First day of Winter in Oz. No worries in the Pilbara at a comfortable 31 degrees. Cool and very omfortable here in the evening in Karratha too.

After an early exit from Exmouth, we did have a very uneventful drive to Karratha. The roads were all very good and well maintained and while there were quite a number of slow vehicles and caravan-towing tourists on the way, many straight and long roads eased the passing process. Saw many road trains heading south but did not have to pass any on our 560 km journey.

One we arrived in Karratha, apart from being most impressed by the modern and organised amenity of Karratha, my TP was most delighted to visit quite a marvellous craft shop here. Yes, even I was impressed.

Later on before sunset, we did venture down to Dampier, the adjacent port town where all the local salt, iron ore, gas and oil are exported from. Sadly, we could not get close access to the port as a very secure operation, but it was apparent that a great deal of exports leave from this site. We also had the opportunity to see the large north-west shelf gas processing plant, from a distance only, as pictured below. There is also a picture of several ships in the port of Dampier.

Dampier certainly appears to be the industrial hub of the region while Karratha some 20 km to the east  is the very modern, neat and well-organised town that likely houses and supports so many of the workers from the very significant mining operations in the Pilbara and offshore on the north-west shelf. Fortescue, Rio Tinto, BHP, Woodside, and other transnational companies like Chevron are active corporations in this district.

As for the Pilbara, it was so interesting observing the changing terrain and vegetation along our journey today, with both of us commenting on how appealing the changes were. We referenced some individuals who refer to that throwaway line of there being nothing between Carnarvon and Karratha. Well we would disagree, although beauty and appeal is in the eye of the beholder.

Finally, for those thinking of venturing to these parts, so many people rave about the Karajini National Park just east of Tom Price, and if planning our itinerary again, this would have been an inclusion. Apparently well worth a visit, although it is very isolated unless you are travelling to the Pilbara. For us, maybe next time, however, soon living in the Sunshine Coast, it would be close to one of the furthest destinations away in Australia. That is why it it is still special I guess and not yet too spoilt.

Onward to Eighty Mile Beach tomorrow and Broome by Monday. Take care one and all.

Apologies for the dirty windscreen shots but a small sample of being on the road today.