Day 21: Port Hedland - Eighty Mile Beach

Today we're heading north again. We have now decided not to drive all the way to Broome. The approximately 600 km from Port Hedland (round trip 1,200 km) are simply too far for us. However, we definitely want to visit Eighty Mile Beach, so we have decided to make a detour to Eighty Mile Beach Caravan Park (which is supposed to be very nice according to the travel guide, and our Swiss camping neighbors in Port Hedland recommended it).

In Port Hedland, we're going to Woolworths and the Bottle Store to do some shopping. We'll leave at 11 o'clock. It doesn't take long and all 3 kids are asleep. Since they sleep a lot less at night than at home, there's a lot of catching up to do. The approximately 200 km drive is a good opportunity for that. Unfortunately, the route doesn't go directly along the coast, but inland, so the scenery is a bit monotonous. We make a refueling stop at the Paradoo Roadhouse and buy an ice cream at the shop, and a fishing rod for Sami. He really wants to go fishing and is already very excited. The last 10 km (access to the camp) are an unsealed road. Except for a few small sections, the track is in good condition. We arrive at Eighty Mile Beach Caravan Park shortly after 3 o'clock. Our expectations are fully met. A great place in a fantastic location! We're at site 116 in the first row.

We set up the camping furniture outside and treat ourselves to a beer/cold drink. For dinner, we're having pasta with chicken and mushrooms. It's been a long time since we ate outside. Luckily, the flies are bearable here.

Next to us, there's an Australian family with 2 children from Queensland. Maxima immediately becomes friends with 3-year-old Lippy. The two of them walk hand in hand through the camp - simply adorable. Samuel is a bit sad and jealous that there's no one his age to play with and he doesn't have a friend.

We all go to the beach for the sunset. The sun shines like a big red fireball, disappearing into the sea. The beach is covered with shells (and they hurt, so our little Maxima wants to be carried). Of course, Samuel tries his fishing rod right away. He's quite sad that no fish bite. He thought it would be easier after yesterday. The kids in the port of Port Hedland pulled out one fish after another from the water. We stroll along the beach. The shallow water is almost bathtub temperature. When it gets dark, we walk back to the camper. The kids are pretty tired and after a shower, it's straight to bed.

We didn't expect too much from Eighty Mile Beach. This seemingly endless place has a very special aura. You feel very close to the sky here!

October 2, 2018

Accommodation: Eighty Mile Beach Caravan Park (1 night for 45 AUD, large and very nice site, great location, older and simple facilities)

Weather: sunny, 35 degrees

254 kilometers today, total of 3,334 km