G'day from the road! Steve here, and I've got to tell you—the 4th of July, 2025, will go down as one of those days that reminds you why we love this nomadic life. After months of planning, Lisa and I finally hit the road, bound for Millstream Chichester National Park. But here's the beauty of it—we're not going it alone this time. Our long-time mates, Steve and Sandy, are forming a convoy with us, and honestly, having travelling companions who understand the rhythm of caravan life makes all the difference.
We kicked off the adventure with a proper caffeine hit at an absolute cracker of a cafe in Gingin—you can't miss the place, a crisp white building with this distinctive red swirl logo. Lisa and Sandy immediately claimed the best table on the patio, overlooking what I can only describe as a photographer's paradise. The landscaped park stretched out before us with lush green banks, massive shade trees casting perfect dappled light, and a peaceful stream winding through it all. There's a heritage wooden water wheel that still turns, a beautiful white footbridge that reflects perfectly in the still water, and we spotted a lone duck having an absolute ball paddling about in the morning calm.
After downing our flat whites, the four of us took a wander around the park—nothing too strenuous, mind you. I've learned the hard way to keep these day-one town walks under 6km or my knees remind me I'm not twenty anymore! But bloody hell, Gingin surprised us. We stumbled upon a stunning historic stone church with gothic windows tucked amongst towering trees, the golden afternoon light hitting those weathered limestone walls just perfectly. The old cemetery next door, with its wrought-iron fencing and ancient headstones beneath the dappled canopy, told stories of pioneers who settled this country long before blacktop roads and caravans.
The real showstopper was this magnificent rustic limestone archway—golden-hued stone that glowed in the sun, framed by native vegetation and a riot of colourful wildflowers. Lisa reckoned it was probably part of an old entrance to the historic precinct, and she wasn't wrong. Then Sandy spotted this absolute ripper of a mural painted on a stone building—a massive black cockatoo surrounded by vibrant pink and orange native flora. The contrast between that rustic heritage limestone and the bold contemporary artwork was something special.
Day one's in the books, and we've barely left the Perth region. If Gingin's setting the standard, this journey to Millstream is going to be one for the ages. The Ram's running beautifully, the Retreat Whitehaven is tracking perfectly, and having mates along for the ride? Couldn't ask for better.</p>