After a lot of planning, research and a few small alterations to the TX6 it was finally here. This trip was just that little bit more special for Cathy as this was on her dads bucket list but he just never got to see it. It all starts with me knocking off a day earlier than the rest of the clan to pack the Navara and do all the last minute checks. Pretty casual really as the Camper was packed already.
From Geraldton we headed East through Mullewa, Yalgoo then Mt Magnet until we reached Cue. Firstly we stopped into the Cue Shire offices to view the gallery of Historical Photos of Cue (tip off from Dad). I love this stuff (not so much the kids) and would recommend it to anyone who loves W.A's History. West of town to the Masonic lodge then for a place we had read about on the net called "Walga Rock". This is a special place and has its own history and you have to see one of the rock artworks to believe it. Yes a tall sailing ship.. Cue is no where near the coast.
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| Walga Rock. 2nd largest monolith in Australia |
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| Artwork |
From here we headed East then North back tracking a little to get to the old Ghost town of Big Bell. I had also read a bit about this place and some of the o'l blokes at my work had shared a story or two about this place. The old Pub is one place I would of loved to knock back a few coldies at. We drove the desolate streets reading the info boards and it was quite a booming town back in the day. (pretty sure I was born in the wrong era) On our way back to town we took a small detour to Checkout the old Day Dawn & Great Fingal Mine office.
It was getting late and we still had the TX6 hooked up and we needed to find our lodgings for the night. As per the weather app it was going to be a cold night so we opted for the Caravan park in Cue. After camp was set up it was off the the pub for a few quiet beverages to rekindle our first day and what we had seen. So much History here...
The next morning was going to be a big stretch so we departed Cue fairly early towards the old gold mining town of Meekatharra then into the Iron Ore town of Newman where we grabbed last minute fruit n Veggies topped up with diesel and let the boys loose on the CAT 789 Dump truck exhibit at the towns entrance. Plan was to free camp somewhere between Newman and Karijini but that didn't happen as I was on a mission. We hit the overflow for Dales Campground in Karijini National Park around 7:30pm some 740 km later. Quick camp set up which is not hard with our TX6 Camprite. (later in the trip we worked out that this was to be a good call) arriving early. The next morning we checked into Dales Campground and with no line up and plenty of sites left. WINNING.
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| Dales CG Overflow |
Then the next 5 days were spent relaxing, exploring Karijini swimming and meeting some like minded travellers. So far were loving it ....
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| Lipstick on the COPPERS |
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| Our camp at Dales |
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| U beauty |
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| After my trip to Tom Price Hospital |
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| "Can We" NO ! |
Quick Trip to the Tom Price Hospital as I dislocated (yep) my shoulder at the end of our first gorge. Nothing like a bit of pain and excitement followed by a dose of morphine ..
After soaking up as much Karijini as we could and making some life long memories, we headed for Tom Price a great little community where we had the next two days looking around restocking, and testing out the Navara. We climbed Mt Nameless (Jarndunmunha) at 1128 m Above sea level and it was a spectacular view.
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| Tom Price Mine site |
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| 1128 m |
From Top Price we made our way out to check out Hamersley Gorge and the champagne pools. Our next destination from here was the old Ghost town of Wittenoom and the old Wittenoom mine. Some people would not witness this beautiful part of the Pilbara because of the asbestos risks but seriously they are missing out. Be careful and be sensible and you'll be fine..
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| Hamersley Gorge Rock formation |
A bit of a tour around the streets then off Wittenoom then we were back on the gravel headed towards our next stop over at Millstream Chichester NP where we would spend 4 days. The Homestead is definitely worth the visit, as is the walks in and around the Homestead and river bed. Another beautiful part of the Pilbara region, this part of our back yard surprises us more & more every day.
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| Millstream Chichester NP Camp |
Another fleeting express trip to Hospital, this time Karratha at around 1am with our youngest Christopher with an ear infection. Poor little bugger. Was definitely an adventurous night, remote gravel roads (that I had never driven before) wild life but the Maccas coffee at 4am was nice. Oh and William took bark off every where after taking a dive in the Pilbara gravel when he tripped over some spinifex while running through the bush.
Our time at Millstream had come to an end we were now en route to Karratha, but first we had a few places to check out on the way. First up was Python pool, then via some pretty cool scenery we headed for Point Samson. On the way we called in to Cossack to check out the heritage buildings and learn a bit, on the way through we even viewed the old cemetery there. Next morning we headed for the City of Karratha for a good clean (of everything), restock the fridges, check out RED DOG in Dampier and catch up with an old work mate and his lovely family in Karratha. Yep Cathy (and the boys) were happy as there were shops everywhere & a K mart. We found Karratha is a beaut city in the red dirt and a refreshing stop over. Check out the mobile butcher and market stalls on the main drag to Dampier.. awesome.
Was great to catch up with Brad, Louise and family over a great feed and some cold beers, we had such a great night out..
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| Python Pool |
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| "Oh ! Not School " |
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| Bad Boys |
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| Off to Court @ Cossack |
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Photo Bombed
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The last day was such a drag as I sensed every one of us knew what was next, the long drive home knowing that our Pilbara adventure was now over and it was Back to School & Work. We headed off fairly early as we were looking at a 640 km stretch south to Carnarvon where we were booked into the Coral Coast Caravan park for the night. The next morning we headed off south bound again for another 480 km to Geraldton. Over 1100 km in two days.
This is one trip that should be on everyone's list of things to do before it's too late..
Till Next time, Take care on the road and "Drive 2 Arrive".
