Out on the road

The distance between Broome and Melbourne is vast, almost 6,000kms. Before this trip, the word ‘vast’ was used very few times. Bournemouth, working 9-5 and having friends and family so close meant that it wasn’t needed and rightly so. Out in NW Western Australia, hours can go past without seeing any other traffic, change in scenery, property dividers (hedges, gates and walls), animals and birds so the word ‘vast’ becomes properly used.

This creates many causes for concern. Firstly, water, although Stan is carrying a whopping 60litres. This may seem a lot but think about what it could be used for. Not only drinking, recommended 10litres a day, but washing and cleaning. Then think of the impact if things went wrong!

The second cause for concern is fuel. Can I get to the next place? Stan’s tank is approx 50-60litres (I’ve never let it run down all the way!!!) that should give approx 400-450km range. Hopefully this will be enough. Just in case, the 20l additional capacity should provide a little further down the road.

Roadhouses are Australia’s interpretation of the UK’s dull service stations. There’s not a Little Chef in sight and each are completely individual in character with many providing accomodation, cafe, fuel, shops etc. The only downside is that the fuel prices can be very high approx $1.80ish, but still relatively cheap compared to back home and is proving to be the biggest expenditure I’m facing.

The third is accommodation. Fortunately one of the priorities for WA is road safety. The majority of deaths on Australian roads is death due to fatigue so investment has been directed into developing the rest areas and laybys for truckers and the public to use rather than continuing on tired. One such area was De Grey River Rest Area underneath a huge concrete bridge crossing the De Grey River. It was a strange night with the constant rumble high above until the early hours but a wonderful sight for photos and importantly safe and away from the main road.

Fourthly, being on my own. There’s not much I can do about this I suppose after Amber’s flight to Sydney but will try and talk to fellow travellers as much as possible. This is one of the benefits of the rest areas and caravan park setup in WA and especially this time of year as many are escaping the cooler temperatures down south.

The setup of choice for these heat-seekers is the Toyota Landcruiser and Jayco caravan but there are many types visible on the North Western Coastal Highway. 6berth motorhomes, some towing smaller cars, dedicated outback trailers, A-frame trailer tents, buses modified as campers, standard cars and tents are just a few but the creme de la creme.was a long 52seater coach towing a car transporter trailer that had a Suzuki 4WD and boat carried on top. It seemed as though the Landcruiser was the vehicle of choice but other 4WDs are just as visible.

Due to the long drive and the infrequency of passing traffic it was customary for the polite wave to follow. Wicked vans were often the most eager with frantic gesticulations greeting Stan but other campers, cars and motorhomes followed suit. I had hoped to get a blast on the air horn from a road train but to no avail. One night in a rest area sitting around a fire with a family armed with a shortwave radio attempted to get a blast but also didn’t work… I also saw one camper with a sign in the window saying ‘hello’ to save waving at everyone!!! Cheeky!

The main destination from Broome is Port Hedland, a major export port that is the busiest in Australia and in the top 5 ports in the world for annual tonnage primarily focussing on iron ore but also talc, salt, livestock and manganese. If you’re not into big ships, mining. long trains or general industrial type things I’d recommend not staying here long. It’s an expensive stopover $44 powered at the only caravan park so refuel, recharge and resupply and head on. It is however a good example of how local businesses support the community.

 

   BHP Billiton are the primary exporter of iron ore and main industry in the town employing the majority of the town. To look after the community BHP invest a percentage of their profits back in, through grants financing public art, green spaces and parks. It did get a little tedious seeing “Proudly supported by BHP Billiton” everywhere but was a positive sign of their social responsibility. I’m unsure what will happen when the iron ore runs out..only time will tell!