26th Parallel

Driving south from Broome, I passed the 26th parallel just outside Northampton, which I’m told is an important geographical boundary for the economy and climate of WA. Government workers receive additional allowances for working above this point due to the incredibly hot and dry climates that can affect the area. Distance from major town is huge meaning longer drives or more expensive air transport in and out of the area.

Below the 26th parallel, things don’t get too bad. From a climate point of view temperatures of 40C can be found regularly above but not nearly as common below.

The landscape also changes significantly. Almost immediately the expansive ranches/estates of land used for grazing stock disappear to be met with arable crops, fruit and vegetable plantations instead. Land boundaries are suddenly visible with hedges, fences and walls rather than the occasional metal hoarding announcing a new cattle station.

Houses became visible, communities appeared and it became greener. I couldn’t help but think it became more English looking. Wildflower were replaced with landscaped flowers put in for aesthetics rather than grown naturally.

 

I loved being above the 26th parallel but underneath things suddenly seemed to become much easier. It wasn’t such a drama if my water consumption was lower, that the fuel gauge was lower than normal or that I’d run out of supplies as invariably it was easier to sort out. Diesel was cheaper and I could feel myself slowly entering civilisation rather than remote communities.