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Since we already had
travelled the coast road and visited Karajini Nationalpark on earlier trips, we
choose to travel from Port Hedland to Marble Bar and on towards Newman via the
East Pilbarra 4WD Track.
Marble Bar received its name from a white
marble like rock that traverses the river some 8km from the settlement. The
marble was later found to be jasper. Right next to it, 2 scenic pools are
located. Astonishingly we found a pretty diverse range of waterbirds living in
this hot and arrid location. we found Kormorants, Darters, Pelicans and some
Igrets. Marble Bar as well is known as the hottest town in Australia. One year
it was warmer the 38 degrees celsius on 160 days in succession. The record was
in one year where the average temperatur over the whole year topped 40
degrees.
From Marble Bar we drove along the Woodie Woodie Road to
Coppins Gap which is locally known for its amazing rock structure, where
reddish coloured rock bands intersect the darker base rock. From there we drove
on to Carawine Gorge which features a beautiful red cliff face in the sunrise.
Unluckily our beloved and trusted digital camera broke down shortly before
reaching Carawine Gorge. So some of the pictures will added to this page, once
our slides are developed and can be scanned. The remainder of the East Pilbarra
Track led us through some absolutely stunning country with ever so different
landscapes. After we purchased a replacement digital camera and went on to
Newman.
In Newman we decided to go on a tag-a-long tour with Joe and
Maria Furulyas (www.pilbaraironcountrytours.com).
Not only did we we have a fabulous time, but as well we learned an awfull lot
about the surrounding country and its plant- and wildlife. We crowned this stay
with a tour through worlds largest open cut iron mine. The BHP Mt. Whaleback
mine. Every day up to 3 trains of 2.5km length, loaded with approximately
27'000 tons of iron ore, leave Newman bound for Port Hedland. The train takes
roughly 8 hours for this 500km journey. From Port Hedland, the iron ore is
shipped all over the world. |
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