Day 88: Fri 14 Jun 24 - Exmouth

Fri 14 Jun 24 - Exmouth

Some light drizzle and very humid overnight getting down to a very modest 20 Deg reaching 29 Deg C, cloudy and clearing with light winds through the day.

Our only planned activity today was a drive into Shothole Canyon - 14km down the Manilya - Exmouth Road to the turnoff into the Cape Range National Park, then a scenic 12km drive along the floor of the gorge with many dry creek crossings deep into Shothole Canyon. The name of the canyon comes from the shot holes left in the terrain, following the explosive charges set for seismic studies during oil exploration work in the early 1950s. The scenery is absolutely stunning and the landscape is truly unique. It has cave-like formations on the sides (the shotholes!), and rugged limestone walls leading to a lookout at the end of the road. Makes me wish I had paid more attention to geology lessons at school.  

After about 3 hours we were back at the van for lunch. I then sorted out some personal admin, and got a haircut from a lady in a caravan across the road who cuts hair as a means of income while travelling. I then went for a bike ride around town and out to the Harold E Holt Communication Station and back, while Noel caught up on washing and cleaning. Back at the van I contacted my old Navy mate Mick, who I bumped into at Coral Bay. Unfortunately, he cancelled his booking at Exmouth and extended his stay at Coral Bay to do a Whale Shark tour tomorrow morning, so I won't be seeing him this trip. I did get in contact with my other Navy mate Paul who did arrive at Exmouth today, so we arranged to meet up at the nearby Whalebone Brewery for a couple of pints and Pizza for dinner. The venue has a great vibe, the craft beer and pizzas were tasty and the live entertainment made for a great atmosphere - a nice way to end another wonderful day on tour. Noel and I are enjoying Exmouth very much, and both agree we should return next time we visit WA - maybe for a longer stay. Tomorrow morning we have an early-ish start for a 90 minute drive to Yardie Creek for a 11:00am Eco Boat Tour, a couple of short walks and maybe another snorkel.

Shothole Gorge

Shothole Gorge

Shothole Gorge

Shothole Gorge

Shothole Gorge

Shothole Gorge

Shothole Gorge

Shothole Gorge

Shothole Gorge

Shothole Gorge

Shothole Gorge

Shothole Gorge

Shothole Gorge

Shothole Gorge

Shothole Gorge

Shothole Gorge

Afternoon Bike ride to the Naval Communication Station - Harold E Holt.

COPIED FROM THE INFORMATION BOARD: Naval Communication Station Harold E Holt is a joint Australian / United States of America radio relay station, passing messages between Australian and US command centres and their respective submarines in the Indian Ocean and the Western Pacific.

It consists of a Very Low Frequency (VLF) transmitter system. The VLF transmission relays messages to Australian and US submarines whilst they are submerged.

A variety of communication system is used for sending and receiving messages between Station and the RAN and command centres. The rest of the Station consists of the administration buildings, workshops, stores and support facilities. Accommodation facilities on the Station are no longer permanently used as all employees now live in town of Exmouth.

The Station was originally established by agreement between the Australian and US Governments in 1963 as US Naval Communication Station Northwest Cape.

The Station and the supporting town of Exmouth were constructed over the next 4 years and the Station was formally commissioned in September 1967. One year later the name of the Station was changed to US Naval Communication Station Harold E Holt in honour of the late Right Honourble E Holt, Prime Minister of Australia. In 1974 it became a Joint Australia / United States Defence Facility with an Integrated staff of RAN and USN personnel commanded by an USN officer.

In 1991 the Australian and United States governments agreed that the Joint Defence Facility would become an Australian Naval Communication Station in 1999 following a phased transition. A RAN officer took command of the Station in October 1992 and the withdrawal of all USN personnel was completed by September 1993.

At its peak the station had a complement of over 400 USN and RAN personnel and 160 Australian civilians employed from the local community. It is currently managed by Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group on behalf of the Australian and United States Governments. Most operational and support services are provided by a civilian contractor.


Afternoon Bike Ride - Riding back into Exmouth from the Naval Communication Station

Pints and Pizza at Whalebone Brewery - Yum




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