80 Mile Beach & Port Hedland WA

This man made monster is the ship loader. The figures quoted are enormous that are exported each year. By 2015 the proposal is to more than double current exports which means 8 more ship loading facilities. The town is expected to grow considerably with required support services and workers needed for this expansion...

This 'circular bucket' loader is capable of moving large quantities of materials. It is rail mounted to move around and access conveyor belts which are strewn all over.

Part of the Port Hedland landscape is the enormous loading facility. The pile of iron ore in the photo is a 'standard ship' size of 220,000 tonnes. Some of the ships that come in to load could carry 300,000+ tonnes but they may not get out of the port if fully loaded. Tight schedules with tides a major factor also dictate the size of loads...

Joey has been having 'be happy lessons'. If it works he's thinking of starting a training school!! Should be a hit...

When we arrived at Port Hedland, a 'play' was in order. Tiring the boys at any and every opportunity is part of the trip strategy!!

On the way to Port Hedland we stopped at a cape opposite Pardoo Roadhouse - Sam was keen to find some more shells. Some folks are easily pleased!!

Lee captured the moon coming up as the sun went down. The colours are really something unique in this part of the world!!

This is part of the 80 Mile Beach caravan park which we were told by people who camped here

for many years was beautiful and green - an oasis in the desert literally. That was until a catagory 5 cyclone crossed directly overhead and stripped it bare. Restoration will be slow....

Another sunset!! This is at 80 mile beach about midway between Broome and Port Hedland where we stayed for a couple of nights. Massive tides here, like the rest of the North west area.

80 Mile Beach - Big Tides!!!

Joey Durnin - private investigator extraordinaire!!