#3: [01-Jul-08]

#1: [06-Oct-01] (incomplete)

28-Apr-2001 -- This Confluence was our most important target on our weekend round trip from Port Hedland to Newman and back via Marble Bar. Our rented 4WD (Toyota Landcruiser) took us over the total distance of 1150 km, with 400 km gravel road and 30 km off road tracks. On our tour we passed 6 confluences but we had to decide which we could visit in time.

The following description will include our experiences around this point. For the point on the way from Port Hedland to Newman please refer to Confluence 23°S 119°E.

After completion of our food, drinks and tank in Newman, a town of about 3000 souls counting the mining town (mining Iron Ore), we followed the Great Northern Highway dir. Meekatharra until the junction to Nullagine / Marble Bar. After a few kilometers we made a detour to Opthalmia Dam, a nice spot where we spent some time swimming and refreshing.

A further 30km drive took us very close to the confluence which was about 1km east in the outback.

Unfortunately the vegetation was too thick for going off road, so we searched for another possibility following a track to an Aboriginal Comunity 2 km north.

We had luck and found a burnt down area so we could enter the terrain more easily. Nevertheless, after a 500m drive at walking pace the burnt down area ended and we had to go another 1.5km over low vegetation until we arrived at the confluence.

After taking our shots we lit the campfire directly on the confluence being careful of the very dry grass and settled down. We placed our tent and necessary equipment, prepared dinner and enjoyed the sunset. As the temperature decreased during the night, we enjoyed 'Gluehwein' at the campfire. Not having any other light sources around we had a great view of the marvellous southern hemisphere star sky.

Listening to the voices of the nature the sense of life became more clear. We stayed overnight and after a healthy breakfast we started to our next target (22°S 120°E).