Karratha

After a slow start leaving Port Hedland due to a tyre replacement on the caravan, we made our way towards Karratha. Once again the roads became long, straight and devoid of changes. As we neared Karratha some small rocky hills greeted us to keep us interested.

We took a turn off the main road at Roebourne which is an historic village. This was apparently the first town to be settled in the north west Pilbara region. It had some very old stone buildings and seems that there is quite a bit of pride in the history. Just out to the coast from there is an abandoned village callaed Cossack. This was set up as a pearling town as the europeans discovered a lot of the locals with pearlshell necklaces. Once again the settlers pretty much enslaved the indigenous guys and forced them to dive for the oysters. There were a few stories of the divers not coming back to surface after drowning or shark attacks. Back in the 90's the government took over the town and a lot spent on renovating the buildings. The courthouse building is spectacular and fully open to browse the historical artefacts on show.

After a coffee and milkshake from the cafe we drove the last 40km to Karratha where we managed to secure one night at the camp. Unfortunately we can't stay any longer so tried at the nearby Dampier camp with no luck. So with that we took in the large Dampier harbour and the Rio Tinto iron ore ships. Another massive port with trains and conveyors and loading areas. Plus a lot of salt flats to export that as well.

Along the road that we have taken from Kunanarra to Karratha we have seen two cyclists travelling along. Each time we remark at how fit and crazy they must be to do some of the longest and most boring roads. Tonight we met them in the camp. A father and son from Perth. They have completed their journey and will fly home tomorrow. Quite an amazing feat . They carry up to 40 litres of water each day to get them through the intense heat. The guy did remark at how some days how hard it was with nothing to focus on. No hills, bends in the road etc.

After a refreshing swim at the camp (refreshing means it was a lot cooler than our last swims at cable beach) we retired to replan the next couple of weeks. WA is still really busy with travellers and due to covid a lot of west australians are staying in the state to holiday. Then there are all the other australians who have the privilege of staying away from their covid states and exteding their holiday.Read more