Day 105 - Millstream Chichester National Park

Today we explored the Millstream-Chichester National Park.  It is about 90km from Karratha and there were plenty of gravel roads to cover to see the sights.  We did about 440km in all.  We were disappointed in some respects ie large distances for relatively few attractions, but the general area was sufficiently interesting to give us a few “Oo – ah” experiences so we are glad we went.

About 60km in from Karratha, we went up a range to a plateau of sorts, which could best be described as rolling, spinifex covered hills with the inevitable red rocks showing through from time to time.  For most of the time, the Tom Price to Cape Lambert railway kept us company.

200714 Railway and train accompanying us up the range

200714 Rolling spinifex covered plains and a wispy cloud
to add contrast

Our first attraction was Python Pool, a permanent waterhole at the base of the Chichester Range escarpment.  The view from the top of the escarpment as we headed down to the pool was breathtaking.  In the distance we could see the Hamersley Ranges.  Sadly, the photographs don't do justice to view.

200714 A view from the top of the escarpment

200714 On the tableland with the Hamersley Ranges in the background

200814 Morning tea near the Python Pool

200714 The Python Pool

200714 The Python Pool

Next we headed for Deep Reach, which is a section of the Fortescue River which has permanent water.  We subsequently did a walk along a cliff top which overlooked the Fortescue River. 

200714 Deep Reach in the Fortescue River

200714 Fortescue River from the cliff top walk

Our final destination was the Millstream Homestead.  The initial homestead was destroyed in the 1800’s by cyclones and the existing structure was built in the early 1900’s.  Near to the homestead was a spring-fed pond which was beautiful.  The water was so clear you could see the plants growing under the water. The springs created an oasis of date palms and paperbark forests.  It was described as wetlands but it was quite dry in places.  The palms were weighed down by dead fronds, which made the place look a little untidy.

200714 The Millstream Homestead with the kitchen on the RHS

200714 The stove in the kitchen at the Millstream Homestead

200714 The pond at the Millstream Homestead - and reflections

200714 Lily pads and other water plants growing beneath the surface.
Note the clarity of the water

200714 A fern growing 0.5 metre underwater at the pond
at Millstream Homestead

As we neared the coast on the drive home we were “welcomed” by a leaden sky and as we drove into the park, light rain began to fall. 

One of the highlights for the day was the number of wildflowers we saw. Most common were the ubiquitous Mulla Mulla, the floral emblem of the Pilbara, kapok, Sturts desert pea and many, many different acacias.  For many miles Mulla Mulla and kapok lined the roadside with an occasional splash of red from Sturts desert peas.

The gnome had a frustrating day because he could not find any water in the Fortescue River.

200714 The Gnome questioning why, at this point,
 the Fortescue River has no water in it