Leaving Karijini behind us, we continued our journey through the red Pilbara via the Rio Tinto Railway Road, which we had obtained a permit for in Tom Price. This dirt road is about 200km long and follows the railway line where a lot of the iron-ore mines are, so there are usually road trains and other mine vehicles using it as well.

Fortunately for us, we didn't see any road trains (they are only allowed to do 60km/hr), and only a few 4wd mine vehicles, but we did see 13 very long trains travelling with both empty and full carriages! These trains look amazing as they traverse the tracks through the Pilbara at about 2.6km long (Alf counted the carriages!)

On the way, we stopped at Millstream National Park to see the old homestead and natural water springs. Had to drive through a few water crossings as well as a red, arid landscape of stoney ground and white, snappy gum trees - such diversity.

We spent the night in a cute caravan park in Dampier - home of the wandering 'Red Dog'! I just had to get a photo!