2011  Coast & Pilbara


                                              2011  Coast & Pilbara 

WALLISTON  Safari  8....  May,  2011.

                      COAST & PILBARA

                                                                                             
Walliston Safari 8 is proposed to leave on Monday 9 MAY 2011. (this is the day after Mother's Day)
and return approximately three weeks later on Wednesday 1 JUNE 2011. 

 

Email 23 January 2011

WALLISTON  Safari  8....  May,  2011.

COAST & PILBARA

 

 

Good afternoon  all,

 

You are invited to participate in Walliston Safari 8. Leaving Walliston on May 9 (the day after Mothers Day) for about three and a half weeks of adventure, fun, sightseeing and exploring.

 

Please see the attached newsletter which has all the information on the proposed safari.

 

Should you have any questions please feel free to give me a call - anytime.

 

"" is it - the journey - the destination - or both""

 

Bruce...of the Coast & Pilbara

M: 0408 924 868

 

23 January 2011

 

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WALLISTON  Safari  8....  May,  2011.

COAST & PILBARA

Newsletter 1

 

Hi Folks

As promised in my last email, we did hold that planned secret "meeting of two". The meeting turned out to be a not so secret  "open meeting of three".

Included in this newsletter:

Proposed Itinerary

Distance

Caravans

General discussion on the Safari

 

PROPOSED ITINERARY

Week 1

Monday 9 May............Walliston - Jurien Bay (via Freeway & New Coast Road) 250kms

Tuesday 10 May.........Jurien Bay - Geraldton

200kms

Wednesday 11 May... Geraldton - Kalbarri

180kms

Thursday 12 May.......Kalbarri - Kalbarri

Friday 13 May............Kalbarri - Monkey Mia (Shark Bay)

400kms

Saturday 14 May........Monkey Mia - Carnarvon

360kms

Sunday 15 May..........Carnarvon - Carnarvon

Week 2

Monday 16 May...........Carnarvon - Coral Bay

230kms

Tuesday 17 May..........Coral Bay - Exmouth

170kms

Wednesday 18 May.....Exmouth - Onslow (via Bullara - Giralia)

400kms

Thursday 19 May........Onslow - Karratha

320kms

Friday 20 May............Karratha - Karratha

Saturday 21 May........Karratha - Karratha

Sunday 22 May..........Karratha - Millstream

180kms

 

Week 3

Monday 23 May.........Millstream - Hamersley Gorge

200kms

Tuesday 24 May........Hamersley Gorge - via Auski - Dales Gorge, Karijini

170kms

Wednesday 25 May...Dales Gorge - Dales Gorge

Thursday 26 May......Dales Gorge - Tom Price

110kms

Friday 27 May..........Tom Price - via Paraburdoo - Mt Augustus

420kms

Saturday 28May.......Mt Augustus - Mt Augustus

Sunday 29 May........Mt Augustus - Murchison Settlement

400kms

 

 

Week 4

Monday 30 May.......Murchison Settlement - Yalgoo area

190kms

Tuesday 31  May.....Yalgoo - Dalwallinu

280kms

Wednesday 1 June..Dalwallinu - Walliston

230kms

 

 

DISTANCE

The total estimated distance for this safari is 4690kms + town driving and sightseeing. I would expect that 5,000kms would be the maximum to allow for in fuel costing and vehicle use etc.

 

CARAVANS

I have been asked whether the Safari would be suitable for caravans.

My answer is YES with the possible exception of the "minor unsealed road" starting from about 80kms out of Paraburdoo to Mt Augustus and on towards Murchison Settlement as far as "Glenburgh" Station. At this junction we go back onto a "major unsealed road".

All other roads are bitumen, major highway sealed, main road sealed, minor road sealed and as already mentioned, major unsealed road. In addition we may travel on some short distances or gravel roads/tracks to sightseeing locations. Usually these are well maintained with advice as to whether they are suitable for caravans, i.e turning circles, overhanging trees and width for passing.

Please check your own maps and "Mr Google" for road conditions. My map is "HEMA" compliments Harry Hill of Continental Tyres, Nedlands.

It is also noted that at Mt Augustus Station they have a Caravan Park, so there must be many people who venture to Mt Augustus that do so with normal caravans. DEC state that although the roads are gravel they are suitable to conventional vehicles most of the year round.

 

 

 

GENERAL DISCUSSION ON THE SAFARI

As was mentioned in the planning of last year's Kimberley Safari, this Safari is also only a quick look at this part of our state. I would love to have the time to take three months to look at, to stay longer at and enjoy this unique part of Australia. We will look at and see many places of interest, some that are not even on the tourist maps. Most of our camping will be in caravan parks, together with some "fine dining out" in the major towns.

Have you got a special place that you would like to see again? Maybe you could come along and show us!

Two Parts   FLY IN - FLY OUT.  For those people that may not have three and a half weeks or so to participate in all of this safari there is the opportunity to join or leave the safari at any one of the major towns that we pass through.

Anyone that may be heading north for the winter, we would welcome some company on our travels up the coast, or to just catch up for a night along the way.

Participation   At the time of writing this newsletter we have two vehicles confirmed to be taking part with about 5-7 people! These vehicles are Land Cruisers towing Camper trailers.

Whether you are coming on this planned safari or not, your comments on our proposed itinerary would be greatly appreciated.

 

"" is it - the journey - the destination - or both""

 

 

Bruce...of the Coast & Pilbara

23 January 2011

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Email 7 March 2011       

WALLISTON  Safari  8....  May,  2011.

             COAST & PILBARA

 

 

Good afternoon  all,

Please see the attached Newsletter 2, for news on participation, itinerary changes, Wilgie Mia and Nissen Huts.

Should you have any questions please feel free to give me a call - anytime.

 

"" is it - the journey - the destination - or both""

 

Bruce...of the Coast & Pilbara

M: 0408 924 868

 

7 March 2011

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WALLISTON  Safari  8....  May,  2011.

COAST & PILBARA

Newsletter 2

 

Hi Folks

And now for the News:

An interesting point of interest before we get into the nitty gritty of this newsletter. From one day not last week but the week before I found the following article in "The West" 

WA Mine on Heritage List

An ochre mine used for centuries by Aboriginal people will be added to the National Heritage List. Wolgi Mia, near Cue in the Murchison district, is the biggest and deepest underground aboriginal ochre mine in Australia and its red ochre continues to be used in indigenous art, law and healing activities.

Federal Heritage Minister Tony Burke said yesterday the listing would help broaden people's understanding of the history of mining.

The creation story of Wilgie Mia tells how the ochre at the site was created by the blood of a wounded red kangaroo.

~~~~~~~~

Also, when we were arriving at the caravan park at Boyup Brook a couple of weeks back I received the following email from the Heritage Council of WA:

"While researching the location of Nissen Huts in WA for the Heritage Council I came across your Safari website.

 

From your Day 5 entry I understand that you camped near some Nissen Huts at Meka Station. Did you take some photographs of the Huts? And, if so, would you be willing to email me some copies?

 

I am preparing a thematic study for the Heritage Council of WA on the uses, past and present, and locations of Nissen Huts in Western Australia.  They appear to have been dispersed far and wide but little information is available on their locations now. 

 

Any information you have about these huts would be appreciated - perhaps you've come across others on your travels as well."

 

I was able to assist with several photos, some of which are just curved structures that were built at around the time that Nissen Huts were being relocated from various military camps and training grounds after the Second World War. I also helped with longitude and latitude co-ordinates of the photos that were taken, some at the Station and some at the outcamp on the way down from Noondie Station.

 

 

BACK TO THE NEWSLETTER

Should you be planning to come on Walliston Safari 8. "" These are some of the places you may see and things that you may do.""

Yanchep Beach; The Pinnacles; Beach fishing; War Memorial Geraldton; Flat Top Hills - Northampton; Broken Anchor Bay; Fishing - Gantheaume Bay; Z Bend; Nerren Nerren; Dolphins at Monkey Mia; Calligiddy - Winderie turn off; One Tree Pt; Swimming with the Whale Sharks; North West Cape; Vlamingh Head; Rabbit Hill and much more.

Daily temperatures getting warmer.

 

Should you not be planning to come on Walliston Safari 8. . "" These are some of the places you will not see and things that you will not do.""

Yanchep Beach; The Pinnacles; Beach fishing; War Memorial Geraldton; Flat Top Hills - Northampton; Broken Anchor Bay; Fishing - Gantheaume Bay; Z Bend; Nerren Nerren; Dolphins at Monkey Mia; Calligiddy - Winderie turn off; One Tree Pt; Swimming with the Whale Sharks; North West Cape; Vlamingh Head; Rabbit Hill and much more.

Daily temperatures getting colder.

 

 

 

NOT LONG UNTIL WE LEAVE

Some people are counting the days until we leave, but that sounds too many for me so I will count the weeks for a while and then "when we are closer" revert to days. Nine weeks and counting down quickly.

 

 

PROPOSED ITINERARY    Version 2 (changes start in week 3)

Some changes have been made to the itinerary camp sites after leaving Karijini National Park, which reflect in some daily kms being more and some less. I believe that the new itinerary gives us greater flexibility for sightseeing at the same time reducing the kms being travelled on the gravel in any one day. Namely breaking up the journey from Paraburdoo to Mt Augustus and Mt Augustus to Murchison Settlement.

 

 

WEEK  1

Monday 9 May............Walliston - Jurien Bay (via Freeway & New Coast Road) 250kms

Tuesday 10 May.........Jurien Bay - Geraldton

200kms

Wednesday 11 May... Geraldton - Kalbarri

180kms

Thursday 12 May.......Kalbarri - Kalbarri

Friday 13 May............Kalbarri - Monkey Mia (Shark Bay)

400kms

Saturday 14 May........Monkey Mia - Carnarvon

360kms   Carl & Lesley arrive from Perth

Sunday 15 May..........Carnarvon - Carnarvon

 

 

 

WEEK  2

Monday 16 May...........Carnarvon - Coral Bay

230kms

Tuesday 17 May..........Coral Bay - Exmouth

170kms

Wednesday 18 May.....Exmouth - Onslow (via Bullara - Giralia)

400kms

Thursday 19 May........Onslow - Karratha

320kms

Friday 20 May............Karratha - Karratha

Saturday 21 May........Karratha - Karratha

Sunday 22 May..........Karratha - Millstream

180kms

 

WEEK  3

Monday 23 May.........Millstream - Hamersley Gorge

200kms

Tuesday 24 May........Hamersley Gorge - via Auski - Dales Gorge, Karijini

170kms

Wednesday 25 May...Dales Gorge - Dales Gorge

Thursday 26 May......Dales Gorge - Paraburdoo

180kms

Friday 27 May.......... Paraburdoo - Roadside Camp

200kms   Carl & Lesley fly back to Perth

Saturday 28 May.......Roadside Camp - Mt Augustus

210kms

Sunday 29 May........Mt Augustus - Bilung Pool

260kms

 

WEEK  4

Monday 30 May.......Bilung Pool - Murchison Settlement - Yalgoo area... Chinaman Rock

290kms

Tuesday 31  May.....Yalgoo area - Chinaman Rock - Dalwallinu

320kms

Wednesday 1 June..Dalwallinu - Walliston

230kms

 

 

PARTICIPATION

At this stage we have four vehicles listed to participate in WS 8, with various passenger combinations and durations.

Bruce & John...Landcruiser & NEW camper trailer, passengers Julie & Danny Woodhams, possibly participating in the whole safari.

Bill Dalgleish...Landcruiser & camper trailer, passengers Carl Humfrey & Lesley Kelleher, joining the safari at Carnarvon and leaving at Paraburdoo.

Harry & Cath Hill...Landcruiser & camper trailer.

Bill & Dianne Tibbertsma...Mercedes & caravan, leaving the safari at about Carnarvon and returning to Perth.

 

Applications to participate

Applications to participate close at 8.00am on the 9th May. Late applications will then have to be made by "two-way" radio channel 21, or mobile phone.

 

 

GENERAL DISCUSSION ON THE SAFARI

Can the participants please study the itinerary and report back to me as to whether you think the daily distances are doable or not. Bearing in mind all the normal daily stops, morning tea, lunch and sightseeing, shopping etc.

Camping: A word about camping on this Safari as was mentioned in newsletters about the Kimberley Safari last year. Camping will be in caravan parks, National Park camp grounds and towards the end of the safari three nights bush camping. Last night, Dalwallinu Motel. National Park camping grounds always have toilet facilities but not all have showers. The stopover in Karratha area may be in Dampier, Whickham and Point Samson. We are currently researching these nights with people that know, (Colin Jobling). By camping this way we find it quicker to set up in the evening and pack up in the morning, allowing more time for sightseeing. Showers are always hot and the toilet blocks clean and tidy. Laundry facilities are available also.

 

 

"" is it - the journey - the destination - or both""

 

 

Bruce...of the Coast & Pilbara

7 March 2011

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Email 10 April 2011

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Email 24 April 2011

Hi Folks

Re: Dalgaranga Meteorite Crater.

The following is an article from The Department of Mines and Petroleum "Prospect " Magazine, April edition.


STATE GEOHERITAGE RESERVE

Early Life On Earth, Protecting WA's Ancient Sites.

Western Australia’s unique geology is of
global significance and includes the oldest
minerals and fossils on the planet, along
with meteorite craters, that provide a
greater understanding of its evolution.
Until recently, the public has enjoyed
unimpeded access to geoscientific sites,
except where access is via private roads.
The Department of Mines and Petroleum
has recently developed a management
plan for eight established State
Geoheritage Reserves to protect their
global significance.

State Geoheritage Reserves are
Crown Reserves that require greater
management control than typical
‘geoheritage sites’ and include features
such as rare or unique fossils or
geological structures.

Six of these sites provide evidence of early
life on earth with visible traces
of life at 3.5 billion years ago, as well
as earlier meteorite or asteroid
impact structures.

Procedures have been introduced to
restrict potentially damaging activities
within the reserves includes viewing,
research work, sampling of rocks or
fossils or any other purpose.
Anyone wishing to visit the sites must
now seek Government authority from the
Executive Director of the Geological Survey
of WA (GSWA). Applications to access the
sites will be assessed by a panel
of experts.

Mineral Titles Executive Director Dr Ivor
Roberts said the international importance
of particular rock outcrops within the
reserves had led to extensive publicity.
“This has led to increasing numbers of
visitors from Australia and overseas,
resulting in not only serious damage, but
also evidence of commercial sampling,”
Dr Roberts said.
“Such damage, if it continues would
seriously compromise or even destroy
the exceptional geoheritage value of the
rocks within the reserves.”
Dr Roberts said that any proposals that
involve ground disturbing activities must
be accompanied by a detailed research
proposal, including background, project
aims, methods and an undertaking to
provide reports on results to the GSWA
Executive Director.

Applications must be submitted at least
two months prior to the planned visit and
the reports will be treated as confidential
for an agreed period of up to three years.

State Geoheritage Reserves are
created under section 41 of the WA
Land Administration Act 1997 through a
management order that vests them with
the Minister for Mines and Petroleum.
“Each of these sites is in danger of losing
part of its geoscientific significance and
value through inappropriate activities
such as large-scale sampling or the
cumulative effects of repeated smallscale
sampling,” Dr Roberts said.
Several geoheritage sites, including
Pilbara fossil sites and the Dalgaranga
meteorite crater, have been identified
as ‘Mars analogue sites’, garnering
additional attention.

“Increasing numbers of people are now
visiting the sites and unrestricted access
and sampling will lead to progressive
deterioration of rock faces and other
features,” Dr Roberts said.
“This would result in the loss of critical
scientific information to the global
scientific community, and to the
general public.
“A more strategic and sustainable
approach to management is now
necessary and hence the need for
State Geoheritage Reserves, and the
protection it will afford these sites.”
There is also anecdotal evidence of some
tour operators intending to use key sites
in their schedules, and public pressure
on irreplaceable sites is expected to
increase as tourism grows.

The eight sites now registered as
State Geoheritage Reserves are:

• The Veevers Meteorite Crater
• Dalgaranga Meteorite Crater
• North Pole stomatolites
• North Pole microfossils
• Chinaman Creek microfossils
• Spinaway Creek stromatolites
• Strelley West stromatolites
• Trendall stromatolite.


Please find attached Walliston Safari 8...Newsletter 4.

Trust that you are all having a enjoyable and safe Easter - Anzac break.

"" is it - the journey - the destination - or both""

Bruce...of the Coast & Pilbara

24 April 2011.

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WALLISTON  Safari  8....  May,  2011.

COAST & PILBARA

Newsletter 4

 

Hi Folks

Lots in this Newsletter - keep reading.

Not long to go now. TWO weeks tomorrow until we leave. I will start counting in days soon - 14 days.

UPDATE

Should you be planning to come on Walliston Safari 8. "" These are some of the places you may see and things that you may do.""  CONTINUED...continued.

Yanchep Beach; The Pinnacles; Beach fishing; War Memorial Geraldton; Flat Top Hills - Northampton; Broken Anchor Bay; Fishing - Gantheaume Bay; Z Bend; Nerren Nerren; Dolphins at Monkey Mia; Calligiddy - Winderie turn off; One Tree Pt; Swimming with the Whale Sharks; North West Cape; Vlamingh Head; Rabbit Hill and much more !!  Sandridges - Gas Pipeline - Mt Minnie - 4 mile creek - Saddleback Hill - Fortescue River - Burrup Peninsula - Cossack - Python Pool - Hay Stack Flats - Mt Bruce - Auskie Village - Dales Gorge and much more !! Mt Oxer - Mt Nameless - Mt Tom Price - Halfway Bridge - Radio Hill Lookout - Dolphin Hill - Mt Elephant - Pingandy Homestead - Dooley Downs Homestead - Cattle Pool - Edney's Lookout - Landor - Finity Creek - Glenburgh Homestead - Byro - Wooleen Station (getting closer to home now) - Bare Rock - CARLaminda Homestead - Susannah Brook (close to home) Walliston....HOME.

Daily temperatures getting warmer.

 

Should you not be planning to come on Walliston Safari 8. "" These are some of the places you will not see and things that you will not do.""  CONTINUED...continued

Yanchep Beach; The Pinnacles; Beach fishing; War Memorial Geraldton; Flat Top Hills - Northampton; Broken Anchor Bay; Fishing - Gantheaume Bay; Z Bend; Nerren Nerren; Dolphins at Monkey Mia; Calligiddy - Winderie turn off; One Tree Pt; Swimming with the Whale Sharks; North West Cape; Vlamingh Head; Rabbit Hill and much more. Sandridges - Gas Pipeline - Mt Minnie - 4 mile creek - Saddleback Hill - Fortescue River - Burrup Peninsula - Cossack - Python Pool - Hay Stack Flats - Mt Bruce - Auskie Village - Dales Gorge and much more !!     Mt Oxer - Mt Nameless - Mt Tom Price - Halfway Bridge - Radio Hill Lookout - Dolphin Hill - Mt Elephant - Pingandy Homestead - Dooley Downs Homestead - Cattle Pool - Edney's Lookout - Landor - Finity Creek - Glenburgh Homestead - Byro - Wooleen Station (getting closer to home now) - Bare Rock - CARLaminda Homestead - Susannah Brook (close to home) Walliston....HOME.

 

Daily temperatures getting colder.

 

 

PROPOSED ITINERARY    Version 2  .. No Changes.

 

WEEK  1

Monday 9 May............Walliston - Jurien Bay (via Freeway & New Coast Road) 250kms

Tuesday 10 May.........Jurien Bay - Geraldton

200kms

Wednesday 11 May... Geraldton - Kalbarri

180kms

Thursday 12 May.......Kalbarri - Kalbarri

Friday 13 May............Kalbarri - Monkey Mia (Shark Bay)

400kms

Saturday 14 May........Monkey Mia - Carnarvon

360kms   Carl & Lesley arrive from Perth

Sunday 15 May..........Carnarvon - Carnarvon

 

WEEK  2

Monday 16 May...........Carnarvon - Coral Bay

230kms   Julie and Danny arrive from Perth

Tuesday 17 May..........Coral Bay - Exmouth

170kms

Wednesday 18 May.....Exmouth - Onslow (via Bullara - Giralia)

400kms

Thursday 19 May........Onslow - Karratha

320kms

Friday 20 May............Karratha - Karratha

Saturday 21 May........Karratha - Karratha

Sunday 22 May..........Karratha - Millstream

180kms

 

WEEK  3

Monday 23 May.........Millstream - Hamersley Gorge

200kms

Tuesday 24 May........Hamersley Gorge - via Auski - Dales Gorge, Karijini

170kms

Wednesday 25 May...Dales Gorge - Dales Gorge

Thursday 26 May......Dales Gorge - Paraburdoo

180kms

Friday 27 May.......... Paraburdoo - Roadside Camp

200kms   Carl, Lesley, Julie & Danny fly back to Perth.

Saturday 28 May.......Roadside Camp - Mt Augustus

210kms

Sunday 29 May........Mt Augustus - Bilung Pool

260kms

 

WEEK  4

Monday 30 May.......Bilung Pool - Murchison Settlement - Yalgoo area... Chinaman Rock

290kms

Tuesday 31  May.....Yalgoo area - Chinaman Rock - Dalwallinu

320kms

Wednesday 1 June..Dalwallinu - Walliston

230kms

 

 

PARTICIPATION Update

At this stage we have FIVE vehicles listed to participate in WS 8, with various passenger combinations and durations.

Bruce & John...NEW Landcruiser & NEW camper trailer, passengers Julie & Danny Woodhams, arriving at Carnarvon and leaving at Paraburdoo.

Bill Dalgleish...Landcruiser & camper trailer, passengers Carl Humfrey & Lesley Kelleher, joining the safari at Carnarvon and leaving at Paraburdoo.

Harry & Cath Hill...Landcruiser & camper trailer.

Bill & Dianne Tibbertsma...Mercedes & caravan, leaving the Safari at about Carnarvon and returning to Perth.

Wayne Loughrey...Ford Territory, may be catching us up around Exmouth or Karratha.

 

Applications to participate STILL OPEN

Applications to participate close at 8.00am on the 9th May. Late applications will then have to be made by "two-way" radio channel 21, or mobile phone.

 

GENERAL DISCUSSION ON THE SAFARI

Itinerary

Thankyou to those who have now studied the itinerary and are now making advisory comments about places to visit and things to do in towns and along the way.

 

National Park Passes

Several of us have obtained National Park Passes to make entry quicker and easier to the many National Parks that we will visit during the Safari.

Cameras

Please check the time and date on your camera (including checking if your time is using the 24 hour clock or not), it makes it much easier to compile your pictures for use after the Safari. It makes it especially easy for me to use on the web site should you send some to me for use in a photo documentary of the Safari.

 

Departure

We will be leaving shortly after 8.00am on Monday 9th May 2011 from:

 25 Carob Tree Place LESMURDIE.

We would love for you to "see us off" on that morning.

 

Wi-fi Hot Spot

For those wanting to check on emails when we are in town, my phone provider is Telstra which gives phone coverage in all towns. My phone has a wi-fi "Hot spot" with 1 GB of memory. I will have with me my laptop, with wi-fi for everybody's use. Should you wish to bring your own laptop I will provide you with the password - for a nominal fee.

I have been advised that between Carnarvon and Paraburdoo "times for emails, laptops and mobile phone checking will be restricted to one hour a day - not 24/7 !!"

 

Caravan Park - Campgrounds Bookings

I propose to book campsites at Jurien Bay and Geraldton for the first two nights of our Safari. Others we may book ahead as we see necessary throughout the Safari.

 

MAPS

I have new maps and camp guides, purchased at the recent Caravan and Camping Show at the Claremont Showgrounds. Also many brochures and guides of the towns and attractions that we can stop at or detour to see along the way.

 

TWO-WAY RADIO CALLSIGN NUMBERS

3...Bill D - Carl & Lesley.

4...Harry & Cath.

5...Bruce - John, Julie & Danny.

6...Bill T & Dianne.

7. Wayne L.

 

 

 

As I mentioned above it is not long now before we leave, many little loose ends are being tidied up for the journey. Advice and assistance has been coming from many people over the last couple of weeks. It is greatly appreciated.

We will be met and stay with a "local" at Kalbarri. Rosco will be guiding us to the  "best places" to fish and "best local" restaurant to eat at.

 

 

"" is it - the journey - the destination - or both""

 

 

Bruce...of the Coast & Pilbara

24 April 2011.

 

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WALLISTON  Safari  8....  May,  2011.

COAST & PILBARA

Hi Folks

"" is it - the journey - the destination - or both""

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WALLISTON  Safari  8....  May,  2011.

COAST & PILBARA

 

     Hi Folks

Well it is great to be home, but it was better to be away, especially in the warm with only a little bit of chill at night time. 

 

Shortly we will have our Daily Diary and Pictures for you to peruse on the web site.

 

Our Safari: Coast & Pilbara was just that, starting with morning coffee on the coast at Yanchep. Following the picturesque coastline all the way to Point Samson we, amongst many other activities, snorkeled the Ningaloo Reef at Coral Bay and swam with the Whale Sharks at Exmouth. Backtracking slightly to Karratha we then headed due south and into the very green and beautiful Pilbara, Iron Ore country. We also spent five days sightseeing the gorges from Millstream to Karijini. After making our way down to the awesome Mt Augustus we were moving very quickly south on our planned route that would take us well into the Murchison Goldfields and close to Walga Rock. This being of significance because we had found the Batavia landing plaque at Kalbarri, which has ties to the ancient rock art at Walga Rock. This travel route did not happen as we were confronted with rainy bad weather some 100kms north of Murchison Settlement. On reaching Murchison Settlement we were turned around to backtrack 15kms and told to head for the coast along some 145kms of muddy gravel road, (Butchers Track)while it was still open to traffic. Apart from the north where we had come from this was the only way out of the Settlement. This detour took us to the North West Coastal Highway and down home via Geraldton.

 

 

At this point I would like to clear up a few rumors that have been circulating.

1.   Lesley did not slip and fall and accidently break her arm at Hamersley Gorge – ably  assisted by many to get into the water - she was pushed!!??

2.   Billy did not involuntarily slip and hit a tree – I had been doing crop circles on the detour track before he arrived on the scene.

Apart from the above mentioned mishaps which may not have been reported correctly, we travelled 5,800kms, saw lots, ate lots, drank some(lots) and thoroughly enjoyed this little part of our great country.

 

 

Bruce…of the Coast & Pilbara.

19th June 2011.

 

"" is it - the journey - the destination - or both""

 

 

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WALLISTON  Safari  8....  May,  2011.

COAST & PILBARA

 

DAILY DIARY (by various participants) & SAFARI PHOTOS

 

 

Day 1- Monday 9th May - 293kms.

Call signs 3, 4, & 5 left Lesmurdie at 8.08am.

Made very good time and met up with Dianne and Bill (call sign 6) at Kinross on Marmion Street at 9.08am. They’d been waiting, waiting, waiting since 6.45am having breakfasted there.

Our first stop was at a beach café in Yanchep for coffee and cake and then we were all back on the track. 

We arrived in Lancelin 11.10am and did a tour of the town to check it out (no bakery but found a van for Ledge Point Bakery) and then it was off to Nambung National Park and the Pinnacles.  Camper vans were unhitched and 3 vehicles did the circuit with Bill & Dianne travelling with #3. Photo opportunities were had before hitching up the campers again and it was off to Cervantes for a lunch stop.  We also had to find a toilet.  This was another photo opportunity as the parking area was being washed away by the ocean!

At 3pm we arrived at Jurien Bay our overnight stop.  Everyone was set up by 4.30pm and it was drinks and nibblies time.

Enjoyed a day of pleasant weather (temperatures mid twenties), cross wind (south easterly) assisting Bill T and his van. 

After dinner Dianne, Bill, Bruce, John and Billy D went for a walk to the jetty to process BBQ dinner. Billy took his fishing rod and lure but didn’t catch anything.

 

Day 2 - Tuesday 10^th May - 230kms.

Left Jurien Bay caravan park at 9.15am, toured Jurien industrial area for Bruce where he was able to get the electrics on his camper fixed.

10am back on the road our next stop was Greenhead for morning tea.  A really lovely spot and worth the visit.  We were joined there by lots of motor homes on tour as well.

Next stop was the St Dominic Priory, Dongara, now the Priory Inn,  where Harry shouted us all a drink.  We were told we could have a look around and were all impressed with what we saw – a good place for a get away!

We stopped in Dongara at the bakery for pies for lunch before getting back on the road and heading for Greenough.  We took a walk around the Historic settlement (Saw a photo of Dianne Tibbertsma's great, great, grandparents in Goodwin’s Cottage), took a look at the mouth of the Greenough river before heading for Geraldton.

Arrived in Geraldton and booked into the Bel-air Caravan Park.  Once we were all settled went for a drive to the Sydney Memorial and the St Francis Xavier Cathedral.  Back to the caravan park for a sundowner before heading to Skeetas for dinner.  Back home around 8.30. Everyone went to bed fairly early, life is just hectic! Holidays are just so hard to take.

 

Day 3 - Wednesday 11^th May - 200kms.

Another beautiful day and getting better as we go north. 8.45am we left Geraldton and toured the industrial area so Bruce could show his accountant some blocks of land and development there. Very impressive.  We then headed for the road to Northampton.  We stopped in Northampton for morning tea at 9.45am met a local and his dog. 

At 11.30am we stopped at a Tourist Information Bay 23 kms from Kalbarri.  10 kms from Kalbarri we also stopped to look at what was an amazing view of the coastline.

Arrived at Rosco and Thelma’s (a Vietnam Vet friend of Billy D ) place in Kalbarri just after 12 noon and were all parked by 12.30pm.  We all enjoyed a drink before lunch.  After lunch we went for a drive around taking in Red Bluff and a lookout at the Mouth of the Murchison.  John and Bill had a smoke compliments of a man fishing on the beach. Reminded them of good times past when they too smoked.

All the men went fishing at Red Bluff but only managed to catch a few mozzie bites.  Cathy and Dianne enjoyed a  game of scrabble, a glass of wine and some chips.  They also managed to cook potatoes and apples (to go with pork chops) for Bruce and John and make a salad for tea.  Rosco and Thelma cooked us some fish – really yummy (mackerel) plus we all had meat out to BBQ!  We all ate very well.  The evening was really very enjoyable. I, Dianne went to bed at 10pm, don’t know when the party finished!!

 

Day 4 - Thursday 12^th May - 120kms.

A slow start today. Bill T. went for a run.

Bruce drove John, Dianne and Bill out to the Meanara  Lookout where we had fantastic views of Kalbarri town site and the meandering Murchison River.  We then moved onto the Gorges, first stop was the Lookout at the Loop and then on to the Z bends for morning tea.  After morning tea we walked to the lookout and Wow all the contrasts in the colours of the rocks, trees, river and sky are amazing.  Bruce christened his new Sahara with dust on this trip. Back to town and it was lunch time.

After lunch we all went for a swim in the Murchison ( Kalbarri Estuary) – so refreshing and we had no piker's.

Then back to pick Rosco up and go for a drive along the Murchison to see some magnificent places.  We found another natures window, Bruce showed us sight to behold.   We saw a bit of wildlife too, goats, emus and black cockatoos.

Back to Roscoe’s for drinks and then to the Eco Beach Café for dinner. A most enjoyable dinner.  We had an after dinner drink and then it was early to bed for an early rise for the drive to Monkey Mia tomorrow.

 

Day 5 - Friday 13th May - 439kms.

Everyone was up and about by 6.30am anxious to hit the road.

Dianne and Bill left at 7.30. Called at the BP service station to fill up and waited for about 10 minutes to get to the single diesel bowser.  Everyone else left about 8.10am.

Dianne and Bill stopped about 20 kms from Overlander for morning tea .  Contact with the rest of the main group was made at about 85kms south of Denham.  The main group went into Hamelin Pools to see the Stromatolites and arranged to meet Bill and Dianne at Shell Beach where we all had lunch and a walk down to the beach, the ocean was azure blue.  The flies were very friendly too!!

We couldn’t get into Monkey Mia caravan park but managed to get into Denham Seaside Tourist Village with 4 sites next to each other.  After we had all set up we headed off to see Monkey Mia – not what I (Dianne) had expected. A little disappointed (no dolphins and too commercialised). Back to Denham and did a cooks tour of 4 x windmills and the town.  At one corner we had to wait 5 minutes for an old lady and her dog to cross the road. Country towns, old WOMEN and dogs!  When we arrived back at the caravan park it was beer o’clock and nibblies time.  Dinner was BBQ except for #6 who had enough with drinks and nibbles. That’s when we all retired to our own campers/van for the remainder of the evening. Bruce and John were seen fixing a  2way aerial on #5’s Sahara.

Tomorrow is an exciting day as Carlene and Lesley will join the safari and #6 sadly retire from WS 8. #6 appreciates the tireless efforts of Bruce and John in planning this sojourn north and encouraging us to venture beyond our usual limits. Life is where comfort zones are exceeded and we’ve been encouraged to test them and been enriched by the experience. Thank you for inviting us to participate and we hope to be able to participate more fully in the future. #6 wishes WS 8 the very best for the remainder of the journey.  Another adventure awaits us for the journey home without the support of and encouragement of the northern bound adventurers.

God bless, we’ll be thinking of you and wishing we were there. Dianne & Billy T.

 

Day 6 - Saturday 14th May -396kms.

On the road today at 7.30am.

Left Shark Bay heading for Carnarvon. It was windy in Shark Bay. Using the NWC Highway making our way to Carnarvon. During the week in Denham there had been a fishing competition which was capped off with an auction and music, which we could hear in the caravan park and fireworks on the bay.

The last couple of days the sky has been cloudy and hazy almost like it’s going to rain but didn’t. We said goodbye to Dianne and Billy T, they were going to make their way slowly home. It started to rain on the way to Carnarvon. Morning tea at Wooramel Roadhouse…..124 kms to Carnarvon….off to the airport to pick up Lesley and Carlene. Now we are seven.

 

Booked into Coral Coast Caravan Park, a site with an ensuite, complete with pink frogs.  As it was still quite wet and raining on and off, we unhooked and went for a drive around town.  Lunch in a local shopping centre and some shopping to stock up, Johnny made an excellent decision to buy an electric kettle which paid for itself many times over during the trip.  Still raining, so a drive out to the harbour then we found a local footy game, sat in our vehicles, tooting at goals.  Carl found her friend’s son, who is a local reporter, and organised to have coffee with him the next day.   Cath and Harry continued to tour the town and were waiting for us back at camp.  Rain stopped, set up camp, tents outside the ensuites which led to gross sound effects when the men took showers, how can they do that?  Meatballs and spaghetti for tea, cooked in the camp kitchen, what luxury. Early to bed. 

 

Day 7 - Sunday 15th May - 40kms.

In the morning the boys and Harry & Cath caught up with their laundry.  We talk about how many nights in Coral Bay, decided on one.  Bruce rang to book ahead for Coral Bay and Exmouth.  Use of a mobile phone while away can, on occasion, be useful.

Into Carnarvon for coffee at Noodle Café, met up with Carl’s friend Brian Oliver, had a nice long chat with him.  Drove out to find a place for dinner suggested by Brian.  Harbourside Café.  Then around to Chinaman’s Pool and across the Gascoyne River which must be a magnificent sight when full.  A tour of the plantations, a look at the storm damage, lots of crops damaged and lots and lots of dirt washed away.  The clean up was evident but still ongoing, everything is now so lush and green.  Lunch at a very pretty place called River Gums Café, situated by the river and a lovely spot.

Later we visited One Mile Jetty, built in 1897, and took a ride out on the Coffee Pot Train.  The train does not travel all the way to the end because a fire has made the jetty unsafe for it.  A walk around the Railway Station Museum and climb the Water Tower.

Back to camp for a wash and brush-up, then out to dinner.  Seafood, best fish ever, very nice.

Home to bed. How many pink frogs (Little Red Tree Frog?) can you fit in a toilet bowl and under the seat?  There must have been at least a dozen.  More on the walls.

 

 

Day 8 - Monday 16th May - 247kms.

Up early, break camp.  Off to meet Julie & Danny at the airport.  Now there are nine.  They arrive half an hour late!  A quick Cook’s tour of Carnarvon and the plantations for Danny who was born there and we are on our way to Coral Bay.  A P stop for morning tea, Carl and Billy bought up big at the bakery at Carnarvon.  238k from Carnarvon to Coral Bay.  Booked into three un-powered sites at Bayview Caravan park, very full, lots of young people and every kind of van, tent or camper.  Lunch DIY in caravan park then off for a swim in Coral Bay.  Beautiful white beach, silky warm water.  Feeding the fish attracted lots of people to the water's edge.  Showers and a walk to the pub for a schooner or three.  BBQ tea back at camp.  Discussions around the table as to our itinerary, stay longer at Exmouth to swim with the Whale Sharks, need to be in Karratha Friday to visit Woodside visitors centre.  Washing up in the camp kitchen I asked one of the campers what the writing on his T-shirt meant, it was in German.  Well, did he ever talk, about his travels around Australia as a waiter and service you get in different restaurants.  The T-shirt said, all for one, one for all.  A German musketeer. Back at camp there was a great deal of silliness from all, resulting in Johnny winning the bet.

 

Day 9 - Tuesday 17th May - 158kms.

 Pack up camp before two hour cruise on glass-bottom boat.  Bruce, Johnny, Julie, Danny, Carl & Lesley are for the cruise, Billy, Harry & Cath stay behind.  Two young girls are our skipper and guide for the two hour cruise.  Ningaloo Reef is Australia’s only ‘fringing reef’ and it starts right at the water’s edge.  So it didn’t take long for us to be floating over the amazing coral.  After a while the anchor was let out and those wishing to snorkel got ready to dive.  The snorkels and flippers were provided by the tour operators.  There were two opportunities to dive in separate locations and those that swam made the most of it.  Carl took the opportunity to cuddle a young couple’s baby, Noni, while they went in for a swim.  She, the baby,  slept all the way through.

Back on dry land we joined the others for lunch at the bakery before setting out for the 150k drive to Exmouth.  Booked into Exmouth Cape Caravan Park.  3 powered sites.  Good facilities.  Did some shopping .  Truly awesome hamburgers for tea.

 

Day 10 - Wednesday 18th May - 230kms.

 First stop Exmouth Dive Shop to book the ‘Swim with the Whale Sharks’ tour for tomorrow.  We drive around to the marina and make reservations for dinner at the Novotel.  A short trip to Shothole Canyon where some random people took a random photo of Carl and one of their group, randomly.  On to Charles Knife Gorge and the Learmonth weather radar.  Back to camp for lunch then around the North West Cape, past the Naval Communication Station Harold E Holt, which Johnny was involved in the building of, then stopping at Vlamingh Head Lighthouse.  The binoculars came out to look at the rigs out at sea.  Further around the cape we stopped at the Jurabi Interpretive Turtle Centre, went for a wander on the beach and shopped in the Milyering Visitors Centre.

Back to camp to get ‘dressed’ for dinner.  The food was good, you couldn’t have found better company but the service was atrocious. 

 

 

Day 11 - Thursday 19th May - 00kms.

 Everyone up early, including me after a ‘Psst, are you awake Les?’ at 5.30am from Billy who had given me his car keys the night before, then in the morning realised he needed them.  How could you sleep with the racket they were making anyway.  All eager to be off to the Whale Sharks tour.  Carl and I stayed home.  We spent the morning doing mountains of washing then we hit the shops!  All twelve of them!  We pottered around, bought the makings of dinner, explored the newsagents and had coffee.  Finding a cooked chook was not easy, but we did discover a new apple variety that does not brown!  Back to camp for lunch and to fetch in the washing.  We spent hours folding it neatly as we knew Bruce had standards we had to meet. 

Start preparing dinner when everyone arrived home, exhausted and exhilarated, full of the day's events. 

Dinner turned out to be the same as lunch, oh well.  We presented Bruce and Johnny with gifts we had purchased with the $20 Johnny won.  A squeaky Whale Shark for their dashboard, just in case they didn’t see any and a yo-yo each, to keep their hands occupied.  Bruce is, of course, an expert.  The Whale Shark’s squeaks became the radio check for the rest of the trip.

 

Up early Cath & Harry, Billy, John, Bruce, Danny and I are off on a Whale Shark cruise.   After collecting our Telly Tubby suits and Daffy Duck feet we are bussed to the collection point.  Transfer over to the big boat and we all play dress ups on our way out to the first snorkelling hole.  Our skipper anchors 60m from the reef and there is a reasonable current and quite a hard swim to get to it and back.  A few of us think “Bloody hell if that’s what the rest of the day is going to be like we won’t last the distance”.  Thankfully this does not prove to be the case.

We motor around while the spotter plane does its stuff and are not successful for a while, but it’s a beautiful day and we’ve got food!  Our skipper talks to another boat that has a Whale Shark and they are happy for us to come and share.  So the engines are fired up and it feels like we are off on the race.  Instructions galore are given out and we are broken up into 2 groups, a maximum of 10 people on any whale at one time, no closer than 3m from the sides, 4m from the tail, not allowed over or under the  Whale Shark.

We assemble at the back of the boat, all looking FABULOUS and its “go go go” and into the water to swim away fast from the boat following our leader (Not Bruce.. the other one.)

Then this AMAZING 5m long beast comes upon you with its mouth slightly open that seems to be a metre and half wide and you feel just awed, your heart races and it starts to pass by and you see the size of it, it is SO fantastic.  We swim along side of it and there are all these tiny little fishes swimming right at the Whale Shark’s mouth almost like they are leading the way and then underneath the belly are long sucker fish just cruising along with the Whale Shark, all of them in harmony with each other and now also with us.

Our leader calls a halt to our swim so that the next group can take over for their turn, we return to the boat and everyone is so excited and happy.  Then it's on again and we quickly kit up and “go go go”.  Now we are experienced and we take in more with our second dive, cameras are out and confidence is building and it’s still SO awesome.  Then back on board, some food is shared and it’s on again.  In all we get 5 dives and each one feels unique.  You can’t be that close to something that big, beautiful, calm and not feel totally blessed and privileged to have seen it.  A truly amazing experience.

We have a great lunch on board and then we are taken to a nice reef area for a snorkel.  The water is stunning with lots of interesting fish and then I came upon a turtle approx 2 ½ feet across its shell just munching away on the sea floor.  He was not at all perturbed by our presence.  Then a Dugong is spotted and a few of us swim along with him.  He actually swam a lot faster than the Whale Shark; it was great to have that opportunity.  Back onto the boat and return to shore.  All are happy, all are tired. 

On our way back to town our guide gives some info about the Communication Towers.  There are 13 of them numbered from 0 -12, they don’t use the number 13 because of superstition.  The towers are the highest structures in the southern hemisphere, higher actually than the “Eiffel Tower’ and “The Empire State Building”.  There are 5 such bases in the world and are used for communication with submarines in particular but also other ships.  Just recently with the death of Bin Laden there has been noticeable increased activity with the Federal Police on and around the base.  She told us that up until 9/11 the Bowling Alley, swimming pool, baseball diamond and several other buildings were still being used and shared with the local people.  They now sit empty.  On the base itself they still drive on the right hand side of the road.

Tower 0 building is a 5 storeys high concrete structure "all wood" inside and there was something like 14km of cabling connected to the towers.

We return to camp to all our washing having been done by Carlene and Lesley and to a superbly prepared and presented dinner of cold meats and salads, the potato and pumpkin salad was a particular favourite, complete with candle, wine and entertainment in the form of a yoyo demo by Bruce.  The two girls had spent the day exploring shops and doing the chores which earned Lesley a proposal of marriage by the man in the next door caravan.

 

 

Day 12 - Friday  20th May - 590kms.

 Off to Pt Samson, a long day in the car, nearly 600k.  Morning tea is on the side of the road then the first photo stop is the Ashburton River to stretch legs and buy lollies.  Next is lunch at a parking bay, flies galore.  Billy puts up the awning for shade.  Billy’s vehicle trades Carl for Johnny for the rest of the trip.  We stop at Robe River then the Fortescue for photos.  There’s a Telstra relay at Fortescue so the phones come out. 

We arrive at Cove Caravan Park, Pt Samson late in the afternoon.  Pretty place, nice caravan park, small bays, cosy.  Nice facilities.  BBQ for tea.  Footy on the TV in the rec room.  After dinner a special treat, Johnny played his guitar and sang for us.  The one about a sleeping bag was popular.  The neighbours and kids came to listen too. 

 

 

Day 13 - Saturday 21st May - 230kms.

 A beautiful day.  The hammering in the night turned into some sort of rig in the bay that definitely wasn’t there the night before.  After a late start we drive around the harbour and through Wickham, everything very green.  On to Cossack, a historic town site.  Cossack was a really great surprise.  There were really beautiful stone buildings and an excellent Court House with Museum attached. The first port in the North West and first used by Europeans in 1863.  We spent some time exploring the town and the restored original buildings.  We drove around Roebourne and then went shopping in Karratha.  A very busy place, like Carousel at Christmas and it was apparently a quiet day!  Coffee first.  We immediately lost Bruce, who had become immersed in his phone.  Then groceries, which led to a great deal of discussion on what to buy, even though we had lists.  Really, there are people who just should not shop together!  Fun, though.   Billy’s vehicle has a red flag, on leaving the shopping centre, he says just look for the red flag.  There was a forest of them.

Next a tour of the town and a visit to the visitor centre.  Here we watched a safety incursion video regarding travelling on the Rio Tinto private road, glad I wasn’t driving, and the drivers sign up to get permits to travel on the road. 

We head for Dampier and make a stop at the information bay to take photos of the monument to the infamous ‘Red Dog’.  A local identity and known of Australia wide.   We carry on through Dampier to Hearson’s Cove, a shell beach, then backtrack and stop to look for some Aboriginal Art in amongst the Spinifex, didn’t manage to find it though.  We look at some gas thing and stop at Woodside Visitors Centre which is unfortunately closed.  Lots to look at on the outside including a sculpture honouring the workers who lost their lives or were seriously injured on the North West Shelf Project. The sculpture is an amazing work of art.  At the base of the sculpture were some Sturt’s Desert Pea in flower, we took some traditional photos of that.  Back to camp.  There was great excitement from Bruce when Julie noticed his old trailer parked over the road from the caravan park. It still has the Walliston Safari sticker on it.  What are the chances of it being one street from us??  Dinner at the local tavern, fish for all but Carl.  Very nice.  We’re sitting around talking back at camp, some go and watch the footy again, when an itinerate lady comes and tells us off for making too much noise!  Some of us join said lady to go and look at the full moon over the water.  A beautiful sight, Pt Samson’s own staircase to the moon.  Except Bruce is talking Pilbara infrastructure and expansion projects with a couple of random men we meet.

 

 

Day 14 - Sunday 22nd May - 270kms.

 Up early to pack up in time to pick up Dennis at Karratha airport.  There is some confusion as to whether we have enough milk which lasts for the rest of the trip.  As we leave we spot the new owners of Bruce’s trailer getting ready to leave also.  So we all pile out and take lots of photos of his old trailer, as if we don’t have enough already!  Bruce helps jump start their Landrover and gives handy hints as to which key is which and how to shut the back door on the trailer.  Billy’s lot go on to the airport to get Dennis and the others go to fuel up at a truck stop.  Dennis arrives on time and we meet up with the rest at the truck stop.  Now there are ten.  Here Cath & Harry announce, much to our disappointment, that they are heading back to Perth to attend to some unforseen family commitments. Less two makes eight.  We will miss them.

We make our way to Millstream Chichester National Park, following the railway.  What a change in the scenery!  We are driving along and suddenly there are rolling hills, vistas, and panoramic views covered in green Spinifex.  Absolutely stunning. We are heading to Mill Stream and come across our first Iron Ore train, the first of 4 we will see today.  They are so long.  We do an amazing drive out to Python Pool.  It would have to be one of the most amazing pieces of road; it literally snakes in and out of the most beautiful scenery and vistas.  The countryside is alive with colour.  We have decided that a new name of colour is required for this area called Gree-ed.  We arrive at the parking area to Python Pool and take a short walk along a stony track into a lovely area where there is a pool of water surrounded by a high rock wall. We are hopeful for a swim here, but the water wasn’t too inviting.  Very picturesque though, the waterfall would be a sight to see.  We carry on towards our camp for the night at Crossing Pool.  Our first bush camp.  We quickly call into Millstream Homestead and then find our camp by the river, a lovely spot.  A few people are already there.  Lots of white Corellas in the trees.  30 million mozzies in the long drop loos.  We set up camp, have lunch and Danny has a swim in the Fortescue River.

Sightseeing for the afternoon.  The views from Mt Herbert lookout went on forever.  Millstream Homestead is very well kept and the Homestead Trail is a very pretty walk.  At Deep Cliff, which overlooks the Fortescue River, Dennis tries his hand at tossing stones in the water.  Deep Reach, very serene, allows us to dangle our toes in the water.  Back to camp and a beautiful sunset over the river.  BBQ  for tea with pudding and custard.  Life is so tough in the bush!!  Move away from the camp lights and the sky is a canopy of amazing stars.

 

Day 15 - Monday 23rd May - 240kms.

 Pack up and on our way to Hamersley Gorge via the Rio Tinto access road.  We stop for morning tea by the railway track and there is a great excitement when a train comes past.  What is it with boys and trains? 

Dennis guides us to the top of the world!  Mt Lois, 820m above sea level, that’s 2690 feet, a place that might be ‘worth a look’ proves to be a bit of an understatement.  We go up the side of this mountain on a rock covered road and the gasps are audible all round.  It is REALLY steep in spots but not quite as bad as “Branco’s Look Out” on El Questro.  The view of the ranges all around is just incredible; we soak it all in – how awesome it is.  There is telephone coverage and calls are made and received in a very unique location.  This prompted Billy’s hilarious rendition of ‘On the Phone again’ to the tune of ‘On the road again’.  Although the cause of the laughter is oblivious because he’s on the phone again. Then it is time for the scary trip back down and a different view of beauty.  It makes you so proud that this is our land.  Really brings it home how vast this state really is.

We carry on to Hamersley Gorge, where the rock formations are fascinating.  Lunch with a side order of flies then we descend into the Gorge.  Some dive into the cold rock pool at the bottom and I tread, barefoot, on the tiniest drop of water and Carline just has time to say “careful Lesley it’s sssss” and I slip and fall and

BREAK MY BLOODY WRIST!

and end up in the pool.  This causes some excitement and a problem getting me out again as I don’t swim well and the rocks were very slippery!  Everyone was amazing, they all jumped into action, fished me out, wrapped me up, let me sit and swear for a while then got me back to the car.  Bruce, once again my Knight in Shining Armour, led the charge to Tom Price hospital, about an hour away.  Carl (don’t know what I would do without her) and I were deposited at the hospital while the rest went to find somewhere to camp for the night.  Then x-rays - wait for the doctor - broken it good and proper - nice drugs which make you forget - set it - plaster - stay overnight.   Carl goes and joins the rest at Tom Price Tourist Park.  Chinese for dinner, cooked by Masterchef Julie.

 

 

Day 16 - Tuesday 24th May -  30kms.

 My day goes as follows: Wake at some ridiculous hour and watch the weather forecast on SBS as they play a recording of the Royal Wedding!  Carl and Billy come to get me - then the Doctor comes to let me out but – finger and thumb numb, Billy goes, Carl, stays – replace plaster – x-ray again – wait for doctor – Billy & Bruce come to see what’s happening, they’ve been on a mine tour ((at 10am we go on a Mine tour which is very informative and great to see.  We learn that the trains have 230 wagons each and they send out 4 full trains each day with a cargo of approx $5.2 million per trip x 365 days a year – now do the math – and that is just 28% of what gets shipped from WA!!!!)) – break has moved – try again, third time lucky, B&B and Carl go – more nice drugs – reset – replace plaster – x-ray – wait some more – SUCCESS!  Cinderella gets to go to the ball. 

The gang are on top of Mt Nameless,(( so we pick Carl up and then we go up Mt Nameless which is 1128m high.  The view on the way up and at the top is amazing again.  To one side there is beautiful untouched land and to the other side we overlook Tom Price and we can see all the mined area, which also has a beauty to it.  Bruce gets a text from ‘Cinderella” saying she is allowed home, so its down the mountain and off to the hospital to collect her and back to camp with our plastered Lesley))   everyone comes to pick me up.  Back to camp where it has been decided to stay until Friday, making day trips instead of moving each day.  This works out well as it saves breaking and setting up camp every day and everything that we want to see is within driving distance.  Variations are good. 

Bruce & Billy cook up the Spanish Mackerel that Rosco gave them earlier in the trip for entrée.  Then leftover Chinese for dinner.  As it’s quite chilly we all sit in Bruce & Johnny’s camper to eat.  Very cosy.  So good to be carrying on with the trip. 

 

 

Day 17 - Wednesday 25th May -  254kms.

 Very overcast day.  I get to ride in Bruce’s new vehicle, all day.  First we stop in town to buy lunch, coffees and apparently we need milk.  First stop is morning tea at Mt Bruce, WA’s second highest mountain.  I don’t know who got the biggest fright when I found a gecko hiding in the loo roll in the toilet.  Mt Bruce has a lookout over the Marandoo mine, a satellite mine of Tom Price where the tour took place yesterday.  There is a spur rail linking to the main train track to the coast.  We drive into Karijini.  The Visitors Centre is an amazing structure in its self.  It is built of high sheets of weathered steel to mimic the steep walls of the gorges and the design of the building represents a running goanna.  (Looked that up on the net).  Inside there are interactive displays telling of the history of the area.  Bought some souvenirs, then continued on to Dales Gorge.  Lunch in the car park is shared with the flies.  A walk to the lookout shows a stunning view of Circular Pool then Bruce, Dennis, Julie & Danny descend into Dales Gorge.  Johnny & Billy move the vehicles to the other end and while those at the bottom walk end to end Carl & I walk along the top of the gorge, taking lots of photos.  Billy meets us part way then we climb down to Fortescue Falls to wait for the others, while Johnny waits up top.  We all join up and carry on through the fig and paperbark trees to Fern Pool, we are rewarded with a very picturesque setting.  Perfect for swimming and relaxing under the waterfalls.  Walking back to the climb up to the top, there is ochre in the rocks, incredibly old fig trees and bats in the treetops.  We make our way back to camp via the ‘long way’, a gravel road connecting to the gorges at the western end of the National Park.

 

 

Day 18 - Thursday 26th May  - 219kms.

 A lazy breakfast then back to Karijini, pausing to take a photo of what Billy insists is an air-conditioned bus stop.  Morning tea stop at Memorial Hill, a place where locals have written inscriptions to their lost loved ones on rocks and built cairns with them (the rocks).  We carry on to have a look at the Eco-Retreat then on to Weano Gorge.  Bruce gets the map out and explains his plan for the day.  We go first to the Junction Pool lookout over Hancock Gorge, which is 100 metres deep.  Then to Oxer Lookout over an uplifted seabed.  Both have amazing views.  Lunch back at the car park.  Down into the very pretty Weano Gorge in the hope getting down to Handrail Pool, but it’s a class five walk and a bit too tricky.  Bruce finds more wriggly things in the water that splash.  Back to the top.  Around to Hancock Gorge where the intrepid explorers, Julie, Danny, Bruce, Dennis & Billy climb down into the depths to approach Handrail Pool from the other end.  They return exhilarated (and tired).  Julie’s ‘take every opportunity’ credo leads us to many incredible places.  Next the lookout at Joffre to view the staggered waterfall, the Corellas clinging to the sides and people who look like tiny dolls climbing down the other side.  Last stop Knox Gorge lookout and then back to camp. 

Those of us who are leaving tomorrow have to pack as much as possible because we have to be in Paraburdoo by 8.15am.  Dinner at the Single Men’s Quarters, buffet. Bottle of white wine served in a ice bucket $11.20 & Corona's $3.20 with lemon.

 

 

Day 19 -Friday 27th May - 336kms.

 Up before the dawn, got to be on the road early.  Much rather stay in bed.  We make it in plenty of time to the airport at Paraburdoo.  Sad goodbyes and thankyou’s, see you soon’s.    Too soon we (Danny, Julie, Lesley, Carl & Dennis) are heading into the departure lounge, thought they were going to strip Danny the amount of times they sent him back through the scanner, then they made me take the rocks out of my bag.  Luckily the guys were waiting to watch us take off, so I get another round of hugs, I’ll have to remember that rock trick for another time. 

What an adventure we had, amazing places, excellent company, what more could you want.

 

Three Musketeers for final leg.

 Shop Paraburdoo and late breakfast, fuel up.  Back on gravel to Ashburton River for smoko/lunch.  Collected some rocks for Chicky Babe.  Met up with 2 car loads of backpack tourists.  Carried on and made stop for photos at white abandoned Euclid dump truck. The gravel road is good but extremely dusty. Next stop, camp for the night.  Magnificent site looking through valley to various hills and below "John’s Knob", more photos.  Collected wood for our 1^st camp fire, great!  Beers and a red for Billy & Bruce with spag/bol.  John, polished off a bottle of Rosé – sorry Lesley.  New dunny christened by all, some twice.  Have to take a book next time as everyone commented how comfortable it was.  Good night's sleep.

 

 

Day 20 - Saturday 28th May - 222kms.

 Good brekkie and finished packing for next move towards Mt Augustus, hit the road around 9am, road’s not the best in places – some good.  Smoko stop in dry river bed.  No wildlife to see, fairly uneventful, except we came across one vehicle, so stopped and had a chat.  After Pingandy Road turn off we encountered a lot of dips and dry creek crossings. After Dooly Downs Homestead the Rock, Mt Augustus started to appear, as we got closer you could see that, unlike Ayers Rock, Mt Augustus is mostly covered in scrub and trees, as we get closer it is getting bigger and bigger, it is a BIG rock ! Arrived 1.30ish, set up camp and had lunch.  Did whirlwind circumference of the rock – 50ks.  Stopped at all the points of interest, made a beeline for the Emu Lookout, cracked our first Corona for the day and surveyed the vast miles of hills and valleys as the sun slowly set behind us and highlighted the colours of the rock in front of us..  Bruce walked up the rise and disturbed a roo, our first taste of animal wildlife for some time.  Back to Mt Augustus camp for more beer.  Showers and then lamb steaks, carrots and peas for dinner.  A bottle of red to cap it off.  John was suffering all day with a bout of Lesley’s Rosé hangover from the previous night.  What’s that I hear you say, “Poetic Justice”.

Bed early, ready for tomorrow.

 

 

Day  21 - Sunday 29thMay - 270kms

 4am awake Bugger!  A long night!

Breakfast crumpets ‘wholemeal’ thanks, Lesley.  Bruce to fuel up before we leave.  One more P.O.I. to look at on our way out and down to Landor.  Dishes to do – Thermos’s to fill and trailers to pack before we leave.  Time now 20 to 8. 1^st stop is a small tree grove at the base of the Rock.  Not a lot to see.  On the phone again/road again. 42k’s south of Mt Augustus to Burringurrah Community.  Bog lap around town and 5k’s to gnamma hole on road side for smoko stop.  Cup of T/coffee, piece of cake, some scotch fingers and that’s morning T done.  Gee we do it tough.  Moving right along.  Lunch stop, Bilung Pool.  Ground too hard for camp site so will go down road to see if we can find a better place with firewood and not so many F*N’N FLIES.  Another 50k’s or so off into the bush around a lake and between another, twin lakes.  Set up camp. Bruce repaired puncture in new trailer tyre, Tec screw probably off the road in the Aboriginal Community as we drove around dodging glass etc.  4pm beer o’clock,  Steak & salad for dinner.  We’ve plenty of firewood, Dennis would be proud of us. The highlight of our trip today is a sighting of a very healthy looking Dingo crossing the road.

The site of our camp tonight is just south of a historical 19^th well site on Hooley Stock Route.  Good camp fire watching the sunset.  Cooked on the camp BBQ, steak & salad, superb.  Nice red or two, sat around fire ‘till the wood ran out.

 

 

Day 22  - Monday 30th May - 544kms.

 6am start today.  For brekkie, toast & cereal, cup of tea.

Clouds rolling in, doesn’t look good.  On the road again (good title for a song).  Heading south for Murchison Settlement, rain starting to pour down.  Harry & Cath must have known what we were in for.  Arrived Murchison covered in mud after some muddy detours.  I (Bill) had a slight altercation with a tree after lost traction at around 30kph and went for a wild slide which was stopped by the tree.  Bent bull bar, broken light etc. With help of some workers we pulled it out with Bruce’s snatch strap so I had steering and the wheel didn’t rub on bent bar etc.  We managed to turn around eventually after slipping and sliding in the mud and growing 4 inches.  The tyres on trailer and car were 2 inches taller and no tread.  After having hamburger lunch/morning tea we had to turn back 15k’s as the road to Mullewa was closed.  Detour across via Butchers Track  to N/W Coastal Highway and down to Geraldton for night.  Checked into All Season’s Motel for a scrub to get rid of some of the mud.  The usual evening motel restaurant dinner, cupla beers and nice red and off to bed.  It’s our final night on the road for this trip.

 

 

Day 23 - Tuesday 31st May - 413kms.

 A slow start to the day, with breakfast in the restaurant, then we hit the road for our last day. Home a day early. We travel reluctantly south and into more rain. I suppose it is washing some of the mud from our vehicles and trailers. Cataby becomes a late morning tea/early lunch stop. Lost track of the time, I think we arrived home about 1.30pm.

 

It has been another eventful trip with a lot of highs and a couple of lows.  Lesley will have  pins put in her broken wrist, hopefully she will then be "good as new" and my car can be mended in plenty of time for the September Murchison Safari.

 

 The COAST & PILBARA

Endless miles of pristine white beaches interspaced with limestone headlands and the odd coastal town with an old jetty. Turquoise and deep blue waters are encountered when going offshore.

At this time of the year green spinifex covers the ironstone hills. The ancient Pilbara landscape turns from green to yellow to orange and then red with the last vestages of sunlight. It is a tug of war between light and colour that unfolds daily. Treacle top ironstone ranges, spinifex plains, spectacular gorges and refreshing waterholes greet you at every turn in the track.

All is well in the great outdoors.  See ya there.

 "" is it - the journey - the destination - or both""

  

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email 6 august 2011

WALLISTON  Safari  8....  May,  2011.

COAST & PILBARA

Hi Folks


Our website is now complete for Safari ..8. Please look at and hopefully enjoy our adventures of The Coast & Pilbara. There are quite a few photos but I think you will find it interesting to look at when combining with the story in the daily diary. Many thanks to all those that have contributed.

Bruce ...of the Coast & Pilbara
6th August 2011
M: 0408 924 868

 "" it is - both - the journey - and the destination  ""

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