Pardoo Station stay

Pardoo Station is about 110km north of Port Hedland which was a nice morning drive for us and of course a stop on the way for coffee at De Grey River, another popular free camp spot. We had stayed at De Grey previously but decided to try Pardoo Station this time.

Pardoo office and reception with a few essentials if needed.

Pardoo Station has 150 grassed powered sites with water and plenty of ablution blocks. The camping area also has a reasonably equiped shop, bowling green and swiming pool, what else could you ask for?

The sign on the bowling green says "Coffin Dodgers Bowling Club"

The pool, a bit chilly when you first get in!

Our site, green grass a bonus as do all the 150 sites.

We decided to stay for a week and just enjoy the warmer weather as we had been travelling since Adelaide and not stayed in one place for more than a couple of days, partly to do with the cool/cold weather.

We missed many beach sunsets while having sunset drinks with fellow campers.

Finally made it to Red Point for a sunset!

At Red Point as the sunsets over the mud flats

At low tide you can walk out at least 1km before you get to the water.

A little hermit crab making his way up the rock to his home for the night.

One of the many Shell Urchin Fossils that could be found when the tide was out.

Many come to Pardoo to fish, some stay for many months to enjoy the fishing and the climate, we were lucky enough to be offered some mullet by one of the couples which we really enjoyed.  You can either fish at Banningarra Creek about 18km from the camp or Pardoo Creek just 5km.

Barringarra Creek about 18 km from the camping ground.

This stingray got the boot back into the water.

A popular fishing spot on the Barringarra Creek

Enjoyed our stay at Pardoo, another on the list to return! 

Karijini National Park

Karijini National Park set in the Hamersley Range in the heart of the Pilbra, is one of my favourite places in Australia. It was great to revisit some of the gorges and appreciate the spectacular scenery. Karijinj is WA second largest National Park, approx 627,000 hectares and offers breathtaking gorges and stoney tree-lined water courses.

After coffee at Oxer Lookout we ventured down to walk Weano gorge to Handrail pool. What more can I say but enjoy the photos.

Oxer Junction Pool Lookout 

First obstacle was this water crossing - we watched with interest as the backpacker group waded to the other side.

Had to cling to the rock wall to avoid falling into the neck deep water - we did witness a few slip in!

A few trees in the wider part of the gorge

Gorge narrows as we go further in towards Handrail Pool

Foot placement was critical as we transversed the slippery rocks

Handrail Pool

Handrail Pool - note handrail on right hand side of photo which guides you down the rocks to the pool level.

Helen having a rest - note the white legs!!

Helen was not alone while resting - this little fella blended nicely into the rocks.

Circular Pool from the Lookout - Dales Gorge

Looking across Dales Gorge

Fortesque Falls - Dales Gorge

The next day we travelled past Wittenoom, a ghost town where asbestosis was originally mined and closed in 1966, to Hamersley Gorge. This gorge has magnificent colours and in some areas the rock appears wave like.

Scenery as we approach Hamersley Gorge

Having coffee overlooking the gorge - need caffeine before venturing down into the gorge!

Colours in the rocks and looking down on a pool

Half way down the steps into Hamersley Gorge

In the gorge

At the top of the gorge looking back at Spa Pool - unfortunately access to this pool is restricted

Beautiful spot in Hamersley Gorge