Story available
Inspired by Tim Winton’s documentary on SBS, we traveled the Western Australian coast, up to Coral Bay. The World Heritage area is home to Australia’s largest fringing reef system, just meters away from Coral Bay’s beaches and it is the only place in Australia where you can swim with the giant, but gentle whale shark.The article highlights Coral Bay as a sensory experience.
Coral Bay is a playful children’s book full of shapes, colours and textures to touch and feel. The blue, red and white hues of the ancient landscapes and underwater wonders engaged all our senses. We navigated the land, the water, and sky, whilst balancing, floating and relaxing.
Balancing on land:
The ever changing view from our four person tent sparked our imagination with vibrant coloured wildflowers, breathtaking drop cliffs and towering sand dunes, which gradually are shaped through wind and weather. On the squeaky white sand beaches we collected shells and salt covered pebbles, whilst listening to flocks of birds above.
Floating in water:
Tummy up we floated through in the cool turquoise waters. Through our strapped on goggles we spotted bright coral sponges forming luxurious underwater gardens below. Dashing ahead or just staring back at us, large and small schools of fish, turtles and rays call these spots their home.
Gazing up at the sky:
During the day we smelt the warm earthy scents rising. We sat and watched how the endless reaching sunny blue horizon slowly drifted into a mesmerising, starry sky at night.
Away from our daily Kindy and working routine, Coral Bay was an opportunity to bond through playing and learning. Together we drew in the sand, cooked meals, sung and told stories to each other.
Curious and excited we loved the natural surroundings that provided a sensory canvas for creative exploration.
For any queries, please get in touch.