Day 16. Up at daybreak we packed up camp and headed out onto a corrugated red dirt road about 30km to the western gorges of Karijini NP. First a view down into very deep Joffre Gorge, a little scary taking photos even behind the safety barrier. A beautiful deep pool below. Next a short drive to reach the highlight of today, Oxer Lookout where we viewed 5 very deep narrow gorges and pools at their junction - Weano, Wittenoom, Hancock, Red and Joffre Gorges. We stood in awe of the power of nature to carve out these deep gorges with their stunning pools over millions of years. Beautiful red iron stone walls contrasted against the white snappy gums and light green spinefix. Plaques mark deaths that have occurred in these gorges. On the way out we drove into the Karijini Eco Resort for coffees on the deck. So many vacant platform tents dot the landscape here. A short walk again to Joffre Gorge and after a scramble down rock paths and ledges we still could not see the falls so we decided to retreat for safety reasons.

We then drove 83km through beautiful arid mountain country to mining town of Tom Price, a lovely green shady oasis with a beaut shopping village, lunch at the bakery. We could not find any accommodation for the night as the Nameless Festival is on so we decided to drive on 450km to coastal town of Onslow, through the mining town of Paraburdoo. This is Rio Tinto iron ore mining territory. Arriving into Onslow before sunset we welcomed a refreshing shower at our cabin to wash off the red Pilbara dirt. Dinner tonight at the local Beadon Hotel. Warm today 26 degrees.