Cider Factory, Meadery and Winery

We made a stop at the Elephants Rock Cider Factory.  We had an unforgettable experience tasting various ciders at Denmark’s first cider factory – Apple & Pear, Pear, Apple, Sweet Apple, Strawberry, Apple Ginger and Oaked Scrumpy.  We had to try them all.  The cider factory is also home to the toffee factory, ‘bit on the side’ (which is a range of gourmet sauces, preserves, chutneys) and a ½ kilo ice cream cone.  We had to try it all.  We bought some pickled garlic, asparagus chutney and some mayo’s.  Of course we also took home a selection of ciders.

We then headed off to the Bartholomew’s Meadery where Dad tasted Mead for the very first time.  They also have a range of different flavours of honey including chocolate and hazelnut.

Forrest Hill Winery was our stop for lunch.  Forrest Hill is family-owned boutique winery. Dad had seafood chowder and Becki & I shared a tasting platter and we drank a bottle of Forrest Hill Riesling. Then it was downstairs into the cellar to taste the wines. 

Chatting with the chef about using salt in the chowder

Our spoils of the day

Wine Tasting at Forrest Hill Winery

'Bit on the Side' tasting table

OK...what will it be-oh lets try them all

If we would have had lunch Dad would have tried one of these.
They looked good

Ummmm not bad!!

Please do not use the flash!!

All the different wines made from honey.
We took home the spiced wine which when heated is divine!!

Our bottle of wine

Dad's seafood chowder with a marron for garnish

Tasting plate

A shared dessert

Stirling Ranges and Porongurups

Wow look how busy these ants have been

The canopy of the Karri Trees

This tree is growing out of a rock

Bluff Knoll...Height 1,095 meters and a 6km round trip

Awesome colours of the wild flowers

Walking along the trail to Bluff Knoll

Wild Orchids

'The Lily' where they used to serve Dutch Croquettes

Spring Rolls

The Stirling Range National Park is about 80 kms north of Albany.  The ranges rise abruptly from the lowlands which have been mostly cleared for farming. The ranges stretch for more than 65 kms, there are barren cliff faces, awesome views and brilliant coloured wildflowers.  We walked along the Bluff Knoll Trail.

We then drove to ‘The Lily’. This is a working windmill which grinds flour.  All the internal parts were imported from Holland.  Last time we were there it was a restaurant serving Dutch food.  We thought that sounded good for lunch.  It closed in December 2007!! Oh well...of to Maleeya’s Thai Cafe where we enjoyed Fresh Thai food cooked with their home grown Asian herbs.  We shared  King Prawns with Turmeric and a green Thai Chicken Curry. 

After lunch we did some wine tasting at Jingalla Winery  and then walked along the Bolongup Trail and saw a tree growing out of a rock.

Dad is fascinated by our Jarrah, Karri, Marri and Karri Oak trees.  He also saw a big ant nest and claimed it was the biggest one he had touched.

Torndirrup National Park

Becki and Dad took a drive through the Torndirrup National Park today. This park is home to a range of spectacular natural wonders, such as 'The Natural Bridge' 'The Gap' and 'The Blowholes' At the end of the drive is the Whaling Station and Frenchman's Bay. This is the most visited national park in Western Australia. The drive through Torndirrup is stunning and leads down to the rugged southern coastline.

At the end of the day they enjoyed a cup of 'Naked Bean' Coffee. Nothing beats the smell and taste of coffee direct from the roaster. And we have our very own here in Albany.