a fiddle. To find out more about Linda and her work visit: www.lindafriedland.com
Shyan Vijayasekaran
“Awesome!” summed up Shyan of the walk.
For all enquiries please contact:
Cape to Cape Explorer Tours
0459 452 038
To see more photos from this area please go to https://www.betterdigitalonline.com/blog/?p=488