Shark Bay, part 1

29 March 2012 – At Hamelin station, I get the bits of information I needed : is there a permit entry to get to Steep Point, and where do I get it from ? Also, where can I find a map of the Useless Loop ?

The Useless Loop is the name if the track that leads from the Denham-Hamelin road to Steep Point, it’s a one hour straight on unsealed road, very dusty, then turn right and drive two more hours on 20psi on sand dunes and beaches to reach to Westernmost point of the Country. I found it hard to believe when the Hamelin Station caretaked told me it’s a six hours drive and return to the cliff but she wasn’t lying.

The drive itself isn’t very hard at all, just a lot of sand dunes, but you can’t go any faster than 50kmh on this kind of terrain, and often it’s down to 5kmh. The track follows the coast pretty much all the way, with sections on the beach itself. It’s a great feeling to drive on a pristine white sandy beach, with the turquoise ocean on your right.

I made it, after registration at the ranger’s cabin, I made it. The westernmost point of Australia. I failed to reach the Southernmost point with Jonathan two months ago as the track was closed due to floods. But this is just awesome. A very steep cliff plunges down the ocean, and strong gusts of wind just want to push you down.

A few photos later and I’m at my campsite, on the beach, all alone but for a couple of fishermen. The last hours of the day in the blue ocean, with a beer, what more could you ask. (well I could have asked the million mosquitoes to find another place to camp but hey, can’t win ’em all can you).

Distance today: 375km. Total: 6928km.