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| Python Pool, Millstream Chichester National Park (image courtesy CALM WA) |
There are a number of posting locations located within the Pilbara and Gascoyne regions; Port Hedland, Karratha, Tom Price, Newman, Exmouth and Carnarvon, with the majority of families posted to Karratha, the major centre in the northwest. Karratha is located 1600km north of Perth. All of these locations, with the exception of Tom Price and Newman, are located on the stunning Indian Ocean coastline and offer a myriad of water-based activities including sailing, diving, whale-watching, swimming and absolutely the best fishing in Australia!
The inland towns don't miss out, as they are located in the vicinity of two of Australia's largest National Parks, Karijini National Park - the best of Western Australia's wilderness parks, and Karlamilyi (Rudall River). These offer spectacular gorges riven through ancient rock, hiding cool, deep pools within the desert and rugged ranges.
Towns are small, safe, and family-friendly with huge numbers of sporting clubs offering just about anything that isn't alpine-based! Towns have plenty of parks and recreation areas, most with lighting for enjoying during the mild evenings and nights. Adults don't miss out, with strong sporting competitions, social clubs and community and art groups all available.
Entertainment is much more limited than in the city, so people get out and make the most of the outdoors. There are endless places to explore - four wheel driving, bushwalking and camping around some of Australia's most pristine environments - where a beach or rock pool is truly your own. For the more adventurous, you can access the Pilbara and Kimberley wilderness areas, including challenges like the Canning Stock Route and other desert tracks. But there is plenty closer in to enjoy - such as the Ningaloo Marine Park where you can snorkel straight off the beach and swim with the famous whale sharks. At the end of the day kick back in the warm starlight with a cold drink and a happy family.
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| Mystical Fern Pool, Karijini National Park (image courtesy CALM WA) |
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| Silver service, Pilbara style! (Image courtesy the Karratha Visitors' Centre) |
Dining out in the North West is much more limited and informal than in major centres, though there are several cafe style restaurants that serve magnificent fresh seafood caught locally. Casual dining is a key part of the lifestyle up here, with perfect mild to warm evenings all year round ideal for the relaxed BBQ or champagne by the pool.
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| Rock fishing in style..... (Image courtesy the Karratha Visitors' Centre |
The Pilbara and Gascoyne regions contain great holiday destinations such as the Karijini National Park and the Ningaloo Marine Park, and they are also within reach of premier WA tourist destinations such as Broome/Kimberley, Kalbarri (ADF holiday units) and the Shark Bay World Heritage Area - home of the Monkey Mia dolphins. To reach all holiday destinations requires long distance travel, but the adventure can be partly in the journey itself.
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| Warm evening watching the moon rise over Mt Bruce (Image courtesy CALM WA) |
