A South-Western Sojourn
Out of the Cold
By Photographer Brydie Watson
Rugging-up and striking out in Western Australia’s rugged yet pristine south.
The South-West region of Western Australia is an iconic area — characterised by its rugged coastal landscapes, towering forests and relaxed lifestyle. Although I’d previously visited the South-West twice already, I definitely couldn’t say that I’d spent much time there before this trip.
By Photographer Brydie Watson
Rugging-up and striking out in Western Australia’s rugged yet pristine south.
The South-West region of Western Australia is an iconic area — characterised by its rugged coastal landscapes, towering forests and relaxed lifestyle. Although I’d previously visited the South-West twice already, I definitely couldn’t say that I’d spent much time there before this trip.
After spending two weeks in Margaret River, I planned a camping trip with three good friends to Boranup Forest State Park. The plan: ensuring I’d end this stay with a bang. With wonderful help from Zorali, my mates and I were all rugged up in new Fleeces and ready for a weekend adventure! It was day 14 of my trip over there, and I had still only seen the sun once. Unfortunately, on the day of the trip, we woke to another raining and freezing-cold day. Nevertheless, the forecast was for perfect sunshine for the Sunday, and the waves at Boranup Beach were looking promising, so off we went!
After spending two weeks in Margaret River, I planned a camping trip with three good friends to Boranup Forest State Park. The plan: ensuring I’d end this stay with a bang. With wonderful help from Zorali, my mates and I were all rugged up in new Fleeces and ready for a weekend adventure! It was day 14 of my trip over there, and I had still only seen the sun once. Unfortunately, on the day of the trip, we woke to another raining and freezing-cold day. Nevertheless, the forecast was for perfect sunshine for the Sunday, and the waves at Boranup Beach were looking promising, so off we went!
Leaving in the late afternoon after the rain had stopped, we drove through some remarkable forests and landscapes on the short trip from Margaret River. As we came closer to our destination, we caught a glimmer of sun as the rain began to clear. Everything was lining up!
The Boranup Forest is remarkable, filled with towering gums and dense bushland. Not going to lie, setting up camp in the forest was absolutely freezing that afternoon — under the canopy, the tiny bit of sun that was slowly making its way out was not even close to reaching us in the campsite. We made a group decision that it would be best to eat dinner at Karridale Roadhouse in the warmth — an Iconic pub in the South-West, just five minutes away — and save the cooking for the morning on the Beach.
The next morning we were woken abruptly by the sound of many 4WDs driving the beach track. This meant one thing: the surf was on. The sun was also shining, it was a perfect blue sunny day. I was stoked.
Leaving in the late afternoon after the rain had stopped, we drove through some remarkable forests and landscapes on the short trip from Margaret River. As we came closer to our destination, we caught a glimmer of sun as the rain began to clear. Everything was lining up!
The Boranup Forest is remarkable, filled with towering gums and dense bushland. Not going to lie, setting up camp in the forest was absolutely freezing that afternoon — under the canopy, the tiny bit of sun that was slowly making its way out was not even close to reaching us in the campsite. We made a group decision that it would be best to eat dinner at Karridale Roadhouse in the warmth — an Iconic pub in the South-West, just five minutes away — and save the cooking for the morning on the Beach.
The next morning we were woken abruptly by the sound of many 4WDs driving the beach track. This meant one thing: the surf was on. The sun was also shining, it was a perfect blue sunny day. I was stoked.
The Boranup Forest is remarkable, filled with towering gums and dense bushland. Not going to lie, setting up camp in the forest was absolutely freezing that afternoon — under the canopy, the tiny bit of sun that was slowly making its way out was not even close to reaching us in the campsite. We made a group decision that it would be best to eat dinner at Karridale Roadhouse in the warmth — an Iconic pub in the South-West, just five minutes away — and save the cooking for the morning on the Beach.
The next morning we were woken abruptly by the sound of many 4WDs driving the beach track. This meant one thing: the surf was on. The sun was also shining, it was a perfect blue sunny day. I was stoked.
We quickly packed our stuff and headed down the long and windy beach track onto the incredible Boranup Beach. We chose our spot along the vast stretch of raw beauty and perched up for the day. The water was piercingly blue, and the sand is extraordinarily white. It really lived up to the hype.
There’s nothing better than cooking breakfast on the beach, in my opinion — and we did just that. Breaky burgers thanks to Steph & Jack, with a little help from Ev on the coffees there too! We spent the day surfing and relaxing there, basking in the sun. A perfect way for me to end my time in the South-West.
On the journey home, we made a quick stop back at the Karridale Roadhouse to pump the tyres back up and grab a few snacks for the road. Overall, it had been an amazing little getaway for us all.
The South-West is just one of a kind — highly recommend visiting to anyone who hasn’t been. It’s really hard to put into words the beauty of the natural world in that area (so hopefully these photos paint a picture). A big thanks to Zorali for the gear, we couldn’t have done it without you!
We quickly packed our stuff and headed down the long and windy beach track onto the incredible Boranup Beach. We chose our spot along the vast stretch of raw beauty and perched up for the day. The water was piercingly blue, and the sand is extraordinarily white. It really lived up to the hype.
There’s nothing better than cooking breakfast on the beach, in my opinion — and we did just that. Breaky burgers thanks to Steph & Jack, with a little help from Ev on the coffees there too! We spent the day surfing and relaxing there, basking in the sun. A perfect way for me to end my time in the South-West.
On the journey home, we made a quick stop back at the Karridale Roadhouse to pump the tyres back up and grab a few snacks for the road. Overall, it had been an amazing little getaway for us all.
The South-West is just one of a kind — highly recommend visiting to anyone who hasn’t been. It’s really hard to put into words the beauty of the natural world in that area (so hopefully these photos paint a picture). A big thanks to Zorali for the gear, we couldn’t have done it without you!
