My sister kept insisting that not only was attendance mandatory having fun was also obligatory. Despite the fact that no one else wanted to go, we were informed of the date of the trip, that’s democracy in the Stoddart household, what the matriarch says goes. Without question or exception. It wasn’t the fact we didn’t want to go as such it was the distance. Four and a half hours!! For a day trip! Whilst that might be acceptable in Australia it’s more like an annual holiday in England.

The fact the sat nav informed us it was 127km until a bend in the road gives some Idea of the magnitude of the drive. Fortunately we were allowed stops on the way, the first one being at the Town famous for Dog in a Yute. Yep you read it correct, a town becomes famous for putting a dog in a vehicle! No one said Western Australia is party central but come on. Putting a dog in a jeep and driving up the main street draws crowds in the 10’s of thousands.

The parking at the service station was up to the usual standards of Aussie driving but at least that bloke realised parking on the garage forecourt roof is unusual. After the excitement of this ‘servo’ we moved on to another town. This town has so little happening that the residents past and present are immortalised in iron sculptures. They’re quite impressive but the fact so few people live there or do anything useful that the bus driver and the postie are star attractions gives you an idea of the level of excitement in the place.

Having calmed down from this tourist mecca we moved on. This time, as there was only 200km or so to go, stopping wasn’t possible as there was actually nowhere to stop. 200km of nothing but a road and the occasional plastic chair by the roadside, how or why I have absolutely no idea.

Finally we arrived, I’ve put the photo on the left with me in it to give some idea of the size of this amazing Rock. It’s certainly an impressive sight with views to match once you climb it.

There’s also great geological features on the rock itself with random boulders and the weathering of the rock itself.

To prove it was indeed a family funday I thought I’d better include some pictures of the family having a ball.

Having built my stone statue and photographed the information signs it was time to start out descent.

Fortunately there’s a hole in the fence leading to the sign telling you you’re about to have a fatal fall.

Another amazing rock formation Hippos Yawn was the next stop after a quick drive round the salt lakes.

The rocks themselves were an amazing experience which was only made all the better by knowing there was a 4.5 hour drive home to look forward to. A drive which involved almost running out of petrol (fortunately the lady in the petrol station in the one horse town switched the pumps back on and sold us some even though they were closed), obligatory bush fires and getting flashed by a speed camera.