Conspicuous Bay

by Hanan Khayre (Australia)

A leap into the unknown Australia

Ever been smacked in the back by a large salty wave, while staring at a mountain in awe, standing on dry coral with bare feet and your back to the ocean?! Not only did it smack me to get my attention, but it tried to drag me into its foamy white depth and chaos. I stammered to get my barring, saltwater in my eyes, ears and basically, all over me! Reaching down to grab onto whatever I can, I had to sacrifice my phone to the current to save myself. After the wave retreated, I was able to stand, turn around, that was a fast lesson; never turn your back to a pristine blue ocean. Wiping my eyes clean, frantic, I realized it took my phone. At this point it was either cry or laugh, laughing as I walked off the ledge before I learn another brutal lesson. Cheekily the ocean spat out my phone onto its white sands. It only took a brain-scrambling 800 meters switching between first gear and second gear in Bumble Bee by yellow Hyundai gets, on gravel white sandy road, surrounded by dense green shrubs to get to a smooth man-made car park. Ignoring all the snake and deadly waves warnings we stepped onto the boardwalk Conspicuous Bay home to 'unspoiled beach, limestone cliffs, and granite headlands.' On the southern coastline of Western Australia, it is a Spectacular sight for infamous white sand, crystal blue waters, and limestone cliffs. We were met with timber boardwalk as far as the eyes can see, almost touching the shoreline but splitting to meet the mountain. To the left down the boardwalk lies a set of stairs that lead up a hill for a beautiful scenic panoramic view. Coming back down from the steps, back onto the boardwalk, on both sides of the boardwalk were freshwater streams leading to the ocean. At 30-degree heat, it is only reasonable to dip your feet and splash yourself a little. The combination of wet skin and the cool summer breeze, refreshing! The closer you get to the shoreline the greater the view, a contrast of colors from the clear blue sky to the translucent blue of the ocean, meeting the white smooth sand and on either side mountains so green as if the Bay sat in a bawl. As expected the sand felt hot to the touch but we figured running across the freshwater stream onto the beach was the best tactic. Throwing all our belongings on the sand beds and diving straight into the whirlwind of waves, only to be cycled right out with the waves like a rinse and dry in a washing machine. Sand in our eyes, splashing about, the hot car ride was worth it. The Bay is accessible by 4WD, So small cars are forewarned! But a few people dare, to make the 6 hour trip from Perth to this hidden gem and leave wheels still intact and the engine still together. All dramatics aside, this place was and is the definition of serenity. If ever you get the chance to visit expect more than an eyeful of scenic beauty but the feeling of cold water rejuvenating yet a spectacular kind of energy; Eminence of calm and organized chaos- with life in the form of coral. which is a pleasant surprise, almost like a mirage. Which takes me to the walk across the sandy beach to the coral mound porous and dry, sticking out like a grey sponge. Usually, grey is not a color that blends well- definitely not used to describe beautiful places but this created a contrast so unique. Almost like in-home decor when someone takes that risk in introducing a block color and it somehow brings it all together. That is what the coral provided. This place enriches your soul and nourishes your eyes; with its playful waves, contrast, and vibrations. One might argue anyone at the beach would be smiling ear to ear, as that may be true but its uniqueness leaves you joyous and imprints in your mind. Lastly, how can I forget the charming hiking through the mountains to the cliff tops where the freshwater streams originate?! It's a place for everyone.