Grab Life By The Gourlays

10/02/2025

📍 Karratha, Western Australia

Karratha was a bit of a mixed bag of tricks with a 30k car service, new tyres, caravan tyre repair, Benji’s outpatient appointment, visiting Red Dog, checking out the Karratha sights and enjoying the pool

Exploring Karratha, where the rugged beauty of the Pilbara meets endless blue skies! From ancient Aboriginal rock art at Murujuga National Park to stunning coastal views along Hearson’s Cove, this vibrant town is a gateway to adventure. Red earth, turquoise waters, and sunsets that set the horizon on fire—Karratha is pure outback magic.

All in all Karratha wasn’t a bad stop and a lot of necessities had to be done but bring on the Ningaloo! 🙌🏾 🏝️

05/02/2025

📍 Shell Roadhouse, Karratha, WA

Now if you’re in a bind and need somewhere to stay for free in Karratha, there’s the Shell Travel Stop on the corner of Marian Rd and the North West Coastal Hwy.

You need to be self contained but they do have toilets & 1 hot shower if need be. Plus they have a Coles express if you’re desperate for minor groceries etc.

The kids thought it was pretty cool watching the big semi trailers and they even got a honk! 🤙🏽

Trucks come and go throughout the night but we didn’t find it too loud. We even got some washing done!

31/01/2025

So the corrugations begin as we head further down the Gibb River Road and so does the minor carnage!

If you're tackling the Gibb River Road, a stop at Ellenbrae Station is a must! 🚙☀️ Famous for their amazing scones with jam and cream, it’s the perfect place to take a break, refuel, and even enjoy a refreshing swim. 🏊‍♂️ From there, if you're heading north to Kalumburu and McGowan Island Beach, Drysdale River Station makes an epic camping stop along the way. ⛺🔥 With a laid-back vibe, fuel, and a hearty meal, it’s the perfect base before tackling the rough tracks to the coast. The Kimberley is all about adventure—and this route delivers! 🤠🌿

So the corrugations begin as we head further down the Gibb River Road and so does the minor carnage!If you're tackling the Gibb River Road, a stop at Ellenbr...

30/01/2025

📍 Tom Price, Western Australia

Kids love big trucks and big machinery and Tom Price did not disappoint!

🚜Tom Price is a remote mining town in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, known as the state’s highest town at 747 meters above sea level. It serves as a gateway to the stunning Karijini National Park and is a hub for iron ore mining, with Rio Tinto’s Mount Tom Price mine being a major employer. Visitors can take a guided mine tour to see the massive open-cut operation up close, learning about the extraction and processing of iron ore while witnessing enormous haul trucks and machinery in action. The town itself offers essential services, a friendly community, and access to some of the Pilbara’s most breathtaking landscapes.

30/01/2025

27/01/2025

📍 Tiger Eye Pool/Creek Free Camp, Pilbara, WA

What another cracker of a campsite and all for the lovely cost of $0/night!
The area is quite spread out with homemade rock fire pits everywhere and though we’re not near the coast, the sunsets 🌅 were still magical! 🙌🏾

⛰️ Tiger Eye Pool/Creek Free Camp is a dog-friendly camping spot, perfect for travelers exploring the Pilbara region. Located in Nameless Valley Drive, Mount Sheila and is approximately 20 kilometers south of Tom Price, this peaceful site is ideal for those with self-contained setups, as there are no amenities provided. The tranquil surroundings and natural beauty make it a great spot for a quiet retreat, with plenty of space for your furry companions to enjoy.

27/01/2025

The things you come across in the Pilbara,WA. 🙌🏾
We noticed some lush greenery amongst the red dirt so we shot the drone for a better angle and we weren’t disappointed!🤙🏽

💦Irrigation circles in the Pilbara region of Western Australia are large, circular agricultural plots created using centre-pivot irrigation systems. These systems involve a rotating sprinkler arm anchored at the center of the circle, which waters crops in a circular pattern.

Key Features:

1. Large Scale: Pilbara irrigation circles can span up to 50 hectares or more. When viewed from the air, they appear as green, circular patches in an otherwise arid, red landscape, creating a striking contrast.
2. Water Sources: The water for irrigation is often drawn from underground aquifers or surface water sources, such as the Fortescue River or the Munda Ord River system. Groundwater extraction plays a key role in sustaining agriculture here.
3. Crop Types: The circles are typically used to grow crops like fodder crops (e.g., lucerne and sorghum) to support the region’s livestock industry, particularly for cattle grazing. Some areas also experiment with other crops like grains or cotton.
4. Economic Development: These irrigation projects are part of efforts to diversify the Pilbara’s economy, traditionally dominated by mining. The agriculture supports cattle stations and reduces reliance on external feed suppliers.
5. Sustainability Challenges: Despite the innovation, the sustainability of irrigation circles depends heavily on careful water management to avoid over-extraction of aquifers and salinity issues in the soil.

They’re an impressive feat of agricultural engineering, showcasing how modern farming techniques can be adapted to arid regions.

26/01/2025

🇦🇺Happy Australia Day, everyone! 🇦🇺

Today, we come together to celebrate the vibrant spirit, diverse culture, and breathtaking beauty of our incredible country. It’s a day to reflect on our history, honor the First Nations people as the traditional custodians of this land, and embrace the mateship and resilience that make Australia so unique. Whether you’re enjoying a BBQ, heading to the beach, or soaking up the great outdoors, let’s cherish the moments that make this day special.
Stay safe, have fun, and celebrate what it means to be Aussie! 🇦🇺

23/01/2025

📍Buddhas Overnighter, Karijini, WA

If you’re exploring Karijini National Park, don’t miss the Buddha Overnighter free camp near Hamersley Gorge! Nestled among the rugged Pilbara landscape, this peaceful spot is perfect for self-contained travelers looking to soak up the beauty of the outback. Just a short drive to the stunning Hamersley Gorge, it’s the ideal base for early morning swims or late-afternoon hikes. Simple, serene, and surrounded by nature—this is camping at its best!

We enjoyed it so much we forgot to take more photos of it but we did have a cracker of a camp fire which the kids then wanted toasted marshmallows! 🔥

21/01/2025

📍 Hamersley Gorge & Spa Pool, Karijini National Park, WA

Now saying we left the best for last is a bit controversial but it did blow us away!

Hot Tip: if you get there late in the afternoon, you may have it all to yourselves! 🙌🏽
Escape to the breathtaking beauty of Hamersley Gorge in Karijini National Park! This natural wonder boasts dramatic rock formations, cascading waterfalls, and the iconic Spa Pool, a tranquil oasis perfect for a refreshing dip. Surrounded by ancient landscapes, it’s a slice of paradise you won’t forget. 🌿✨

17/01/2025

Latest YouTube Vid is up 🙌🏾 - Link in Bio 🤙🏽

El Questro Gorge is a must-visit destination in the Kimberley, offering a stunning hike through lush rainforest and towering cliffs. The trail takes you across crystal-clear creeks, over boulders, and through a palm-filled paradise, leading to a breathtaking waterfall and swimming hole at the end. It’s the perfect spot to cool off and soak in the beauty of this remote oasis. A true Kimberley adventure you’ll never forget!

17/01/2025

📍 Karijini Free Camp, Western Australia

This was another stunner of a campsite and all for free plus you can have to! There’s just one catch, you have to be self contained and leave it better than you found it, or at least we did!🙌🏾
We were also lucky enough to catch up with again who joined us at camp! 🤙🏽

Experience Karijini free camp in Western Australia, the perfect base to explore six breathtaking gorges nearby! Easily access Dales Gorge, Weano Gorge, Hancock Gorge, Knox Gorge, Joffre Gorge, and Kalamina Gorge, each offering stunning trails, waterfalls, and natural pools to discover. 🙌🏽
Whether you’re hiking through narrow rock passages or cooling off in serene waterholes, this camp lets you soak up the best of Karijini’s raw beauty without the cost.

17/01/2025

📍 Hancock Gorge, Karijini, WA

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Hancock Gorge in Karijini National Park, WA! 🙌🏾
Known as a “class five adventure,” the hike through the gorge offers an exhilarating challenge, with narrow rock passages, climbing, and wading through water. The reward? The stunning Kermit’s Pool, a natural emerald oasis surrounded by towering red rock walls. It’s an unforgettable spot to pause, cool off, and take in the magic of this ancient landscape. A must-visit for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike!

Don’t be put off by it being a class 5 hike as Benji did it in a sling with no worries!🤙🏽

15/01/2025

Adventure awaits at El Questro Gorge on the iconic Gibb River Road! 🌿✨ This breathtaking hike takes you through lush rainforests, towering red cliffs, and refreshing waterholes. Don't miss the chance to cool off in the crystal-clear pools at the halfway point or push on to the stunning waterfall at the end. A must-visit for nature lovers and thrill-seekers! 🏞️💦

There is so much to see around the Pentecost and El Questro is another one of those must see places!Hot Tip: If you want to make it all the way through El Qu...

11/01/2025

📍Joffre Gorge, Karijini National Park, WA

Now this place surprised us with how good it was without water! Imagine how this would be with a bit of rain! 🙌🏾

Only 12km away from Knox Gorge and easily accessible with children so you can fit both in one day! 🤙🏽

Joffre Gorge in Karijini National Park, Western Australia, is a natural wonder carved into ancient banded iron formations that shimmer with rich red hues. The hike into the gorge is an unforgettable journey, leading you through rugged landscapes to a spectacular natural amphitheater. At its heart lies a pristine swimming hole, perfect for cooling off and soaking up the serene vibes of this iconic spot. Joffre Gorge is where geology meets adventure in the most breathtaking way!

11/01/2025

📍 Knox Gorge, Karijini National Park, WA

Now this gorge requires a bit of clambering and crab walking across some rock face but so damn worth it!🙌🏾

The water did look a bit croccy 🐊 but there were a few people swimming there before us so we assumed it was safe! 😬

Knox Gorge in Karijini National Park, Western Australia, is an adventure-lover’s paradise! This stunning spot offers a breathtaking hike through dramatic red rock walls, leading to serene swimming pools surrounded by rugged beauty. Don’t miss the lookout—it’s the perfect spot to soak in the awe-inspiring views of the gorge below. Whether you’re exploring the winding trail or cooling off in crystal-clear waters, Knox Gorge is a slice of outback magic you won’t forget!

09/01/2025

📍 Dales Gorge, WA
🤙🏽 Fern Pool
🤙🏽 Fortescue Falls

On a stinking hot day, Fern Pool with its waterfall was very welcomed but hot tip, do the gorge walk first and not last like us! Rookies! 😂
And it’s only 30 minutes from Karijini Free Camp!🙌🏾

Benji with his suspected broken elbow was the one who suggested to hike Dales Gorge after the swim. What a trooper!
Another hot tip: don’t forget your backpack or you’ll have to carry everything (last pic)

Exploring Dales Gorge in Karijini National Park is an unforgettable adventure! The hike takes you through stunning red rock cliffs, lush greenery, and serene pools. Fortescue Falls is a showstopper, cascading into a crystal-clear pool perfect for a refreshing swim. Just a short walk away, Fern Pool feels like a hidden oasis, with its tranquil waters surrounded by ferns and the sounds of nature. It’s the ultimate spot to soak in the beauty of Karijini.

05/01/2025

📍 Albert Tognolini Rest Area, WA

Now we all know that Western Australia do the best sunsets but did you know they also do the best free camps too?

This place was magical and at the best price of $0/night self contained! 🤙🏽

Discover the Albert Tognolini Rest Area, a stunning free camp perched high in the Hamersley Range, offering breathtaking views of the Pilbara landscape. Just off the Great Northern Highway, it’s the perfect spot to soak in the outback’s beauty under the stars. Located only 40km from Karijini National Park, it’s an ideal base to explore the park’s famous gorges, waterfalls, and trails. Whether you’re resting up or starting an adventure, this is one spot you won’t want to miss!