Le Chic En Rose

We have always been drawn to the beautiful cape region of South Western Australia. The Cape Leeuwin Naturaliste Park covers the area from the lighthouse at Cape Naturaliste in the north to the Cape Leeuwin lighthouse in the far south west. There is quite a contrast between the more serene waters and sheltered bays of Geographe Bay in the north (see Sunset At Cape Naturaliste)  and the coast round the corner from Cape Naturaliste lighthouse. Here the  powerful seas and wild winds have given this western coastal area an almighty battering over the years. The beaches are a magnet for the many surfers drawn to the magnificent swell (for experienced surfers only!) and visitors who come for the coastal walks and trails and to admire the ocean.

Explanation of the formation of Canal Rocks in Western Australia

We used to visit Canal Rocks when our 2 daughters were small and have been coming back ever since. The aboriginal name for the rocks is Winjee Sam. The seas and wind have carved an unusual rock pattern into the granite rocks and formed a series of channels or canals. Nowadays a series of wooden walkways and bridges allows you to walk up to the end of the channels and witness first hand the power of the ocean with the waves crashing onto the rocks.

Walkway across the rocks and over the channels

Monsieur Le Chic rugged up though we have been there when it was wilder!

Storm clouds over the Indian Ocean

The channels have been hewn into the granite rocks

Windswept at the end of the bridge

Common sense is required – we have been there on several occasions when the water is breaking over the pathways and you have to be careful not to slip! On the day we were there recently it was comparatively mild and yet you can still see the immense power of the ocean in full force!

Crashing waves

Waves pounding the rocks

The force of the sea is mesmerising

The rocks themselves are fascinating – intricate patterns have been carved out into the granite over many centuries.

Rock formations at Canal Rocks

We were there at the very start of spring and wildflowers were starting to bloom.

Vegetation in the Canal Rocks area

Wildflowers were starting to bloom

The vegetation has to be able to survive the forces of nature

On the other side of the rocks away from the walkway and channels you can get a good vantage point of the sea. Monsieur Le Chic couldn’t resist climbing all the way to the top (be careful if you decide to do this!).

Monsieur Le Chic at the “top of the mountain”!

Whilst I waited a bit further down he managed to take some fantastic photos of the sea crashing over the rocks below!

Indian Ocean at Canal Rocks

The Indian Ocean pounding the rocks at Canal Rocks Western Australia

Forces of nature!

For more wonderful walks around the world head over to Restless Jo’s Monday Walks! And for even more travel ideas head over to Allane and Ting at their Monday Escapes!

Copyright © 2015 Rosemary Thomas Le Chic En Rose. All rights reserved