The Karijini National Park is one of the jewels of the Pilbara. Walking through the park, you will discover spectacular scenery that time has shaped for over two billion years. A paradise for geologists, but not only this. The water has carved out magnificent gorges, some of them hundreds of metres deep. It is possible to access waterholes (or admire them from various lookouts) after a short walk or longer hikes. You will not be disappointed! These gorge walks are also the main attraction of the place. The Karijini is located just above the Tropic of Capricorn and often the temperatures reach 40°C in summer. The ideal time to visit is between May and September. No matter when, you will certainly appreciate swimming in the creeks. It is a refreshing experience that contrasts with the arid surroundings. Access to the park by car is possible even if some roads are not sealed. Note that only the northern part of the park is accessible to the public. One wonders what the southern part has to offer. We want more!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Department of Environment and Conservation (Western Australia).

Well, it is no big secret, but Australia is a vast country. As soon as one takes to the road, especially when traveling inland, the distances are huge and Australia becomes a dreamland for a road trip. Hazardous road conditions are common though so always be cautious. If the main roads linking the capitals and major cities are in excellent condition, most of the other roads are still unsealed and in a random condition. Thus in remote areas one can find roads ranging from asphalt to gravel and tracks. Many are feasible with a conventional vehicle, but in the more remote areas, the use of a 4WD is highly recommended and even mandatory in some places. It is important to check with local authorities before hitting the road. Of all the dangers of frequent road surface changes, the more annoying for passengers and more challenging for your car is probably found on corrugated roads. To give you an idea, imagine driving on corrugated iron for hundreds of kilometres in the middle of the outback. Unfortunately, it is difficult to prevent this from happening. However, it can be temporary solved by regrading the road (photo). Safe travels!

The Pilbara is a land of contrasts, rich with many natural wonders. Temperatures are generally high and the sky clear. During a stay in the area, take time to discover the fascinating landscapes of the national parks that time has taken millions of years to carve. Karijini National Park is the most popular of them, but some other parts of the region are also worth a look. This is the case with the Millstream Chichester National Park, which covers 200,000 hectares 150 kilometers south of Dampier. Cliffs and winding tree-lined rivers are spectacular. The park also hosts natural rock pools including the magnificent isolated Python Pool (photo). Beyond their beauty, these waters are also gifts of nature when you walk in temperatures exceeding 40°C. If you plan to spend time in the area, take precautions because there is no drinking water for hundreds of kilometres around.

We are in Western Australia's northwest. Back in the 70's the region was inhabited by various isolated mining communities. During this era, Red Dog, an iconic Australian Kelpie, spent his time wandering the land. His nickname has been attributed to the red dirt of the Pilbara. Over time, his travels made him a legend among the local population. Legend has it that after his master's death, he embarked on an endless search of him through the Australian outback. Along the way, through his unconditional companionship he united even the hardest of hearts in the local communties. The legend is perpetuated through poems and stories about the adventures of Red Dog. Recently an eponymous film, fast becoming one of the most successful Australian movies of all time, brought the legend of Red Dog to the big screen. It is a feel-good movie that will touch the hearts of everyone (watch the trailer). A memorial (photo) was erected by the many "friends" he made during his travels in honour of his contribution to the morale of the community. It is located at the entrance of Dampier, a city where he often returned.
Ironically, Red Dog could have been one of the last films that Loïc worked on the promotion of before starting the iPhoneography Oz adventure.

Cape Range National Park is the terrestrial part of the Ningaloo Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The submerged part of the North West Cape has a diverse and abundant marine life with colourful underwater scenery, whereas the park is formed by rugged and arid land. Red limestone cliffs, incised by deep gorges, are impressive. In the eastern part of the park, a road located twenty kilometres south of Exmouth follows the razor-backed ridges and provides breathtaking views of the Charles Knife Canyons. One could easily believe they were in the Grand Canyon. There are several lookouts along the way that provide fantastic photo opportunities. Photographers and nature lovers may have found their paradise here. The western part of the park, meanwhile, gradually flattens out as it approaches the coast, giving way to the pristine white sand beaches of the Ningaloo Reef. Both the wildlife and the flora are very rich. That said, a visit in late winter is preferable to be sure to see the animals and wildflowers.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Department of Environment and Conservation (Western Australia).

In addition to our visit to Coral Bay, we joined a snorkelling tour in Exmouth. Like Coral Bay, Exmouth also offers the opportunity to snorkel on the Ningaloo Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We were delighted to join Ningaloo Ecology Cruises on their Glass Bottom Boat tour which allowed us to get up close and personal with the natural wonders of the reef. As you glide through the crystal clear water you can marvel at the colourful and 1,000 years old coral, swim with turtles and tropical fish. They offer a few different tour options ranging from coral viewing and snorkelling to exclusive tours that can be tailored to your needs. The moment you book with them the tour is guaranteed regardless of numbers. This is how much your hosts, Alek and Gina, love their "office"! It is easy to see why and we have no doubt that you will enjoy this cruise as much as we did!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Ningaloo Ecology Cruises.

Exmouth is a small coastal town of 2,500 inhabitants located at the north end of the Ningaloo Coast. This small Western Australian town is a magnet for tourists from all around the world each year between April and July when they come to swim with the whale sharks. Its beaches and snorkeling sites are easily accessible throughout the year. Beyond the underwater wonders of the Ningaloo, note that Exmouth is a few minutes drive away from the grandiose landscape of the Cape Range National Park. Exmouth is also a communication base for the U.S. and Australian Navy and has been since the 60s. Better to have your own vehicle to explore the surroundings. Nature lovers are in heaven!