Today is the last day of July. We have actually been over twenty-four hours here in Marble Bar, but there is an awful lot of filling in from the last day in Onslow, followed by three fabulous days in Point Samson, a quick stopover in Port Hedland prior to our arrival here in one of the jewels of the Pilbara.
Rewind back to Onslow. In spite of the shenanigans involving the faulty installation of the the caravan's water heater, we refused to allow this setback to interfere with our 2021 northern exposure. I had to remember those trips prior to the arrival of Digger, when armed only with water we carried with us, we adapted - showering at servos, toileting in the bush and recycling rinsing water to become the next washup water.
Fortunately, we have rather a few more creature comforts in the caravan parks where we are staying. The Northwest this year is packed; stories abound about queues outside servos, accommodation booked out, some ridiculous prices being charged - and accepted. We were never interested in going to Broome and reports of seventy-five thousand tourists in the town were astounding, along with capacity in other coastal centres such as Exmouth.
Back in Onslow, the town was very busy but still retaining its charm and ambiance. Onslow, a town of only eight hundred and fifty, boasts two caravan parks, plus plenty of free camping along the Ashburton River. Onslow is also eighty kilometres from the North West Coastal Highway, which means that tourists don't just drop in unless they are aware of Onslow's attractions and peace.
We loved the Staircase to the Moon, a couple of dinners at the Beadon Bay pub, multiple visits to the Onslow Beach Resort, the Staircase street festival, two Sundowners at the Ocean View caravan park, a pleasant half hour at the Kuarlu giftshop, plus the terrific Op Shop, the outstanding community garden, the Visitors' Centre and Goods Shed Museum, walks to Sunset Beach, fabulous day and night skies and meeting an abundance of kindred spirits. We also discovered Four Mile Creek with its wonderful beach for shell collecting and fishing, great views of the Salt Jetty and Wheatstone Gas Project and a romping playground for the dogs. We never visited Old Onslow or explored the cemetery on this stay. That will wait for our return in 2022.
Looking for an off-the-beaten-track location still with all amenities, location and convivial interactions with friendly locals and guests. Onslow is the place to stay.
PS we have already booked for next year!
Fishing off the Salt Jetty at sunset.
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