Wedge Island

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, located 20 minutes north of Lancelin, is one of those places that time has forgotten. If you've ever wondered what life was like in the sixties - when everything was in sepia tone - Wedge is the ideal showcase.

[IMAGE="http://www.weekendnotes.com/images/p101009411.JPG" width="400" link="http://www.weekendnotes.com/images/p101009412.JPG" align="CENTER" thumb="http://www.weekendnotes.com/images/p101009413.JPG" border="1" caption="The sand dunes at Wedge" wrap="0" title="" margin="5"

The roadtrip to Wedge is stunning enough. Indian Ocean drive takes you right along the coast. After a must-do stopoff at the Lancelin bakery the first glimpse you get of Wedge is when the road comes around a hill to greet you with an incredible panorama of bush, dunes and the Indian Ocean.

At the end of the road into Wedge you are met with what the place is famous for. Around 300 rustic shacks are sprawled throughout the settlement, each with their own personality. It is truly intriguing to see what man can create when they are not subjected to boring building restrictions.

The community is the largest shack settlement left in Australia and it is easy to see why the locals are fighting so hard to protect it. Unlike our cities where no one knows their neighbours you can walk right up to any of the locals and be best mates within five minutes.

Many of them will let you stay in their shacks if you ask otherwise if you plan on staying the night the dunes just north of the settlement are ideal for camping. Camping is technically illegal here but as long as you are respectful and take your rubbish with you no one really minds.

The whole length of the beach is hard enough for 2wd cars however if you really want to make the most of your trip you need a good 4x4.

The large sand dunes to the north of are an absolute paradise for anyone wanting to test their machines. The beautiful views up the top are only beaten by the adrenaline of getting your car up there. The dunes are also great for sandboarding and sledding, just make sure you're in a place with good visibility.

To the south of the island at Wedge is one of the most picturesque beaches you are likely to see. Golden sand gives way to pristine, unpolluted water and the best part is you wont have to fight for space with thousands of other people.

Fishing and surfing are also very popular, and are some of the main reasons why people choose to live there. Dhufish, rays and all the regulars can be caught from the beach while the consistent breaks off the island are one of the best kept secrets of WA.


As for facilities at Wedge... well you will have to bring all your own food and drink. There is an ice and bait shack as well as one of the oldest vending machines I have ever seen. If you happen to injure yourself there is even a free nursing outpost, just don't mention you support the Dockers or the nurse may cut your leg off.

The only rules if you plan on going to Wedge are to be respectful. drive slowly, pick up your rubbish and make sure you say g'day to everyone you pass. This attitude is one that is becoming increasingly rare in Australia, and is one the locals fight fiercely to protect.

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