MARGARET RIVER - POPULATION: 4,415

BIG VALLEY

FRI 10 - SAT 11.1.2014: Travelled through Donnybrook (Population: 1,933) and saw the B-I-G-G-E-S-T children's community play centre E-V-E-R! The photograph does not capture the full length and breadth of the area. There were also barbecues and tables - excellent facility. Spent the evening at Ironstone Gully Falls free camp 18km south west of Donnybrook. Same old story - arrived and had the place to ourselves, but by 2.00pm we were surrounded! Again there was no Rest Area sign and word has it that WA is now discouraging overnight stays. Next day headed for Busselton (population 15,386) - encountered traffic and street lights which were a shock to the system after the length of time spent in the more remote areas. Drove round the area and looked, but too busy for the Leylands! Margaret River has never been reported in a positive light by fellow travellers - accommodation was too expensive and in general the area was overrated. Having travelled this distance we felt the need to at least view Margaret River, so Carole spent a considerable amount of time searching for a cheaper stay - found it! Big Valley Campsite is a quiet haven, nestled amongst the hills of a picturesque working sheep farm, ten minutes South East of Margaret River. The family run farm encompasses a beautiful secret valley hidden from the outside world by State Forest.