Golfing with the kangaroos, Wagga City Golf

Wagga Wagga in the Riverina region of New South Wales is known as the city of good sports.  Many a sporting great has grown up in Wagga, Mark Taylor, Michael Slater, Geoff Lawson, International cricketers, Paul Kelly Brownlow Medalist, Australian Football, Steve Elkington, golf, Tony Roach, tennis. 

However, only the locals know of the regular participants on the golf course at  Wagga City Golf, about 60 to 100 kangaroos, spend their day, lounging in the sun on the fairways and roughs of the course.  One by one they make their way out of the nearby Pomingalarna Reserve each morning and head back to the hills at sunset.

From the big bucks, who will watch with interest as you chase your golf ball in amongst the herd, to little tiny joeys, who do not wander far from Mums side, they have an attitude that the golfers are invading their territory and they might move slowly out of your way only if you persist in getting close.

The fairways are wide and long, surrounded by euclypts and native shrubs, testing the endurance of the short hitters, but are favoured by the stronger golfer. The picturesque 9th hole tests the accuracy of  all golfers as many have fallen to the trap of the pretty waterway on the left and a double bunker on the right.

Water is a feature of the beautiful course, with large dams used to water the adjoining fairways, a picturesque lake, with the pretty gazebo used for weddings and ceremonies

The Club house sits above the surrounding fairways, with views to the City of Wagga and in the evening the lights are like a fairyland tinkling in the distance.  With the waters of the fountain tumbling into the rocky stream in front of the outdoor reception area, creates a beautiful venue for the many weddings and special occasions held regularly.

As I was photographing and videoing, I had just put my camera away to continue playing, when I heard a splash!.  I turned and saw a very small joey about one and half metres into the dam swimming with all his might. I don't know if Mum threw him in, or he went voluntarily, but he hopped out and Mum proceeded to lick him dry. 

Crystal Wonderland, Lake Cave, Margaret River WA

There are a number of caves in the South East region and we found Mammoth cave first, however, Graeme is not a fan of caves at all and if I wanted to descend into this for me, formidable entrance in the ground I would have to do it alone, as it is self-guided, albeit with an audio guide. I might be a country girl, but I am a chicken at heart. 

We then travelled Caves road between Margaret River and Augusta and we found Lake Cave, I was not disappointed.

The entrance to the cave is spectacular, formed in a huge circular crater called a doline, and giant Karri trees stand guard as we descend down over 300 steps to the bottom of the crater, a good level of fitness is required. 

An underground stream flowing through the cave has formed a lake. The drip of the water, creates an eerie feeling. Our guide turns on the spotlights to light up different sections as we move through. 

With crystal straws sparkling in the lights and reflecting in the lake, it is like looking at a crystal wonderland. The suspended table, a spectacular crystal decoration weighing several tonnes, hangs from the ceiling. It is believed to be the only one in the world. The table was formed when the column touched water and in later time the water level dropped.

Gnaramup Beach walk to Margaret River Mouth

Suffering from severe bushfires in 2011 the Prevelly and Gnaramup Beach headlands have been replanted with native wildflowers and shrubs and rejuvenated with walkways and rest stops. Each morning we would grab the joggers and hats and camera and head out for our daily walk, from Prevelly Beach to Gnaramup Beach and the mouth  of the Margaret River. 

The ocean roaring beside us and the tranquility of the bushland and fauna creating a beautiful, relaxed  contrast. The galahs and birds perched on the railings of the boardwalk, screeching and flying off, only to settle again after we passed.

The early morning surfers were out and the joggers maintaining fitness before heading off to work, were always nod hello and the tourists at a more leisurely pace, like us, enjoying the moment, before heading back to the Margaret River Beach Resort for breakfast

Scaveaola

Wildflowers of the Margaret River Region

Stunning Pimelia, clinging to the windswept cliffs overlooking the wild Indian Ocean

Darwinia

Grevillea

Boronia

Scaevola

Kangaroo paw