Walk to the One Mile Jetty

The One Mile Jetty extends out from the land at Babbage Island. In turn Babbage is an island separated from the mainland by Whitlock Island.

(Left - a map showing the walking trail across to the jetty in the precinct area)

(Right - the bridge across to Whitlock Island from the mainland - the water level is quite tidal)

A sealed road runs around to the One Mile Jetty (that is the dark line at the top of the map at the top), but the walking track is much closer (that is the black line lower down on the map at the top) , and goes straight across both islands. The rail tracks also follow this walking track. Unfortunately most of the rail track is not used - although plans are afoot to reopen the section of line from the Museum to the last stop, called Whtilock Island, which is a short walk across the bridge to town.

(Left - across the bridge, you find the first station on the "jetty Line", called "Whitlock Island". Unfortunately there are no trains currently running to this station. The other end of the line is at the jetty museum. There are plans afoot to reintroduce this service by the end of February - hey that is THIS month!!)

Then it is quite a long walk across Whitlock Island to Babbage Island and the jetty - actually not that long - perhaps 25 mins.

(Right - a place to sit down on the way, and a bit of shade)

(Left - then continue with the walk - the island is also a nature reserve, and has lots of signs to educate the walkers and also protect the habitat as best it can - so that it may retain its natural state - I guess that without the road this would have been much as the early sailors discovered - and probably why we were descended from the British rather than the Spanish or Portuguese)

(Right - one of the nature signs on display - this one explaining the sand dune system)

(Left - this is the type of terrain we are walking beside - real saltbush AND salt)

(Right - I was fascinated with this sign - practically half way - the terrain absolutely flat - 360 degree visibility - and not a vehicle in sight - and a crossing sign!!)

(Left - very desolate, but still quite pretty - in its own sort of way - I did see vartious tracks in the dirt crossing the road - several slither marks, which I wishfully thought might be snakes - but didn't see any live animals - it was probably too hot and they were sheltering for the day)

(Right - another reason the train doesn't run - missing tracks!! Although they told me that they can be replaced very quickly - for the February restart)

(Left - desolate but not totally dry. Due to the nearby sea, there are lots of water areas as you walk across)