The Iron Ore stops here

Due to a miscalculation in my itinerary plans, we have a bit of extra time before we get to our last booked destination – Broome. We decide to head to South Hedland to get a spot in a caravan park there. On the way we were crossed a road train which whipped up so much wind it blew off the cover to the front window to the van. The cover is so badly damaged there is no way it can be repaired, so will have to get it fixed at the next major destination – probably Broome or Darwin.

Port Hedland is not the most glamorous town in the North West but we managed to do a bit of exploring none the less. Iron ore exporting is what drives this town and it comes down from the iron ore mines in Newman some 400 Km to the south courtesy of some of the world’s longest trains. Even if you’re not interested in trains, it is an awesome sight to see 160 plus ore carriages being pulled along by 4 powerful diesel electric locomotives.

We were in town at the right time to see the Stairway To The Moon. This is a phenomenon whereby the rising moon is reflected off many pools of water on the tidal flats of the ocean creating a stairway effect. It is only possible to see when the tide is out (and it goes out a long way up here), and it’s a couple of days after a full moon. It is a stunning sight and we extend our stay from 2 to 3 nights just so we can see it again. We only thought this was possible to view in Broome, but knew we would be up there too late so this is an unexpected bonus. If you have time, google Stairway To The Moon to see what I’m talking about. Port Hedland is very windy whilst we are here and having temperatures in the mid to high 30’s means we are giving the air conditioner in the van a good workout!