Karratha
While staying in Port Hedland we headed down to Karratha for a day. On the way to Karratha we stopped at Roeburne. We were thinking of having a look at the old jail, but it was sadly closed on Tuesdays. Heading on from Roeburne, we had a stop at the Karratha Visitor information centre. The visitor information centre was really good, and recommended several places to visit. We also planned to visit the shopping centre (not everyone's favourite suggestion).
We first headed out to Dampier, and saw the Karratha processing plant for the North West Shelf Gas Project. A big place, and apparently important, but that doesn't change the fact that it is a blight on the landscape. We saw pictures of the 3 platforms that are offshore, pumping all the gas, and learnt about the ships that transport all the LNG gas.
We the went down to Hearson's Cove, which was a beautiful swimming spot with crystal clear water, and plenty of little fish around. We got the snorkelling gear out, and started to practice for when we headed down to Exmouth and snorkel in that wonderful area. We also visited Deep Gorge
We had some lunch after shopping, and then we headed out to Point Samson. On the way to Point Samson, we had a detour out to Cossack, an old heritage town. We took the drive out to the lookout, and saw some stunning views of of the ocean. That's what we like about the oceans up here, you can actually swim in them without being in danger of being eaten (although stingers still).
What is it about oceans that look so inviting, and you can't swim there without the threat of being attacked by a big saltie?
What is it about oceans that look so inviting, and you can't swim there without the threat of being attacked by a big saltie?
At Pointt Samson, we had a swim at Honeymoon cove, and Joel had a good fish, no fish though. Chloe and Tahlia built a few sandcastles and a dam, which soon ended up stranded halfway up the beach.
We were there for about an hour, and the tide had dropped so much that it was at least 3m up to the dam Chloe built, which originally was just out of reach of the water(no frantically building to protect from waves here-the funnest part).
We then had some lovely dinner at the Point Samson Tavern, and Josh got to drive home, the driving hours slowly adding up. We arrived home salty, tired, and needing a shower.
We were there for about an hour, and the tide had dropped so much that it was at least 3m up to the dam Chloe built, which originally was just out of reach of the water(no frantically building to protect from waves here-the funnest part).
We then had some lovely dinner at the Point Samson Tavern, and Josh got to drive home, the driving hours slowly adding up. We arrived home salty, tired, and needing a shower.
From the Outback to the Ocean, we have it all
"250km E of Port Hedland, 550km NE of Exmouth"
General Introduction: Karratha is a mining town, right on the Pilbara Coast. The waters around here are beautiful, with crystal clear water and white sandy beaches. With a population of around 25,000, Karratha has plenty of shops and eating-out places. There is also Dampier, Point Samsom, Wickham and Roeburne nearby to explore.
Places to visit:
Karrathat Visitor Information Centre: Lot 4548 De Witt Rd, Karratha
Ph: 08 9144 4600
North West Shelf Gas Project Visitor Information Centre: Burrup Peninsula Rd, 20km N of Karratha. PH: 08 9158 8292
We all enjoyed learning about the LNG process that happens in the gas plant. We watched a video that showed all the platforms that do all the drilling offshore. We also read quite a bit about Red Dog, which was really interesting.
Hearson's Cove: Hearson Cove Rd
This was a great beach, with lovely clear waters and white sand, contrasting with the red soil around perfectly. The water was a lovely temperature, perfect for a swim when it wasn't too cool outside.
Deep Gorge:
This was a fascinating place, with lots of aboriginal rock art around. We didn;t at first realise where the track was, but we just headed up the gorge, which is where the track goes anyway. A must see if you like aboriginal rock art.
Honeymoon Cove: Honeymoon Rd
The girls really enjoyed playing on this sandy beach. Joel had a fish, while I had a swim. The tide was dropping when we were there, and the girls sandcastles were soon stranded halfway up the beach.
Cossack: Cossack Rd
This was an interesting old town, with the old stone buildings meticulously restored. We also went up to the Settlers lookout, which offered great views.
Family Eating Out:
Samson Beach Tavern: Bartley Ct, Point Samson
This was a great tavern, with lovely views up and over the ocean. The food was nice, and the service was good.