The Pilbara region of North Western Australia epitomises the great Aussie outback, with its red earth and wide open plains, ancient mountains and clear starry skies.
Joining a seven day tour with Dingo's Desert Trek Adventure is a great way to explore the outback, with experienced guides and the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle. As the bus heads inland from Port Hedland, the landscape changes dramatically, with an endless dusty road stretching out ahead and a mountain range jutting up in the distance.
Coppins Gap is one of the many great spots the tour visits during the week. The gap is one of the few breaks in 100 kilometres of rock wall. Pass through the gap and you'll find a tranquil swimming hole at the base of the mountain range, an ideal spot for a refreshing dip.
Further along the red dirt road is an outback station called Warrawagine Station. In true Western Australian style, this is a big station - around a million acres. Here you'll get to see how the cattle are rounded up outback style, by chopper and plane. The aircraft provide a stark contrast to many of the local buildings, which were built from rock around the turn of the century.
A couple of hours away, but still on the station's property, is Carrawine Gorge, where the tour stops overnight. In the early evening there are opportunities to go bushwalking, bird watching and swimming in the watering hole. The Pilbara even offers its guests a head-to-toe mud bath for a little holiday indulgence.
At dinner, tuck into some hearty camp cooking and share stories by the fire before bedding down for the night in a swag under the starry sky.
The facts:
A 10 day tour of Pilbara starts from $1550 per person. Includes swags, equipment, park entry fees and meals.
Dingo's Desert Trek Adventures
Tel: 08 9173 1000
Suggested reading material: Lonely Planet
Prices correct at 20/12/04
