Karratha and Surrounds

Like most mornings, we started with a run while the girls snoozed. From the caravan park, we explored the nearby hills that overlook Karratha and Nickol Bay. Without a map, we followed our instincts and found ourselves on the Yaburara Heritage Trail. 

We didn't have time to do the whole trail, instead we made our way up to the Trig point (129m above sea level) and then on to Double View which provides a 360° panorama. From there we headed along before following a small trail down a distinctive ridge, where we came across a great kangaroo petroglyph. At the bottom we joined the main road which took us back to the IGA where we picked up croissants(!) for breakfast.

As we arrived back at the caravan park just after 8am, we saw Ella streaking across our path. Last night, Katy and Ella were invited by a gang of kids to playing spotlight. It seems the same group of kids woke our girls for an early game of chasey before they left for Exmouth.

Post breakfast, we decided on a swim at Honeymoon Cove was on top of the list. Located at Point Samson, 45km north, we finished listening to Nancy Wake on the way there.

Honeymoon Cove, a small sheltered beach was a great place to splash around. We had a short stop in Point Samson, long enough to devour hot chips for lunch. On the way back to Karratha, we dropped into the Yinjaa-Barni Art Centre.

This dilapidated house provides the space for a collective of Aboriginal artists who predominantly belong to the Yinjibarndi language group and whose ancestral homelands surround the Fortescue River and Millstream Tablelands. Trying to find the entry was tricky - it was around the side with the door opening up straight into the artists work space. Five aboriginal women were busy painting. The gallery was located in the heart of the house, with the canvases of different sizes laying on various tables. We flicked through noticing the different styles but unfortunately were unable to find a piece suitable for us.

Back in Karratha, we visited the town centre and only mall looking new books. Both girls were at a loose end having finished theirs. Ella has discovered she likes Patrica Cornwall, having devoured 6 books on this trip.

Dinner tonight was pot luck involving a walk to Dreamers Hill. Essentially Dreamers Hill, is a gravel carpark located on the corner opposite the IGA. It's a place for mobile traders to come and sell their food. Tonight there were three vans - The Fat Buddha (Thai), BBQ Brazilian and Fish'n'chips. Andy and I were pleased with The Fat Buddha while the girls snubbed their noses at all these choices. Instead they went over to the fantastic IGA which had a massive range of prepared food. Katy bought chicken salad and Ella sushi! The wait for the Thai was long and we still had to walk the 1.5km back to the caravan park but it was sooo delicious.