Pilbara Coast

Port Headland Saltworks

Discovering the resources of the Pilbara Coast was fascinating for the girls.

Driving into Port Headland first we saw the salt works, a huge mountain of salt and Kate was not impressed when she saw the bulldozer on top of the salt mountain “that’s disgusting, we have to eat that salt” but we further explained that it is yet to be processed before consumption.  

Watching the Iron Ore loading into the ships

Then over the rail bridge to see the trains bringing the Iron Ore in to be loaded onto the ships.  Emma counted 122 iron ore carriages on one of the trains. Next stop to the port to see how they load the Iron Ore onto the ships. The Iron Ore is place on a fully enclosed conveyer belt which travels out to the ship and poured into the ships holding containers.  A massive operation.



Historic town of Cossack



Further down the cost we called into the historic town of Cossack to learn about life here in the 1800’s. Cossack started with the pearling industry until it slowed and pearling moved further north to Broome. Cossack was also used for its port facilities until a port was built to accomodate larger ships at Point Samson. So by 1950 the population had moved on. Only a few of the original buildings are still standing which you are free to explore. 

Dampier Peninsula

Dampier  is a beautiful place, where do I start. We had a wonderful time exploring this area. The coastline is just gorgeous white sand, turquoise coloured water and the rusty red boulders of the Dampier Peninsula are what give this destination its beauty.

Sam's castle

We were lucky to have calm weather here and put the boat in to explore the waterways.  Just a kilometre offshore was Sam’s Island, a wonderful story to learn about. In 1965 Sam first paddled out to the island on a couple of 44 gallon drums and spent three days and fell in love with the island, he then built a castle and lived there until he passed away in 2005. After obtaining a permit from the Dampier library we were free to explore his castle and island.

Sam's Island

Having fun with their new boogie boards

We had some fun fishing, catching and releasing  a few coral trout and estuary cod.

The girls were busting to use their boogie boards and as there are no waves in Dampier they had a ride behind the boat. It felt weird be able to put the boat in and jump overboard for a swim after being surrounded by crocodile waters for so long.

Salt loading port

Iron Ore loading port



Woodside gas loading port


And of course we had to have a closer look at the massive ships. Dampier is a port for the Dampier salt works, Rio Tinto Iron Ore and Woodside Gas venture. We felt like we were in the land of the giants amongst the tugboats and ships.

We drove out to the Burrup Peninsula for a look at the Woodside North West Shelf Venture (Gas plant) to learn all about their operations. They process gas, oil and condensate. Catering for the learning of kids we completed a worksheet which was a great way to learn about all the operations both onshore and offshore. A massive and very scientific operation.

Also on the Burrup Peninsula we drove amoungst the rich red boulders and enjoyed watching the sunset over the water enjoying the rich colours over the landscape and the reflection of the sun on the water. We waited till dark to see the massive massive Woodside gas plant light up at night, it was the most amazing sight, something you would see in a fairytale movie.

Woodside gas plant by night

Sturt Desert Pea on the Dampier Peninsula

The wildflower season has started on the West Coast and we found some very bright Sturt Desert Pea in Dampier. Both the girls are loving seeing all the colourful flowers and stopping to look at them.

Ryan, Emma, Nathan, Kate and Sam

Emma's photography

Picking up the rose petals after a wedding