After a busy three days in Kondinin we once again farewelled the Seagulls until we would catch up again in Busselton. They headed back west and we pointed the cruiser south to Dumbleyung.

We opted for an overnight freecamp behind the ‘Grand Olde Dumbleyung Inn‘. Grand is indeed the word fort his old beauty. Like many country pubs they have an area out the back where caravans can stay overnight for free (sans power and water). Many of them permit the use of their outside toilets and showers, which this one did. You are expected to drop in for a drink and a meal in exchange for the free camp site, which is a good deal especially if you don’t want to unpack gear for an overnighter.

The Grand Olde Dumbleyung Inn oozes character and we enjoyed a good pub meal in a rustic bar that also featured some barrels as tables and a corrugated iron sheet bar. You help but enjoy these types of places. There’s a sense of history and times past that doesn’t exist in modern pubs and clubs. We hope these places are never lost.

In terms of history, Dumbleyung is probably best known as the location of Lake Dumbleyung, the place where, in 1964, Donald Campbell broke the world water speed in the magnificent Bluebird K7. Not only was this a major achievement but a lesser known fact is that in breaking the water speed record he also became the only person to break both the land and water speed records in the same year. Even more amazing is that he only managed to break the water speed record on 31st December, the last day of the year… There is a magnificent bust of Donald Campbell made entirely from wire mesh in the main street of Dumbleyung.

There is also a pavillion that houses a replica of the Bluebird K7. Alas to our great disappointment it was not on show when we were there. The Bluebird K7 was a most beautiful boat that had all the classic curves and edges of the vehicles designed in the 50’s and 60′. It would not be unfair to compare the Bluebird K7 with the Supermarine Spitfire, one of the most beautiful and elegant airplanes ever designed

As with most Wheat Belt towns, Dumbleyung also has a range of historic agricultural machines on display. These are very well kept under a large metal roof structure in stark contrast to some places where they are just left to rust and rot under the sun.

Dumbleyung was another surprise package in the Western Australia Wheat Belt, which was fast becoming a favourite and memorable part of our trip.