Karratha

Karratha is a little way off the tourist trail. But we've been long looking forward to visiting my brother and his family who found a new home there nine years ago on their way around Australia! I expected a pretty rough industrial town but now we see why they stayed. Finally, we could be part of life and "home" with them for a few days. Plus, feeling clean tiles under our feet, a kitchen the size of a small house and a lovely clean shower were definitely added bonuses.  

Our kids enjoy a giant spa with their cousins, hours on the trampoline together, walks to the park and yummy treats from their Auntie! We op shop for summer clothes to fit growing bodies and new/old books for them to devour. We go along to school for kinder Book Week parade and revel in balmy sunset and sushi at their local beach, Hearson's Cove. My brother shows us around Dampier where he works on Rio Tinto tugboats and we take a drive around one of many coastal iron ore transfer depots where the ore is loaded from train to ship. 

We visit historic Cossack where pearling, sheep and turtle soup were primary industries during early settlement. There, a captivating art exhibition of works from Pilbara artists inspires us. And, equally, the children's art exhibit is full of life and vibrant colour, a reflection of the beauty of the Pilbara. 

During our long drives, we race each other to spot patches of Sturt Desert Pea.  It's unfair competition though, with the most enthusiastic one of us being red/green colourblind. 

We treasure every minute with this precious family as we know it's always a while between visits.  Here's to our next time together,  wherever that may be!