Newman to Perth in 12 hours

Work up at 4:30AM, after camping on the lawn of a very noisy and busy caravan park in Newman. Found a sign on the toilet door asking for anyone who sees a snake to report it (see below). Glad that we did not find any in our tents in the morning, as it was a very cold night and they might have liked to share our covers.

Well, the final big push saw us traveling for 12 hours from Newman to Perth (1,200 kilometres). Lots of interesting and very, very large pieces on mining machinery being moved on the roads which required us to pull off to let them pass as they took up both lanes and in some cases, much of the road shoulder as well.

 All smiles on the way home.

Driving and sleeping in shifts.

Once in Perth, unloading the car and unpacking was a real adventure. Lots of clothes washing to do.  Then we had to spend hours cleaning the Outlander. It must have had 5 pounds of Pilbara bugs stuck to the bumper, windscreen and back of the side mirrors, 10 pounds of red powdery Kimberley dust on the floor mats, in the seats and in every crease and crevice,  half a pound of broken sea shells stuck to the rear cargo matt, a dozen broken mints and a few assorted nuts and nibblies under and between the seats,  
and fine beach sand everywhere. Can only imagine what the engine air filter must look like.

And so concludes an absolutely amazing expedition. We saw so many incredible sights, met so many wonderful people, and shared so many great experiences. I will be doing one final post with better quality photos from the trip which I was not able to upload during the travels due to lack of both time, and good internet connectively. Be sure to check back for the final photos. Thank you for your interest in following this blog.

Yours truly,
The expedition team.

Historic town of Cue

Love these old buildings in the former mining town of Cue.

Wildflowers of the GASCOYNE

Gorgeous pink and purple wildflowers along the way.

GASCOYNE region

Just crossed the GASCOYNE river and entering the GASCOYNE region. Drove through the edge of Collier Ramge National Park, however it is not sign posted. Only discovered it on the road map. The range is very noticeable from the road but there is no access from the east side of the park.

Beautiful tiny ground cover with pink flowers along the side of the road.

6AM start out of Newman

Had a fun experience.last night in the mining town of Newman. Lucky enough to be allowed to camp on a lawn section in the public area next to the camp kitchen in a caravan park as the park was chocker block (full). Mine workers have taken over the caravan parks due to the mining boom in WA.

Makes it hard for tourists to find accommodation. Same competing for pubs and restaurants. The first pub we stopped at to get a meal was full if yellow safety vested burly men, who kindly offered us to share their jugs of beer if we'd stay ( Cyd, Lee and myself being the only women in that pub).

We politely declined due to being too tired to engage in lively banter and found a restaurant. However our meal took way to long to arrive as we were told they were having "kitchen issues. "

The sun rising and casting lovely warm light on the golden dry spinifex makes for an amazing site as it contrasts with the rust red soil.

In Newman

900 Km s done! Camping in Newman tonight. It is a mining town.

Lamb burgers at Macca's

For the north Americans following this blog. We stopped in South Newman so Cyd and Steve could try a MacDonalds lamb burger. Aussies call MacDonalds Macca's

Pardoo Roadhouse

Everything is big in the Pilbara

Have just left the Kimberley Region and are back tracking through the Pilbara Region.

Sandfire Roadhouse

Left Barn Hill at 7:45 and heading to Newman for the night. Will be putting on about 1,200 Kim's today.

Sat evening at Barn Hill station caravan park

Slight change of plans for the night due to a bush fire closing the road in to Broome . Got here at dusk and set up camp in the dark. Looking forward to seeing the beach in the early morning light.

Running out the food stocks and had an amazing pasta and left overs mixture.

The caravan park looks to be quite full. It is rustic, but has a lawn bowling green which indicates that there are lots of seniors who patronise the park on long term stays.

Surprisingly there is a Telstra signal.

The blokes are listening to the AFL game of Fremantle playing Jelong. On the Prado's radio.