Day 52 Euchla – Eyre Bird Observatory 26th May

In the morning we took the short diversion to visit the ruins of the Euchla Telegraph Station. The long abandoned station, which opened in 1877, had been taken over by creeping sand-dunes and is a poignant reminder of the harsh conditions the the telegraph operators and their families had to endure. Apparently a rabbit plague stripped the ground-cover, destabilising the dunes and causing the dunes to creep forward. I think the kids would have been happy just to play in the Telegraph station all day – a great fort.

Our next stop was a detour to visit the Eyre Bird Observatory, recommended by Vic. A 4WD track, which meant I had to lower our tires to 20 psi and even get out and check the depth of waters where we couldn't see the bottom. After a steep incline, 12 km of sandy, heavily grooved track led to the remote bird observatory, weather monitoring station and ex-Telegraph Station. Apparently, one of the best in its condition. This place with its stunning backdrop of native flora, was full of the sounds of Honey Eaters. The caretakers took us for an informative tour of the station, the surrounding grounds and then suggested a climb of a mega-huge sand-dune. This awesome dune led to amazing views over the station and the sea. The kids tries to slide down the dunes – next time we need to make up a cardboard sled. They left only their footprints and bum-prints behind.

Robyn drove back up the track and we bushed camp near the microwave tower, having the area to ourselves, enjoying the peace and quiet.

Euchla Telegraph Station ruins

Trees along the Nullarbor

Diesel is not cheap along the Nullarbor

Bush camping near the Eyre Bird Observatory

Don't mess with the oversize loads

4WD down to the Eyre Bird Observatory

Inspecting the fossils

There's drinking water under 'em dunes

Cool sand dune

View of Eyre Bird Observatory/Eyre Telegraph Station from top of dunes

Robyn & Jassy sliding down dunes

Jazzy falling down dunes

Ben & Adam sliding down dunes

Caretakers Penny & Tony at Eyre Bird Observatory

Leave nothing but footprints & bottom-prints behind