Up before the sparrows this morning. We were heading for the free camp at the Port Headland Turf Club, and wanted to get an early start to be guaranteed a spot. So, at 7:20 am we departed our wonderfully dark and quiet free camp for Port Hedland. We didn't even stop for coffee, and arrived just after 9 am. We were lucky enough to get a spot on the back fence, away from the road, and away from the entrance to the park and most importantly, the bins. The RV overflow park is fully self-contained which they enforce very strictly.
We set up camp, had mornos, then hit the streets of Port Hedland on the bikes. First stop was the info centre for the obvious and to book some tours. We wanted to do three tours: a Harbour Tour, a Fortescue Tour and the Salt Eco tour. Well, the first two were not running due to COVID and the third only runs on a Mon and Fri and today's tour was already fully booked. So, the only other tour available was the Twilight Industry Tour, so we booked that. We were originally booked on the 10:15 am tour tomorrow (not very twilighty), but got a call to ask if we could do it this afternoon at 4:30 pm, which we did.
After the info centre, we rode down to the lookout at the Port entrance just in time to watch a bulk carrier being guided in to be loaded up with iron ore. It was then lunch time, so we found a café and had a fish&chips and a burger&chips. Fat as fools, we set off to try and follow the West End Heritage and Art Trail, however, that was all higgeldy pickedly, so we gave up and headed home.
Instead of riding directly home, we rode out to Cooke Point to have a look. Nothing to see, so moved right along. Back to the van for a rest, then got ready to go on tour. Drove into the info centre, and then it was on the bus, off the bus, on, off, etc, etc. The tour was very informative with a lot of info however, it is getting late and one needs one's beauty sleep, so we will update when we can. The tour concluded with a beverage whilst viewing the sunset from Finucane Island.
Early morning at the free camp
These grubs forgot to take their used toilet paper with them when they left
Us at the free camp this morning
Smoke from the nuclear explosion yesterday
Split rock
Street art in Port Hedland
Different product exported from PH
Lithium
One of the bulk carriers coming into port - 375m long X 60m wide
Google shot of some of the port, the ships are turned to face outwards before being docked and loaded
Lots of ships waiting their turn, normally about 60 odd
Street mural
It was good fun till the fun (safety) police stopped it happening
A rather large structure with no explanation
Another mural
A old train cafe
Street art
The port area from Finucane Island
Sunset
Cheers
