After a very, very long drive from Karalundi (55 kilometres north of Meekatharra) to Sandstone, we arrived with great relief at the Shire-run Alice Atkinson Caravan Park. We were warmly welcomed by managers Leanne and Garry and allocated a terrific site with shade, grass for the fatheads and right next to the ablutions. We gratefully settled in for a six night stay. Make sure to book before arrival.
Alice Patricia Josephine Atkinson was born on a Sandstone Shire station in 1910. She married Joseph Atkinson , who had been born in Lennonville (now abandoned in the Gascoyne) and had six children, one of whom was born in Scotland in 1943. Perhaps Joseph Atkinson was stationed there during World War II. Sadly, two of their children died young. Alice must have been a prominent woman in and around Sandstone to have the caravan park named after her. I would love to discover more of Alice's history.
We had an absolute ball here in Sandstone. For a town boasting 19 families, they have nailed the promotion of their attractions.. Where do I begin?
For a start, the caravan park, which has only been taken over by Leanne and Garry in March is a constant hive of activity. The ablutions are a credit to Garry, as keeping loos, basins and showers clean in a red dirt environment is not easy. There are lawns, a campers kitchens, free BBQs, a playground, outdoor exercise equipment for the fit and keen, trees, recycling and ample rubbish bins. And as my tummy burn is still causing me some grief, Garry kindly allowed me to use the disabled bathroom. They are experienced caravan park managers and are both working hard to uphold the tradition of Alice Atkinson.
Then, there are the delights of a cruise around town. Most of the houses are being renovated and colourful gardens abound. There are echoes of the mining industry everywhere with relics of the past dotted all through the streets and houses. A rainbow windmill and "Welcome" mural greet travellers arriving from the east. The local church has been lovingly restored. The Tourism Information Centre and Museum is open 7 days a week. The Post Office Cafe with plenty of memorabilia offers delicious food between 7am and 2pm. Their cheese and ham croissant is a legend in its own time.
An art exhibition on Saturday night was the piece de resistance. Sandstone turned on a fabulous show which attracted visitors, artists and locals. The locals provided the food and drinks and the whole event was superbly orchestrated by the "Fab Four". We will definitely be there in 2025.
And yes, we fossicked. The seeds of "Undiscovered Country" are firing Michael's little grey cells left, right and centre. We met Andy and Bobbie in their fantastic home, with historic paraphernalia bursting out of every nook and cranny of their eccentric abode. Andy also took Michael on a local tour of some of the "resource centres" and we have vowed to keep the locations to ourselves. Hence the title of what will become a tribute to Andy and Sandstone.
We never ventured out to London Bridge or the fascinating original brewery or the State Battery. We were too busy relaxing or socialising with fellow travellers or immersing ourselves in the past.
The weather was as eclectic as Sandstone. Heat, wind, rain, cold. We experienced four seasons over six days.
Want to experience the real outback of Western Australia? Come to Sandstone.
PS the pub has been bought. We look forward to its re-opening soon!
Mural at the Anzac Memorial...
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