Leaving Port Headland we were headed to Karijini NP. Before going into Karijini we turned off and drove out to the abandoned ex-asbestos mining town of Wittenoom where we found out that 3 people still live here. The blue asbestos mine nearby started in 1943 and the town of Wittenoom was then built in 1947. The mine was shut down in 1966 due to being not profitable enough and growing health concerns. It is an eerie feeling driving through what is left of the streets and looking at all the abandoned buildings. We then drove out to Wittenoom Gorge and camped overnight next to a waterhole it was just beautiful. People from local towns come out here camping all the time because of the peace and quiet.
Wittenoom
Karijini National Park is in the Hamersley Range in the heart of the Pilara. It is ruggedly beautiful with the cliffs and the gorges and the tree lined water courses.
We camped at Dales Gorge for a couple of nights to explore this magical area.
Looking down into the Dales Gorge and over Fortescue Falls is spectacular. There are quite a few stairs to climb down but is well worth it.
Kev and I wanted to hike the stoney track along water course from Fortescue Falls to Circular pool. We had the best time winding our way through the Gorge climbing over rocks and across the water ways on stepping stones and looking up at the sheer cliffs. Amazing !!
Ending up at Cicular Pool (below) where some people were enjoying a refreshing swim. We decided to hike back to the Falls for a swim and a cool off and enjoy it all again.
We really enjoyed our visit to Karijini.
Back to the coast and on to Point Samson for a few days at The Cove Holiday Village. This is a beautiful Park with a swimming pool and friendly staff. The boat ramp is not far away so the boat came off the roof and into the water pretty much straight away. We found the fishing really good here and around some of the small islands close by.
Kev with his Cobia.
Double hookup Trevally.
Jarman Island
Jarman Island is not far off shore and has an old Lighthouse and the ruins of the light keepers quarters. I really wanted to have a look at this place so the next day Kev and I went over in the tinny. The door to the Lighthouse was open and we climbed the small spiral staircase 50 meters to the top, it was very hot inside. We had found out that the quarters housed 2 light keepers as the lighthouse lamp had to be wound up every 2 hours.
Cossack
The historical Town of Cossack is only a short drive from Point Samson. You can see the remnants of this old town and imagine what it may have been like 130 years ago. Some buildings have been beautifully restored and are really worth a look.
Red Dog
After travelling down the West Coast of Australia through many small towns it was a suprise to come into Karratha with its multi story buildings. Karratha is a mining city built in the late 1960 s to serve the many industrial projects in the Area such as Pilbara Iron and Dampier Salt etc. The infrastructure around this place is massive. Driving out to Dampier 20 klms away we came across the statue of Red Dog. Red Dog had many names and owners over his life time of travelling the WA’s north. They have made a very touching movie about this dogs life on the road. Great story.
