The Pilbara and Dampier home of Red Dog

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 After leaving Bullara station we headed further north , a long day of driving with the destination Dampier.

The landscape is so amazing around here and just changes constantly. Knowing that we were heading for Dampier and knowing the legend of Red Dog, the Pilbara wanderer, from watching the 2011 movie. We decided we would like to learn more. So we downloaded the audible version of the book and we listened to it as we travelled.

The road seemed to go on for ever but fortunately it’s an interesting landscape, in the words of Louis De Bernieres (author of red dog) it’s like mother nature just sprinkled rocks around randomly. They just seem to pop up randomly.

As you enter Dampier  the first really interesting thing is driving past the salt pits, vast pools of salt water left to evaporate to acquire the salt , where the obviously comedic locals have placed various statues and memorabilia in strategic spots in the water including the outline of a sinking titanic. But the very next thing is the above Memorial to red dog  

The book was really good and had us chuckling at some of the antics that Red dog got up to , if you are a dog lover you will love it.

But as the sunset we enjoyed this amazing view right outside our van window.

Damper is a one of the major industrial ports in WA and in the below image you can see the ships being loaded. The port primarily exports Iron ore, Liquefied natural gas and salt. The official population of Dampier is around 1000 people. It is very obviously an industrial town, we did do a quick visit to the local pub , which obviously becomes very busy at times. There were vast areas of temporary housing available. We picked up a few bits and pieces at the local food works, and spent a nice quiet evening relaxing in the van.

The caravan park was very well maintained and we found the volunteer care takers very friendly and helpful.

It was a nice spot for a stopover. 

Until the next blog

Travel safe

The Touring Knights

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