Roebourne

Kind of feeling cheated. Our original plan was to camp at Karijini, which we abandoned on advice, then drive to Mt Tom Price and on to Millstream-Chichester National Park, which we have also abandoned on advice.  Instead we had to stay in two expensive caravan parks and backtrack 250 kilometers almost to Port Headland.  We had morning tea in the rest area that we stayed at Saturday night, then turned towards Roebourne.  Tried to get petrol at Whim Creek, but they wouldn't take EFTPOS.  They had signs about offering free camping with power, but they charged you to use the toilets.  Very unusual!

Wandered around Roebourne.  We had been told that it was an aboriginal ghetto, and the description was fair, but there were a number of interesting things to see including the old jail, church and post office.  Even went up Mt Welcome and enjoyed the views.  We had been warned against staying in the caravan park, so we went out to Point Sampson, but they had a waiting list.  All was not lost as the boys had a swim, before a bit of shopping in Wickham.  In the end we did stay in the park, and for two nights, and it was okay.

Roebourne is the oldest settlement between Perth and Palmerston (Darwin), but life has moved on.  The caravan park used to be busy and fully featured, but now is in decline and showing it.