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Around Oz 2023-24

An open-ended adventure by Tanya Read more

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Day 80
Friday, August 4, 2023 at 2:20 PM
⛅ 28 °C
Altitude: 255 m
Australia Karratha -21.606667, 117.10666721°36’24” S 117°6’24” E
Deep Reach
August 4, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
@ Millsteam Chichester NP
Enjoyed an afternoon dip at this beautiful spot on Fortescue River.
WA national parks really do an excellent job. Great picnic area, gas BBQs, excellent walking track, spotless loos. Plus a exceptionally swimming area with steps and rails for us oldies. Will definitely be have a few more swims while we are here.Read more
TravelerI’d like to go there 😃
8/17/23Reply
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Day 80
Friday, August 4, 2023 at 11:59 AM
☀️ 27 °C
Altitude: 277 m
Australia Karratha -21.57, 117.05521°34’12” S 117°3’18” E
Snappy Gum Dve
August 4, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C
@ Millstream Chichester NP.
Went out this morning to do the Snappy Gum Drive. Unfortunately about half the drive was closed due to flood damage.
We did get as far as where the Fortescue River crosses. The pipes in one of the photos is water from Harding Dam that supplies water to towns in the Karatha area.
You can see were the water comes up to in the floods by the debris wrapped around the trees.
We also spotted a pretty Velvet Scurf-pea growing in the areaRead more
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Day 79
Thursday, August 3, 2023 at 1:59 PM
☁️ 26 °C
Altitude: 309 m
Australia Howletts Creek -21.623333, 117.1321°37’24” S 117°7’48” E
Pilbara Flora P2
August 3, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C
These flowers are around our campsite (Miliyanha Campgrounds) @ Millsteam Chichester NP.

* Silky Batchelors Buttons.
* Warty Apple Bush. Has an apple smell.
* unknown
* Yellow Hibiscus
* Desert Velvet Firebush
* Sticky Senna
* Tassel Top
* Weeping Mulla Mulla
* unknownRead more
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Day 79
Thursday, August 3, 2023 at 12:32 PM
Altitude: 134 m
-21.128333, 117.00166721°7’42” S 117°0’6” E
Pilbara Flora P1
August 3, 2023
These flowers were all photographed on the Tom Price Karratha Rd. We had stopped at a pull in area for a cuppa and lunch.

* Hook-Seed Sida
*Tall Mulla Mulla
* unidentified 😪. This exquisite flower was tiny. Smaller than my little fingernail
* Stuart Dessert Pea. These were growing all along the road side.
* Sticky-Leaved Goodebia.
* Two-Nerved Wattle. Named for the 2 prominent veins in the leaf.
* Rough Bluebell.
We have one of these at our current camp site. It is visited by a Carpenter Bee 🐝. Trust me when I tell you it's huge. They are 15 - 24 mm.Read more
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Day 78
Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at 2:11 PM
⛅ 30 °C
Altitude: 38 m
Australia Jim Well -20.976667, 117.38833320°58’36” S 117°23’18” E
Kialrah Pool (Jones River)
August 2, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C
We are relaxing by Kialrah Pool ( Jones River) WA. About 34k NW from Roebourne.
Another amazing free camp...found it on Wikicamps.

Nothing like waterfront camping for free.
TravelerSo many beautiful free camping spots 👏🏼👏🏼
8/5/23Reply
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Day 77
Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at 5:39 PM
⛅ 27 °C
Altitude: 37 m
Australia Herbert Parker Rest Area -20.7, 118.29833320°42’0” S 118°17’54” E
Yule River
August 1, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C
Free camping tonight south of Port Headland. Another beaut camp. Had a little mishap, Graham keep driving up the track alongside the dry river bed. Looking for the perfect camp. Reached trees growing close to the track. I commented we will not fit through there. It turns out I was right. Trying to back out without wiping out a part of the van or car proved tricky. I was running from side to side...front to back making sure we were clear. Lucky others trying to come the same way saw our problem and helped. Was much easier with people to watch all sides while Graham backed out.

Stopped at Port Headland for supplies. Has not improved since we were here last. If anything it's even more ugly. I think it's the only place we have been to I truly dislike. All in all not our best day. But ended nicely with steaks on the fire for yummy steak burgers. Tomorrow will bring new adventures.Read more
TravelerLucky there were nice people there to help. 💖
8/5/23Reply
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Day 76
Monday, July 31, 2023 at 12:28 PM
☀️ 30 °C
Altitude: 189 m
Australia Marble Bar -21.171667, 119.76833321°10’18” S 119°46’6” E
Marble Bar
July 31, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C
Marble Bar is known as the hottest town in Australia. Thankfully we had a pleasant day.
We were amazed to see a beautiful stone building in town it reminded us of South Australia. It was built in 1897. Currently houses the police, court, information center and a museum.
The Ironclad hotel built in the 1890 is another interesting building. We popped in for a cold drink. And a look around.
The lookout at the water tower gives you a great view of the town and surrounding areas. The drive up is a bit rough but worth it.
Out of town the Chinamans pool has some great bird life. Plus a grassy picnic area. Marble Bar pool has a great reef of Jasper. If you continue out to the Jasper Deposit you can take samples. Wetting the rock brings out it's full range of colours.
We enjoyed exploring Marble Bar. It's a lovely little very well kept town with some very interesting history and scenery.Read more
What a wonderful trip. Our granddaughter started working at a cattle station in the NT. First warning was waterhole nearby with a 4 metre croc in it. Mustering in a helicopter and on a motor bike and wake ups at 4.45am. Your photos are excellent. Take care. [Denise]
8/1/23Reply
TravelerLove the building the police station is in 🤩
8/2/23Reply
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Day 76
Monday, July 31, 2023 at 11:09 AM
☀️ 28 °C
Altitude: 185 m
Australia Marble Bar -21.171667, 119.74666721°10’18” S 119°44’48” E
Marble Bar flora & fauna
July 31, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C
Was lovely to see some of the native shrubs just breaking out into bloom in the area.
Stunning Stuart Dessert Peas growing along the main street.
*Wickham's Grevilla
*Wrinkled Indigo
*Stobbs Goodenia.
*Shrubby Lamb Poison.
and *Pink Eyes were all spotted on the Jasper Deposit Rd.
The *Many-leaves Petalosrylis was spotted driving out from Chinamans pool.
* All flowers are my best guess from my newly aquired book. Having a great time trying to figure them out as there are some that are very similar.
Trainning Graham to stop on command while I jump out for photos 😆

Some very tame Galahs let me get close for a photo at the park in town.
It was lovely to see our first pair of Black Swans at Chinamans pool.Read more
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Day 75
Sunday, July 30, 2023 at 5:22 PM
☀️ 27 °C
Altitude: 128 m
Australia Port Hedland -20.925, 119.78520°55’30” S 119°47’6” E
Zebra Finches @ Doolean Gorge
July 30, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C
Had an adorable little family of Zebra Finches drop in just as the sun was going down. Such cheerful little birds.
TravelerTiny little darlings 💖💖
8/2/23Reply
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Day 75
Sunday, July 30, 2023 at 4:48 PM
☀️ 29 °C
Altitude: 128 m
Australia Port Hedland -20.925, 119.78520°55’30” S 119°47’6” E
Corellas @ Doolean Gorge
July 30, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C
Over a hundred Corellas dropped in for a visit this afternoon. Where drink at the waterhole and gradually moved closer and closer to our camp. Some of them were having a wonderful time rolling in the dust.Read more
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Day 75
Sunday, July 30, 2023 at 4:33 PM
☀️ 29 °C
Altitude: 124 m
Australia Port Hedland -20.925, 119.78666720°55’30” S 119°47’12” E
Doolean Gorge near Marble Bar
July 30, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C
Wow...what an amazing free camp. Thank Wikicamps...would not even known it was here. So signs on the road.

Stunning red hills, a lovely gorge, beautiful gums and some great birds.
We also saw our first ever wild camels on the way in today 🐪

Will leave the van here and go into Marble Bar tomorrow. Check out the pub and hopeful have a nice lunch.

Big tick ✔ for visiting Mable Bar. Another place on our list that we haven't been to before. So pleased we have, just to stay at this great camp spot.Read more
TravelerCan’t believe how spectacular that spot is. Amazing 🤩
8/2/23Reply
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Day 75
Sunday, July 30, 2023 at 7:28 AM
🌬 18 °C
Altitude: 17 m
Australia Myadee Spring -20.078333, 119.77333320°4’42” S 119°46’24” E
Broome to Port Headland
July 30, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 18 °C
Currently doing the 600k drive from Broome to Port Headland. Not the most exciting stretch of road we have driven. Have been working on a granny Squares crochet jumper that I started on this trip between my turns to drive. Packed all my odd balls of 8ply to use up.

Ducked into Broome for shopping, water and fuel. Then back on the road. I think we have both been living off the grid to long, we were glad to leave the traffic and people behind.
More free camping. Our first night was at Goldwire Rest Area, lots of nice shade spots here. Then on to the Afghan Well Camp, one of those spots you need Wikicamps to find. Didn't find any well. But a ok little place to pull off for the night. Graham whipped up his signature spag bol for dinner. So I got the night off.

There was two roadhouses to pick up fuel on this road. The Sandfire and Pardoo. The Pardoo has closed down. We should have enough fuel from our fill up at Sandfire, but filled the spare Jerry can as well. Can duck into Port Headland if needs be to top up.

Will be turning off to head out to Marble Bar just before Port Headland.Read more
TravelerThat crocheting is coming also brilliantly 👏👏
8/2/23Reply
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Day 72
Thursday, July 27, 2023 at 11:42 AM
☀️ 27 °C
Altitude: 33 m
Australia Broome -17.654943, 123.25466217°39’18” S 123°15’17” E
Nillibubbica Rest Area
July 27, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C
Another night another free camp. This time a 24hr rest stop. Starting to get crowded. Have been invited to evening drinks around the fire. So will stroll over shortly.

We be heading into Broome to do a restock. Then heading south. Had originally planned to stay in Broome for a night or 2. The car and van need a good clean. Plus get some other jobs done. Graham was very shocked to find there was no vacancies for about 2 weeks, one place had nothing to September. He didn't believe me when I told him we probably wouldn't get anything.
No great loss we have been there before and nothing we wanted to do again.Read more
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Day 71
Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at 3:06 PM
☀️ 27 °C
Altitude: 87 m
Australia Annettes Bore -17.93, 124.78517°55’48” S 124°47’6” E
Ellendale Lagoon
July 26, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C
Another great free camp site tonight. Heading south west from Fitzroy Crossing.
Made a new friend. She seems to like to welcome new arrivals. I have a sneaking suspicion that she cons campers out of food.Read more
TravelerOh she’s so sweet. That’s another pretty spot 💖
7/28/23Reply
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Day 71
Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at 9:04 AM
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 237 m
Australia Casey Falls -18.723333, 126.0718°43’24” S 126°4’12” E
Mimbi Caves
July 26, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
An early start this morning. We were on the 8am tour at Mimbi Caves up the road from last night's camp at Ngumban Cliffs.

The tour was lead be Ronnie a fascinating aboringinal elder. We were welcomed with a smoking ceremony and tales of the blue tongue lizard and the mudlark. As well as stories rich in local culture. The German Lutheran ministry also played a part in the history of the area. With an old rock building built by them for shelter. Plus a chess set they used on show. The caves themselves were very rocky and in places a little difficult to navigate. But we were rewarded with some stunning views where the sun broke through and illuminated the pools of water inside.
We were offered billy tea and damper as well as my stories and songs but Ronnie.
All in all an interesting morning.Read more
TravelerI’d love to go there. 🥰
7/28/23Reply
TravelerWow that looks stunning!
7/29/23Reply
TravelerWas a really interesting tour.
7/31/23Reply
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Day 70
Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at 5:09 PM
☀️ 21 °C
Altitude: 293 m
Australia Halls Creek -18.75, 126.10833318°45’0” S 126°6’30” E
Ngumban Cliff
July 25, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C
Another fantastic free camp. We have camped here before. I think on our first trip to WA. We were treated to an amazing sight. As the sun set a harvest moon came up behind us. I have never seen this before or since. Was truly special.

Has been incredible windy the last couple of days. Thankfully it has died down now. Dust blowing everywhere. Our trusty van tows like a champ. Don't feel the slightest moment when the wind gusts hit.Read more
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Day 69
Monday, July 24, 2023 at 3:44 PM
🌬 21 °C
Altitude: 257 m
Australia Janet Creek -18.725, 126.8718°43’30” S 126°52’12” E
Mary Pond WA
July 24, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 21 °C
Still heading down the Great Northern Hwy.
Free camping tonight at Mary Pond. What a great place. Heaps of room. Loos and a dump point.
Had some very nice beef cattle as neighbours.
The Mary River is lovely. Great to drop a line on one side of the old causeway and rock pools on the other.
Has been a cool, windy day. Have been snuggled up in the van resting after our big walking day yesterday at the Bungle Bungles.Read more
TravelerThat looks beautiful. 💖💖
7/28/23Reply
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Day 68
Sunday, July 23, 2023 at 7:05 PM
🌙 15 °C
Altitude: 294 m
Australia Halls Creek -17.433541, 127.98777117°26’1” S 127°59’16” E
Bungle Bungles WA
July 23, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 15 °C
We pulled into Spring Creek free camp yesterday just before lunch. Have to get in early to get a decent spot...gets very crowded. Only place to camp and leave your van for a day trip in at the moment.
Left the van a Spring Creek today to do the 53k drive into the Bungle Bungles. It can take up to 2 hrs to do the drive in. With lots of creek crossings...which we love. Plus the track is winding, hilly, corrugated ... which we don't love. For 4wd high clearance vehicles only. Only single axle towable units.

We traveled in and camped for 3 nights I think about 8 yrs ago. Had our tent and left our camper locked down at the Halls Creek Van Park. So had more time to explore. Was bitterly cold at night.
You will be looking at doing about 200k driving to cover the park properly. All on dirt roads with corrugation and creek crossing.
We spent a full day there today. Have a great time revisiting old favorites.
Walked almost 20k today. Our biggest walking day yet. Left when the sun was coming up, drove out as the sun was going down...will sleep well tonight 😴

PS... There was a really unusual gravilla. Don't think I have every seen this one before anywhere.Read more
Traveler😮 20 klms! You two are legends. 👏🏼👏🏼
7/28/23Reply
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Day 68
Sunday, July 23, 2023 at 6:45 PM
🌙 15 °C
Altitude: 294 m
Australia Halls Creek -17.433578, 127.98777217°26’1” S 127°59’16” E
Echidna Chasm
July 23, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 15 °C
Our last adventure for the our day at the Bungle Bungles was Echidna Chasm. The walk in through the dry creek bed is lined with palm. But very rocky underfoot and very uneven. The best time of day to visit is around midday when sun shine straight down making the chasm glow. We were lucky to see this on our first visit. But with time constraints this time we missed it. Still worth the walk in to visit.Read more
TravelerStunning 🤩
7/28/23Reply
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Day 68
Sunday, July 23, 2023 at 6:22 PM
🌙 16 °C
Altitude: 294 m
Australia Halls Creek -17.433493, 127.98787317°26’1” S 127°59’16” E
Cathedral Gorge
July 23, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 16 °C
Following the trail among the Beehive leads you Cathedral Gorge. A iconic natural amphitheatre. There is water there. I remember there being more water when we visited about 8 yrs ago. I thought we had a swim there. But could be wrong.Read more
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Day 68
Sunday, July 23, 2023 at 6:13 PM
🌙 16 °C
Altitude: 293 m
Australia Halls Creek -17.433429, 127.98788117°26’0” S 127°59’16” E
The Beehive Domes
July 23, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 16 °C
The Bungle Bungles are famous for the magnificent grey and orange banded domes. Known as the Beehive Domes.
The domes are made of sandstone deposited approx 360 million years ago.
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Day 68
Sunday, July 23, 2023 at 11:03 AM
🌬 21 °C
Altitude: 261 m
Australia Halls Creek -17.488333, 128.38333317°29’18” S 128°22’60” E
Piccaninny Creek Lookout Walk
July 23, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 21 °C
We walked as far as the Piccaninny Creek Lookout. A great view over the valley to the domes. Was busy looking at the view and tripped over a rock. No damage to me, but put a bend in my hiking stick😂.
I do love the dome that looks like a face.Read more
TravelerI love that too. So special. Glad you didn’t hurt yourself. The hiking sticks sound like a great idea👍🏼
7/28/23Reply
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Day 66
Friday, July 21, 2023 at 4:58 PM
☀️ 26 °C
Altitude: 150 m
Australia Wilson River -16.796667, 128.2816°47’48” S 128°16’48” E
(Bow River) Desmonds Parking Bay
July 21, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C
On the road again...heading down the Great Northern Hwy toward Broome.

Free camping again tonight, add for the next few days. The finches have been keeping us amused this afternoon. Graham has our little fire going to cook dinner. Barra, potatoes baked in foil and salad YUM.Read more
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Day 66
Friday, July 21, 2023 at 8:41 AM
☀️ 26 °C
Altitude: 15 m
Australia Joorook Ngami Community -15.486667, 128.12333315°29’12” S 128°7’24” E
Wyndham
July 21, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C
We have had a fantastic time in Wyndham. So much to see and do.
Stayed at the local van park. Best host ever. Lovely neat clean park with everything you could want.

Had some off road adventures. See the places we visited in extra posts on Wyndham.

The big croc was a must do photo shoot. Visited the stunning Warriu Dreamtime Statues. The biggest Boab in captivity. Ripped into croc pies for breakfast this morning. Checked out the amazingly good fishing jetty...didn't go fishing. Picked up some local barra to pop on the fire for tonight's dinner.

Did we like Wyndham...You bet we did 😉Read more
TravelerWhat an interesting looking town 💖
7/28/23Reply
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Day 65
Thursday, July 20, 2023 at 6:20 PM
🌙 25 °C
Altitude: 6 m
Australia Warraya Community -15.480875, 128.11509415°28’51” S 128°6’54” E
Marlgu Billabong Conservation Park Wyndh
July 20, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 25 °C
Marlgu Billabong is a short distance from Telegraph Hill and sits on the edge of the Ord River floodplain. The billabong and surrounding area attracts thousands of water birds. Over 160 species of birds have been recorded here, including migratory birds from the northern hemisphere.

We enjoyed doing some bird spotting. Was a bit envious of the pros with their expensive cameras and lenses. But still pleased with the job my phone did. Apparently lots of crocs here, but didn't spot any.Read more
TravelerStunning bird life 💖
7/28/23Reply
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