Bullara Station, WA.

 We went in with high expectations for this one, and it did not disappoint. Just inland from the Ningaloo Reef on a cattle station and they run a very fun station stay with lots of little activities and creative decorations. On arrival, our camp host lady Gilly was not happy with our allocated site so worked her magic on the walkie talkie back to the office and got us shuffled to a nicer spot, closer to the animals and the playground. She also gave us the last fire pit and told us we could collect firewood just outside the gate.



Our neighbours in the animal pen were very friendly - Emmit the emu, and Buckley and Gypsy the goats. Apparently they used to roam the camp but have been put in the pen because Emmit would steal people's food and Buckley loved to sit on top of people's cars (and accidently scratch them!!) So now he has his own antique Troopy to nap on.


The resident sheep are still allowed to roam, but the ram was getting a bit ruff with some of the younger kids so during our stay he was locked in the animal pen as well. Emmit was not happy with sharing her pen and they had a big fight and she was doing her warning dance to the ram which was very impressive to watch. She collapsed after the fight and everyone was very worried about her, but after a bit of a rest, she was bribed to get up with a banana and she was ok. 

On our first night, we went to the woolshed and watched a movie that they played for the kids - Ferdinand. We didn't last the whole movie because we got there a bit late and didn't get a seat on the mat, and the kids had to sit on the wool table to be able to see. And like most movies, it got a bit to much for Elsie and she was crying that the girl would not be be able to find her friend Ferdinand again.

On our 2nd night we had damper night and a musician playing by the fire. Marley Winn was his name and he was very good to listen to.


On our last night we had burger night and a band playing by the woolshed. The staff cooked burgers on a big hot plate over the fire and the burgers were made of Bullara Beef. Absolutely delicious!! And it was a great atmosphere. The kids enjoyed having a dance to the music and running around with the other kids.


Up until now we didn't have any issues with other kids, but here they encountered their first bully. But they handled it well and we were proud of them. Kylie was a  bit shocked to see Elsie pushing a bigger girl to the ground when we walked up to the playground, but then we watched to see what was happening and the big girl was trying to steal Elsie's shoes and hat. Elsie was standing up for herself.

Bullara are famous for their scones with jam and cream, so we couldn't miss out on them. They were delicious - but a bit over- priced.


The other thing they are famous for is their outdoor showers - we didn't use the bucket shower because the kids take FOREVER and the line up to use it was long and they only light the fire for certain hours to use it. Instead we used the nifty little outdoor shower in a little rickety shed. The station stays must have competitions on who has the best rustic showers and toilets. They are always a highlight of the trip.


Kylie took the kids on the red sandhills walk which was a nice introduction to the red dirt. and later on Kylie did the other walk around the station by herself and soaked in some station air.


We drove out to the gulf and saw our first lot of mangroves, some Bullara cows, and some crabs and were attacked by mosquitoes.


We did a dray trip to Exmouth and Cape Range. We walked along the Lakeside beach and then went to snorkel at Turquoise Bay. The current was very strong and it was a bit scary thinking we might not make it back to shore. The day before we went our friends from Coral Bay so saw another swimmer get stuck in the current and dragged out, and luckily Nathan was able to grab his little boat and save the other person.


We had our first scare with reptile life, but thankfully it was a false alarm. Saul and Zara went to collect some firewood  and when they were taking it off the back off the ute Saul noticed something with scales curled up inside the log. Saul carefully poked at it and it was a  pretty lizard. 



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