Macleod Roadside stop.

June 4. Day 33.

Macleod Roadside stop, near Carnarvon.

0800/1700. 600 KM.

A big day’s drive.

Headed out from Millstream for Pannawonica, a Rio Tinto mining town. This was the last section of gravel for the trip, exactly 100 kms. I had a bit of competition at the only fuel bowser. The Variety Bash , a fundraiser drive of over 100 vehicles was en-route from Geraldton to Darwin, heading for Pt Hedland. Entry cars must be in the classic category, that is, 25 years old or more. Luckily they all wanted unleaded petrol and the LandCruiser is a diesel. They were all having a ball, whilst raising substantial funds for the RFDS.

After about 50 kms heading west thru some rather scenic countryside had me arriving at the Robe River mine site just off the side of the NW Coastal Hwy. This is one of the early iron ore mines in the Pilbara, small by comparision to todays modern mines of the likes of Fortescue Metals Group and Gina Hancock.

A rather routine afternoons driving of about 450 kms had me pulling into the Macleod Roadside stop, about 30 Km north of Carnarvon, at sunset.

The WA Main Roads Department have installed a significant number of roadside stops throughout the state, particularly north of Perth. They consist generally of a sealed or gravelled area, with hybrid toilets and usually a covered area or two, sometimes with a fire pit. No showers. And no charge. Very convenient at times. As was this one was for me. Albeit Macleods did not have a toilet, somewhat unusual. Rather disappointing was the sight of scattered toilet paper in the adjacent shrubbery. Consequentially I would not plan to stay there again.

Some reheated leftovers, a cup of tea, and an early turn-in.Read more