We left Karratha early with a plan to camp at the Port Hedland Golf Club in South Hedland. We remembered staying there a few years ago. Unfortunately, as it is still Cyclone Season, the club wasn’t officially open, but they said we were welcome to camp there as long as we knew it wasn’t set up properly. We would have power and water, plus the key to clean showers and toilet so we were happy. We booked in for two nights to let John have some down time.
We were the only campers there so it was lovely and quiet. The golf course was open and so was the bar so we enjoyed a drink in the air conditioning before cooking dinner at the caravan. It was 36 degrees both days but only dropped to 25 during the night.
From our van we could watch the three, four or five trailer road trains drive past in the distance as well as the long trains, all carrying iron ore from the mines. Some of the trains are seven kms long and very heavy. Apparently, there are seven flights a day from Port Hedland taking mine workers to and from work. It is a busy, industrial town.
It may be industrial, but it has the most beautiful sunsets. On both nights, we watched the sky grow more and more orange as the sun set. Unfortunately the photos do not do it justice.
On day two of our stay, the golf club was closed so it was very quiet. A few golfers came out to play. Sadly, John was reluctant to play because there were no golf cars available and he had a very sore back, but he did have a very inexperienced caddy who agreed to follow him around for a few holes. A young miner was out playing alone so he joined us which was nice. It was very hot so John only played four holes. But at least he got to play. It would have been very hard for him to camp at a golf club and not have a game.
FLANNERYS' FOOTPRINTS 2026 
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