We drove into Mount Barker for some groceries, only to discover that it was the Queen’s birthday, so stores closed early. We later learned that it wasn’t really the Queen’s birth date, but it was the day the holiday was celebrated.
Our hopes of replenishing our groceries dashed, we used our Explore Western Australia app, and learned of a lookout point called Mount Barker Hill. Upon navigating our way to the top, we found the famous television tower, which is the tallest freestanding tower in the Southern Hemisphere.
There were a dozen concrete steps to climb and a view definitely worth the drive. Even though it was a bit hazy, we were able to see all the way to the distant Stirling Mountain Range.
At the top of the hill, we found some interesting wild flowers, including this purple one that we hadn’t seen anywhere else.
We also found an interesting plant we later learned was called a Grasstree. It is an important plant in Aboriginal culture and the flower stalk was often used as a fish spear.
It turned out to be a very nice way to spend the afternoon.
