Pilbara

 

We headed north from Bullara Station and decided to free camp at Robe River, a nice spot next to a ‘dry’ river, we went for a nice long walk along the river bed and watched yet another sunset!  There were about 25 vans parked here tonight.

 

Robe River Happy Hour





Robe River Sunset

We had intended to stay at 40 Mile Beach but it was totally packed so we decided to stay at the Dampier Transit Van Park – amazed to get in given it was school holidays!  We did several loads of washing and then drove to Karratha to stock up on all of supplies (food/wine) and was so excited to visit a shopping centre with Kmart included…which was great because they have a fishing section where we got some more tackle!! hahaha!






Dampier Port

This area is not pretty by any means but its all a part of the journey and the Aussie country… it’s a mining area and quite significant to Australia, apparently the Pilbara (Karratha and Port Hedland regions) area generates a quarter of Australia’s Gross National Product (GNP).  All the same it was quite interesting to see.  The Red Dog legend is famous in this area, they even have a statue in memory of this cheeky dog!

Red Dog Monument - Dampier






Dampier foreshore

Sam's Island - Dampier

We drove up to the Burrup Peninsula from Dampier and saw the massive gas plant and visited the North West Shelf visitor centre. 

Gas Plant Monument

Gas Plant

 

We were lucky enough to be in town for the viewing of the Staircase to the Moon, so we drove out to Hearson’s Cove, took our bubbles and nibbles and joined a whole host of other people on the beach, this was really quite amazing! (well except for the people that just had to stand right in the middle of the moonlight!!)

Bubbles O'clock!

 

The moon just poking its head up...

   

Fishing at Cleaverville



Staircase to the Moon





Hearson's Bay

Next day we were off to Clearverville Beach Camp (a council run area), we booked in for a
week… to sit out the school holidays.  The gravel road in was is in pretty good condition and we were lucky enough to find a perfect camp spot.  We spent the next week walking north and south along the beach and rocky outcrops, fishing and fishing and fishing…. And exploring all the rock pools!  We at least had some moderate success with the fishing, at least we got ourselves a couple of meals!  The sunsets were pretty special here too! 






Cleaverville Campsite

 




Sturt Desert Peas - They were everywhere!

 





Exploring the rocks at Cleaverville

 




Exploring the rocks at Cleaverville

 





Exploring the rocks at Cleaverville - Gorgeous Clams

 





Exploring the rocks at Cleaverville - Gorgeous Clams

 

 

 

 





Fishing at Cleaverville

We have endured heaps of frustration with our fridge that keeps giving us issues when being run on gas… however Geoff has become an expert at repairs!!

 



Fridge Fixer!

 

We took a day trip to Roebourne, Cossack, Point Sampson and Wickham.  First off was Roebourne, we drove around the very small town and went to Mt Welcome lookout.  Next to Cossack Heritage Town which has many heritage buildings and ruins and we visited the wharf and the Readers Head Lookout. Then on to Point Sampson, a lovely little town, we drove around and checked out the beach area, including the wreck of a tug, Honeymoon Cove and Sam’s Creek. Finally to Wickham for some supplies at Woolies and to catch up with my friend Kelly that I worked with in Cairns… it was excellent to see her and her babies!

 

Cossack Wharf

Coastline at Cossack

Courthouse Heritage Building at Cossack



Readers Head Lookout



Point Samson Jetty - Geoff broke it!



Point Samson



Wickham from the lookout



Geoff playing with a train! (Wickham)



Point Samson

Lyn playing with a big truck (Wickham)



Tug wreck at Point Samson



Geoff and Geoff over looking Wickham

Wildflowers

It was time to leave Cleaverville and head inland, out first stop was Indee Station, the dirt road in was OK… after a week of beach camping we were dam happy to have hot showers and wash our clothes plus we stocked up on water and powered up all of our appliances!!  They provide nibbles for Happy Hour every night so that was cool to get to chatting to all of the “Old Farts” (see pic) J  Its so good to get travel information from everyone!

 

 Yay off to Karijini National Park tomorrow, we’ve heard so many fabulous things about it – so excited!! (see separate blog)