DAY 9 Pilbara – Kimberley Trip
MADURA – COCKLEBIDDY – RAWLINNA – TRANS ACCES ROAD
We were one of the first in yesterday at Madura but this morning we were the last out leaving at 8:00 am Perth time.
Another hot night and another hot, hot day. At 8.00am it was already 30C. We delayed putting on the air conditioning till the batteries started charging properly. Something did not seem right to hubby. The conundrum was whether it was the alternator or the regulator. One minute it was charging fine the next it was not charging. At Cocklebiddy all batteries were checked and they all appeared to be charging well. So air con came on.
We tried to get local information on the road from Cocklebiddy to Rawlinna. Those at the garage/shop did not have any information except to say you can get lost on the road and that you were better off going to Caiguna and checking there. Our maps showed no road from Caiguna to Rawlinna. We decided with some trepidation to risk it as we had enough fuel and supplies. We turned north and headed for Rawlinna. Several large eagles were in the skies. Around Arudibby we came to an intersection that was not that clearly labelled.
We ended up at a homestead so hubby went in and checked in with the locals. They were very helpful, gave us a local map and clear directions not to get lost. As long as we travelled slowly we should be right they said. They asked us to ring them when we got to Rawlinna. Their son took us to the closest gate as a short cut to send us on our way.
It was a very, very interesting trip and we do not regret in any way doing it. It took us 4 hours to do 96 kilometres – slow and steady over a very stony road. We had to watch out for sharp stones. If you went fast you would possibly shred your tyres. Due to the precise directions we had we felt confident as we travelled along the road. From Cocklebiddy to the railway their were 14 gates, 12 of which I had to hop out and open and then close.
50k after the homestead we came to the dingo fence and as instructed we turned north and followed the fence till we came to the railway line for the 46 k – at the junction to Balgar Homestead. It was interesting that this track was spot on north with an occasional 1 or 2 degree deviation.
Along this stretch of road there was little grass. At times there was no tree insight 360 degrees – wherever you looked. Then occasionally a lone tree would appear.
We saw lots and lots of kangaroos. They were lying in small hollows under salt bushes along the way and a surprising number would spring up out of the shade of the small bush and then hop away.
Finally we hit the Indian Pacific Rail line. We turned west onto the Trans Access Road. This road was like a highway. Although it was a dirt road it was very well maintained. At Rawlinna we stopped and called the homestead to let them know we were through and to thank them for their assistance. We continued along the railway and the dingo fence. The soil changed colour to a strong orange colour. The water from our water bladders, that were hanging on each side of us, were so hot that hubby declared you could make a cup of tea or coffee with it. Shortly we heard our first train coming from the west. We slowed down and took a photo whilst the driver blew the whistle. It is a busy line as we saw another 3 trains today. We saw the dingo fence maintenance contractor driving along the fence line before stopping to camp 78 k west of Rawlinna. It was a beautiful spot and we had an incredible sunset to farewell the day.
Having crossed the Nullarbor plain
On to Eucla, Madura in the heat and pain
From cocklebiddy
To Arudibby
Oh Rawlinna here we come
Slow and steady and then some
On stony track past salt bush scrub
No trees in sight, just scrub
Fifty K then turn right
Along the dingo fence alright
True north we went and went
Startling roos who then fled
Four hours to the Trans Access Road
To rock along ninty six K on the so called road
Then woe and behold
A perfect road west.
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