Onslow

Next stop from Carnavon was Minilya Bridge Roadhouse. Two free camps here, south, the first one you come to was full. So we drove over the river to north of the river, and there was heaps of free spaces. Setting up camp for the night, we appreciated the peace and quiet of the area, with a distant sounds of traffic on the Highway. 

We’re only planning to spend one day here, but the forecast predicted strong winds for the next day, not ideal for travelling, so we stayed an extra night, and took off the next day, heading for Barradale. 

Along the way we passed two signs. The first welcomed us to The Pilbara Region. The second said Tropic of Capricorn.  

Barradale used to be the  Yannarie Roadhouse but according to shire records, it burned down in 2012 and hasn’t been replaced. Judging by the free camp area there, it was a goldmine. Enough space for around over 100 caravans, motor homes buses and roof top tents.  I think the ground would be too hard for tents to be erected, but anything is possible. We stayed for 2 days – a great stay without camping on top of your neighbours. 

Next stop Onslow.

Found the Caravan Park easily enough, right on the waterfront, cool breezes during the day, and no quilts on the bed at night. Well kept park, fantastic facilities, but awkward to reverse into your allotted space. 

Tried to go out to see the site of the old Onslow, moved because a cyclone damaged most of the buildings in 1925, and rather than rebuild a new jetty, and new infrastructure, they decided to rebuild the town 2kms south west to a more sheltered site.

Well that went well, not!  We suffered bad, no horrendous corrugations for 21 kms, with a further 20 to go, so decided to turn around and go back to do more sightseeing in the surrounding areas. 

Next stop to view The Port, where they build the new jetty. Nope!  Got there and the welcoming signs almost told us we’d be shot if we proceed further!  Not quite, but we got the message. It was only for the trucks and ore, produced in the mines about 5 kms away. They had a specially built dual Highway for them. 

Next we went to take pics of the salt mine.  Yes they have one, and if any of you misbehave, I’ll have you sent to the salt mine! Great shots of the piles of salt, and of the raised conveyor belt used to send the salt to the ships.

Further up the waterfront from the caravan park, there is a fantastic ANZAC Memorial Park, overlooking the water. Well thought out and beautifully done. There is also a memorial plaque for the commemoration of 50 years of the first British Nuclear test on the Montebello Islands some 70 kms off the shore.

There is also gardens and surrounds are beautiful. Well worth the visit.

In the other direction on the foreshore is the statue of 5 dogs as cameramen. ‘The Paparazzi Dogs,’ were designed by artist Gillie & Marc. At Onslow, at certain times you can see both the sunrise and sunset, and, ‘The Stairway to the Moon’. The Dogs have their cameras ready for one of the spectacular events of the world.

That folks are the only positive things in the town. Two service stations for fuel. One says pump 4and 3 are not in service, the other pump says pump 1 and 2 not working, go to pump 4!!!!  The other service station for fuel was closed, but you can use the machine to pay for and get your fuel. But it will not issue a receipt. Next.

We took a trip along to the launching jetties, past the hospital, Euro cars rental offices, the Shire’s department of works, another caravan park and some chalets. As Bug Bunny said, ‘That’s All, Folks.’

However, I did miss out one feature. The local pub. Went there for dinner one night. A large menu, and we chose fish and chips with salad, and a garlic prawns.  Let’s start with the garlic prawns. 7 prawns in a mild garlic sauce, rice and salad. 

The fish and chips: 2 pieces of battered fish, chips were the size of a large box of chips, salad was a large salad, enough for one person’s dinner alone with nothing else. 

Great food, the place was pumping and staff were almost running, delivering drinks and food to the tables, and then clearing them as soon as they passed any empty plates or used glasses.  Couldn’t fault them, smiles on their faces, and the placed was packed, no wonder.

We were there for two days, and left to go to Nanuyarra Road house for fuel, and then on to a free camp up the road. A day trip of some 120 kms. Far enough for one day, having a rest in the quiet spot, lovely breeze blowing through the windows.

Off to Paraburdoo tomorrow, where we’ll do a bit of shopping, and get some water. Even though we filled the tanks at Onslow, we will still have to top them up at every opportunity as water is more valuable than gold up here.