We were making our way north when we decided to pull into the Fortescue River rest area, and I’m glad we did. It was meant to be a short break, but the landscape had other ideas. The majestic hills overlooking the river are spectacular, completely covered in that iconic yellow spinifex with just a tinge of green showing through.
While we were stretching our legs, I spotted some of the most vibrant Sturt’s Desert Peas I’ve seen in a long time. Those deep red petals with the black centres really pop against the dusty ground. It’s funny how the harshest environments often produce the most delicate-looking things.
The serenity of the place really caught me by surprise. We stood there for a while, just listening to the white sulphur-crested galahs as they moved about. There’s a particular kind of clarity you get when you’re standing in front of something that massive and old. The way the red rock faces of the hills cut through the spinifex is a sight I won't soon forget.
We sat down for a proper morning tea by the water. The river was looking beautiful, with the reeds reflected in the surface and those big old trees lining the banks. It’s the kind of spot that makes you want to throw the clock away and just stay put for the day.
Eventually, we had to move on. We called into Karratha to grab some supplies and organise ourselves for the next stretch. We found a spot in a car park that was big enough for us to pull in without blocking everyone, which is always a win when you're navigating town.
By the time we reached Cleaverville Beach, we were ready to settle in. We’d booked site 48, which has a great view of the bay, but it gave us a bit of a run-around. It’s on a bit of a hill, and getting everything levelled up and tucked in properly was a bit of a challenge. I’ll admit, there was a moment there where I had to take a breath, but once we were sorted, the frustration vanished.
The mood shifted the second I felt that cool breeze coming off the ocean. We can hear the waves lapping against the rocks from where we’re sitting, and it’s incredibly peaceful. Having Steve and Lisa along for this leg of the journey has been a real highlight, too. There’s something special about sharing a view like this with good mates.
As the sun started to dip, the whole sky turned these incredible shades of orange and purple. We sat out there as the light faded, just watching the water and feeling the day’s travel melt away. It’s moments like these, with the sound of the ocean and the company of good friends, that make the dusty tracks and the tricky campsites worth every bit of effort.
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