The Weather Has Cooled Slightly- Which Means More Exploring!

Play Me

Firstly, I hope everyone back home is doing well and enjoying a bit more sunshine along with the arrival of spring flowers. 🌼

Here in Tom Price, we’ve faced some wild weather over the past month as cyclone season comes to a close. From 10-hour power outages and network blackouts to orange cyclone warnings, it’s been quite an experience! 🌀 The thunderstorms have been so intense at times that you can hear the crackling in the air—followed by heavy rain, which thankfully brings cooler, more refreshing days.

To keep ourselves busy, we’ve been dog-sitting for some new furry friends, which has brought a sense of normality and comfort as we miss Coco back home. 🐶

I’ve been chatting with the local community about starting a running club in town, and I finally decided to take the plunge! Tom Price Run Club is now up and running—literally. We meet every Saturday at 7 AM for a group run, with an optional coffee afterward. Not a bad way to kick off the weekend, right? ☕️

So far, it’s been a hit, and I’m hoping we’ll keep growing. Here’s to more runners, more miles, and plenty of post-run coffees! 🏃🏼‍♀️

Karijini National Park

With the weather finally cooling down, we’ve been able to start exploring the breathtaking beauty of Karijini National Park. Our first stop was Dales Gorge, and we were absolutely blown away when we realised this incredible place had been right on our doorstep all along! The views were nothing short of spectacular. Nestled within the gorge is Fern Pool, a serene swimming spot popular with locals—and we can see why! 🌳 🏊‍♂️

Fern Pool

Next up was a stay at the Eco Retreat, where we had the chance to explore Joffre Gorge and Weano Gorge. This was a completely off-grid experience—no WiFi, no signal—just pure peace and quiet. We treated ourselves to dinner at the retreat’s restaurant, which was lovely. But midway through the meal, the outdoor kitchen stole the show when a chef opened a drawer and discovered a snake curled up inside! That was the moment we truly realised—we were deep in the bush. 🐜 🇦🇺

Joffre Gorge offered an exciting climb down, with ladders and rocky paths to navigate. The gorge, named after Marshal Joseph Joffre, a French general from World War I, is a stunning example of how water has shaped the Pilbara landscape over millions of years. During the wet season, Joffre Falls cascades dramatically into the gorge, creating a spectacular natural amphitheater. Standing there, it felt like the perfect spot for an opera singer, thanks to the way the gorge’s walls echoed and amplified sound.

Weano Gorge, on the other hand, has an even older story to tell. This area was once part of an ancient seabed, dating back over 2.5 billion years. The layers of banded iron formations here are a geological time capsule, showing how the Earth’s surface has shifted and risen over millennia. Walking through the gorge, it was incredible to think that this breathtaking landscape was once underwater, long before life as we know it existed. The deep, narrow passages and towering rock walls made it feel like stepping into another world.

Both gorges were unforgettable in their own unique ways—reminders of just how ancient and powerful the natural forces shaping this land truly are. 🪨

Joffre Gorge

Weano Gorge

This month, we also tackled the climb up Mt Nameless—yes, that’s really its name! ⛰️

Known as Jarndunmunha by the Eastern Guruma people, the mountain holds cultural significance as a lookout point for the traditional landowners. Standing at 1,128 meters above sea level, it’s one of the highest accessible peaks in Western Australia by 4WD. The hike was a real calf-burner, but the views from the top made it all worth it.

From the summit, we had an incredible vantage point over the Tom Price mine site, one of the largest open-cut iron ore mines in the Pilbara. It was fascinating to see the massive iron ore trains stretching into the distance—these trains can be over 2.5 kilometers long! The iron ore from this region is in high demand, especially in Japan, China, and South Korea, where it’s used for steel production. The Pilbara has some of the world’s richest iron ore deposits, with enough reserves to sustain mining operations for at least another 20 years or more.

Tom Price Mine Site

And that’s a wrap on another month in the Pilbara, filled with plenty of adventures to share! Next month promises even more excitement with the Karijini Experience, a mine tour, and exploring more breathtaking gorges.

Thanks for reading—can’t wait to share what’s next!

Rock on! 🤘

Settling into the Pilbara

Play Me

We have finally landed in the heart of the Pilbara. This rugged, red-earthed region of Western Australia is unlike anywhere I’ve been before- vast, untamed, and rich with history. The towering gorges, endless spinifex plains, and iron-clad ranges create a backdrop that feels both ancient and humbling. But beyond its raw beauty, the Pilbara is also a place of resilience and community, where life moves at its own pace and the connection to the land runs deep.

As we begin to settle in, we are learning that life here isn’t just about adapting to the heat and the dust, it’s about embracing a different rhythm. From the breathtaking natural wonders to the warm welcomes of the locals, our time in the Pilbara is already shaping up to be one of the most memorable chapters of our journey.

Getting Stuck In

Five weeks have flown by, and I’ve well and truly thrown myself into life here. Full time in the clinic here and working across all three schools in town has been an incredible experience - I’ve met so many amazing children with varying disabilities, each with their own unique personalities and challenges. Every day brings something new, and it’s been rewarding to be part of their learning journey.

Outside of work, I’ve been making the most of life in the Pilbara. I’ve joined a women’s Aussie Rules footy team! It’s been a brilliant way to meet people, stay active, and embrace a sport that is such a big part of Aussie culture. Safe to say, I’m getting properly stuck in! Although I do prefer kicking the ball!

A Healing Experience

One of the more unexpected but deeply intriguing experiences I’ve had so far was attending a Healing and Soundbath session at the local community hall. It was organised by a woman I treat at the clinic - someone who holds a high-up role in the primary school but, on the side, runs a business promoting healing, meditation, and relaxation.

I wasn’t sure what to expect, and to be honest, I was a little nervous beforehand. But as soon as I arrived, I felt a shift. We were cleansed on arrival, then took our yoga mats to a quiet corner. The room was softly lit by candles and fairy lights, and the air was thick with the calming scent of sage. It was the kind of atmosphere that immediately made you want to take a deep breath and let go.

A guest practitioner led us through bodywork and breathing exercises, and it was more powerful than I’d anticipated. I became aware of tightness in places I hadn’t even realised were sore, and as my heart rate slowed, I could feel a deep sense of relaxation settling in. Then came the soundbath experience, where we lay in a comfortable position, letting the vibrations wash over us. It was intense - especially in my left ear, for reasons I still can’t quite explain. Truthfully, I’m still processing how I feel about the experience. I don’t know if I liked it, but I do know that it shifted something. I’ll probably attend another session while I’m here to explore it further.

At the end, we shared our experiences over Tulsi tea, then each selected a tarot card. I picked the Warrior card. To be a warrior, you must venture past the fear you hold. Strength and courage are within you. It couldn’t have been more fitting. It made me reflect on my own journey and, more importantly, my future business ideas when I return home. Maybe it’s time to stop overthinking and just take the leap.

Learning from the Land and Its People

One of the most rewarding parts of being here has been learning about Aboriginal culture and connecting with people who are passionate about strengthening their communities. I’ve already met some incredible individuals who are working hard to educate their youngest generations about the importance of health and wellbeing. With inflammatory conditions being more prevalent among their people, there’s a real focus on promoting healthy lifestyles while maintaining a strong connection to culture and country.

I also had the chance to speak with a local high school teacher, who shared some of the challenges in ensuring Indigenous children attend school regularly. Education plays such a crucial role in breaking the cycle, but for many families, there are complex social and cultural factors that can make consistent schooling difficult. Hearing firsthand about the dedication of teachers and community leaders trying to create positive change has been eye-opening.

This journey of learning is only just beginning. We are especially looking forward to our upcoming Karijini experience, where we’ll have the chance to deepen our understanding of the land, its history, and the traditions that have shaped it for thousands of years. From breathtaking gorges to ancient stories, it’s bound to be an unforgettable experience.

Swimming The River

If you would like to learn more, click on the link below:

https://youtu.be/0P9FRacTji0?si=mpzMb7VghoiN4tvO

The Simplicity of Life in Tom Price

Life in Tom Price is simple - refreshingly so. It’s a small, tight-knit community with a population of around 3,223, where everyone seems to know everyone. There’s one supermarket, one police station, one post office, one liquor store, one physio clinic, one hospital, two primary schools, and just one high school. Compared to city life, it feels like a world away, yet there’s something comforting about the ease of it all.

A big part of the town revolves around mining. Many workers fly in and out, while others have made Tom Price their home, grafting hard to build a future for their families before eventually moving back to the city. Then there are those who’ve come from places like South Africa, New Zealand, and Fiji, seeking better opportunities and a new way of life.

And then there is me someone who arrived here as a traveler and finds herself amazed every day by how beautifully simple life can be. No rush, no excess, just a community that works hard, looks out for each other, and embraces the raw, rugged charm of the Pilbara.

Till next month,

Rock on 🤘

One month down under

Press Play

Perth: A Change of Pace ☀️

Where to begin! This second chapter of our adventure is one I won’t forget anytime soon.

After leaving the sandy beaches and horse carriages of Gili T, we touched down in Perth right in the heart of the city. It was a refreshing contrast to island life, swapping ocean views for bustling streets, cozy cafe’s, and long walks. Our days were a mix of exploring, adjusting to the heat, and tackling paperwork in preparation for my new job. 🤓

With nine days to settle in, we eased into city life before heading further up the coast. First on our list was Caversham Wildlife Park, where we got up close with some of Australia's most iconic animals feeding kangaroos, meeting sleepy koalas, and even spotting wombats. 🐨

Next, we ventured to Fremantle, a charming port city famous for its markets. The fresh fruit was unbelievably cheap and delicious, making for the perfect snack as we wandered through the bustling stalls. And, of course, we couldn’t resist a bit of thrift shopping, packing light for this trip meant we had a great excuse to hunt for a few new finds.

Endless beaches stretched before us on Rottnest Island, a true slice of paradise. A surprise shoutout in the local newspaper posing as tourists (which, to be fair, we are) added a twist to the week. And to top it all off, a peaceful walk along the South Perth Foreshore made for the perfect way to soak in the city's skyline and sunset.

And so, the 1,890-kilometre journey began. Our first stop: The Pinnacles a breathtaking landscape of limestone pillars rising from the desert. These natural formations date back 25,000 to 30,000 years, created from ancient seashell deposits left behind when the ocean receded. Over time, coastal winds sculpted the terrain, gradually revealing the towering structures we see today. Some stand at an impressive 3.5 meters tall, each uniquely shaped by the elements a surreal and otherworldly sight to kick off our road trip.

A few hours further up the coast, we arrived at Hutt Lagoon Western Australia's famous Pink Lake. This marine salt lake gets its vibrant color from Dunaliella salina, an algae that produces beta-carotene when exposed to sunlight, creating the lakes striking pink hue.

As the day came to an end, we settled into Kalbarri with a cold beer, a pot noodle, and a sunset the perfect way to wrap up our first day on the road.

The next morning, we woke early to catch the sunrise at the Kalbarri Skywalk—a truly breathtaking and peaceful experience. As the first light crept over the rugged landscape, we spotted a little joey below, scurrying around in search of breakfast—a moment that made the early wake-up call even more special.

To top off the morning, we visited Nature’s Window, where the sun was perfectly framed through the natural rock arch—a picture-perfect moment in every sense! 🌄

We made it back just in time to catch the daily pelican feed on the foreshore a tradition nearly 50 years in the making. It all began in 1975 when local fisherman Cliff Ross would fillet his catch on the Kalbarri foreshore, tossing the scraps to the waiting pelicans. Decades later, the ritual continues just a stones throw from Cliff’s historic home, now known as The Pelican Cafe a charming nod to the towns feathered locals and its unique coastal history.

Before we knew it, we were back on the road for the next stretch of this long journey, heading toward Denham. Along the way, we made a stop at the breathtaking Shell Beach one of only two beaches in the world entirely made up of millions of tiny white shells. With no sand in sight, just a sparkling expanse of shells stretching for miles, it was a truly unique and surreal place to visit. 🐚

The main reason for this slight detour on our way to Exmouth was to experience Monkey Mia, a place where wild dolphins have been visiting the shoreline almost daily for over 40 years. Located within the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, it’s one of the best and most reliable spots in the world for up-close dolphin encounters.

And when we say up close we mean it. We stood just two yards away as these incredible creatures glided through the shallow waters, a truly unforgettable moment! 🐬

To top off one of the most unforgettable days of my life, the turtle in the header picture is one of the locals that call the jetty of this magical place home. Eek! 🐢

With hearts full and memories made, we set off on the third stretch of our journey traveling from Denham to Exmouth, stopping at every snorkeling spot along the way. Our first stop, Coral Bay, is a true marine lover’s paradise, home to vibrant coral gardens and pristine white sandy beaches. Some even call it the Great Barrier Reef of the west, and its easy to see why. We swam alongside colorful fish, graceful turtles, and stunning coral formations, completely in awe of the underwater world. 🪸

After a long eight-hour drive, we finally arrived in Exmouth. The plan? Total relaxation. We checked into a resort with a pool, ready to unwind and soak up the last bit of downtime before starting work the following week. ☀️

In Exmouth, there’s a special place called Jurabi Beach, where you can witness female turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs and if you’re really lucky, even see the hatchlings making their dash to the sea! 🌊

However, we thought it was too early in the season to spot any hatchlings, so we went with no expectations. But my gosh, were we in for a surprise! As the sunset painted the sky, we watched in awe as around six female turtles slowly made their way up the beach to nest. Staying low and still, with only the glow of our red light, we quietly observed this incredible moment.

It was nothing short of magical! ✨

On the second night, we decided to take another plunge and once again, we got lucky. As soon as we stepped onto the beach, we saw a baby turtle racing toward the sea. Our reaction was pure disbelief ‘No way!’. We quickly tracked where they were coming from and watched as they emerged from the sand. Guided by their natural instincts, they scrambled toward the ocean, hoping to make it safely. It felt like the perfect cherry on top of an unforgettable experience. I could hardly believe my eyes- life felt complete! 🐢 🌊

What an incredible experience! This entire coastal journey was filled with magic and unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. It really put things into perspective, reminding me just how fortunate we are to witness such wonders in the world. 🌍

Stay tuned for the next chapter- five months in the outback! 🤠

Rock on! 🤘