Monday 7 August 2023 to Friday 11 August 2023
Having driven into Meekatharra from Peace Gorge on Monday morning to enquire as to the possibility of a wheel alignment, we had no joy on that front, even from the tyre retailer, however, another service station manager in Meekatharra suggested two locations in Newman.
Back to the camp to hitch up and we were on our way northbound. Stopped for fuel at the Kumarina Roadhouse and bumped into Russell and Denice from the BOG. They were heading south before going to the Muster. Our journey took us past numerous ranges, such as the Robinson, Collier and Lofty Ranges and passed the Little Sandy Desert, crossed the Tropic of Capricorn and into the Pilbara region before reaching Newman.
There was no room at the Inn that night (Newman Tourist Park), however we booked the next three, and headed to a free camp just out of town for the night. Returning the following morning we left the van at our van park site and took Henri to a pre-booked mechanic to get the equivalent of a NSW pink slip. These aren’t required in WA, SA, Tas or Qld. Normally costing $36 in NSW, WA had to do a full mechanical inspection costing $211. No wonder WA is a wealthy state.
After the all-day inspection we checked on the three tyre places in Newman. Two didn’t do wheel alignments and the third was closed for stocktake. I rang first thing next morning and managed to book in for two days later.
In the meantime we did a tour of BHP Billiton’s Mt Whaleback Iron Ore Mine. A fascinating excursion we’d recommend to anyone. On our final night, BOGGERS Tassie Pete and Jenni arrived, enabling us to catch up over a drink in the late afternoon. Tour over, Henri registered and wheels pointing correctly, oh and a windscreen chip repaired, we headed out of Newman the following day further into the oresome (awesome) Pilbara. An amazing landscape of deep red and near black soils and rocks dotted with spinifex.
A short drive of just 88km took us to a free camp at Wanna Munna Gorge. It had 5 stars on Wikicamps so must be good. The 2km drive off the main road was a goat track that left Carol unnerved, so she walked the last 500m. It was a beautiful peaceful location, and a registered Aboriginal art location, though there wasn’t a great deal to see in the Gorge. Carol found the return trip along the goat track next morning more palatable as she knew what to expect. Henri and Blake enjoyed that part immensely.
Ore being tipped into the primary crusher; One of five, 110,000L water carts keeping the dust at bay; Ore being blended to meet client specifications.
Amazing photo’s. Those trucks are enormous.