RV TRAVEL
Originally thought to be seams of marble running through rocks , it turned out to be the highly colourful jasper rock across the Coongan River . It was here in the mining days that the Chinese set-up gardens and used the water for market gardens to feed the miners in the goldfields . Huge fines are in place if jasper is removed from the area .
A visit to Australia ’ s hottest town isn ’ t complete without visiting the nearby Comet Gold Mine , which boasts the highest smoke stack in the southern hemisphere .
This whole adventure surprised me across the gorgeous Pilbara country , with history from town to town , amazing camps and waterholes to relax in . Throw in some 4WDing and exploring stunning ancient artwork , and it seems the Pilbara just keeps giving to those who explore more .
FAST FACTS
Where : Bordering the Great Sandy Desert , this part of the northern Pilbara has a lot to offer in between massive mining operations and remote areas . Newman to the south caters for mine workers and tourists , while Marble Bar to the north is known as the hottest town in Australia , but what ’ s in between will keep anyone busy exploring .
What to see and do : Learn mine history and rock geology , camp throughout the northern Pilbara in stunning and remote locations , discover ancient Aboriginal petroglyphs , and drive some of the best 4WD tracks in the area . There is plenty to see and do in this northern pocket . There are swimming holes in the area , too , such as those in Upper Carawine Gorge and Skull Springs .
As always , a lot of information can be found online , but Newman and Marble Bar have comprehensive tourist information centres . There are tourist signs at local places of interest and along walking trails in Nullagine , Marble Bar and Newman .
' Signposted ' turn-off to Skull Springs .
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