Day 94: Thu 20 Jun 24 - Dales Campground (Karijini NP) to Newman

Thu 20 Jun 24 - Dales Campground (Karijini NP) to Newman (204km)

The rain finally ceased at about 1:00am (yes we were awake to notice), but it was replaced by strong wind and a much cooler temperature. The first thing I did when I woke was to check the battery levels, and they were much lower than I would like (11.8v or about 30%. Apparently AGM batteries should not be drained below 12.05v or 50%). We eventually stepped outside to a partly cloudy sky, and howling dingoes nearby (heard but not seen). After removing as much red mud as possible from the annex mat and outdoor furniture, we were packed and drove away from a very wet campground by 09:00am. Our first destination was the Information Centre for an update on the Karijini gorge and trail closures. Only one gorge and walking trail was reopened, and that was  Dales Gorge where we just came from and which we walked two days prior - all others remained closed. Given the amount of rain over the past 24 hours, it's unknown how long they will remain closed. So given that uncertainty, and concerns for our batteries holding out, we decided to say goodbye to Karijini and head south towards Newman, to commence our slow trip home. We managed to secure the last available powered site  at the Yurlu Caravan Park in Newman where we ended up being parked next door to Carol and Terry who we met at Kalbarri then again at Dales Campground (ex-Army from Canberra). We arrived at 1240pm, and after setting up and a quick chat, Noel got busy with washing and cleaning while I topped up the water tanks and did some testing of the Battery Management System and a few other chores. The batteries had fully recharged again from the drive and being connected to 240v, and all seems well. I'm disappointed to have left Karijini not seeing the other gorges, but there is always next time. I'm already thinking about next year's route through Northern WA to include the Pilbara / Karijini again. It was 4:00 pm by the time we finished our cleaning and maintenance tasks, then we went for a quick drive around Newman, up to Radio Hill Lookout, then back to the caravan park via IGA for a few supplies. On return, we had a catch up drink with Carol and Terry outside their home on wheels in a very fresh evening breeze. Tomorrow, Carol and Terry will leave to continue their trip north to Darwin and back to Canberra via QLD.  We will also leave tomorrow, to continue south as we could only secure one night here. We might have stayed an extra night in an unpowered site to do the Newman Mine Tour, but the next tour is not available until Saturday, so we will also add that to the list for next year's trip. Tomorrow night we will test the batteries again with another free camp somewhere between Newman and Meekatharra. 

Just a few token photos today...

On the road again - 2 x 8.5m wide loads as we headed towards Newman. Lots of heavy transport, mostly road trains with 4 trailers transporting ore. 

Newman from Radio Hill Lookout

Newman from Radio Hill Lookout

Newman from Radio Hill Lookout

Newman from Radio Hill Lookout

Newman from Radio Hill Lookout

Newman from Radio Hill Lookout

Newman from Radio Hill Lookout





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