Pilbara Days: Gorges, Gigs & Golden Skies

Play Me

Another month in Tom Price brought even more magic. One of the highlights was heading to the Karijini Experience, a festival that celebrates culture, art, and the stunning landscape of the Pilbara. We were lucky enough to watch a concert under the endless stars — one of those wholesome nights you know you’ll remember forever. We listened to country singer Nathan Lamont and the incredible Thelma Plum, whose music I admire for how beautifully she shares her culture through her songs. Sharing this experience with new friends — people I’m so grateful to have met — made it even more special. 🎸 🎶

Earlier in the evening, we were welcomed to the land by Traditional Owners through a powerful Welcome to Country ceremony. It was humbling to witness the traditional dance, accompanied by homemade instruments that echoed through the ancient gorges. The pride and strength of the Aboriginal people and communities here is so inspiring, and it felt like such a privilege to be invited to experience even a small part of it. The Karijini Experience isn’t just about performances — it’s about connection: to the land, to the stories that have been passed down for generations, and to each other. It left me feeling deeply grateful, grounded, and in awe of this beautiful place. 🌟

Life in Tom Price has been finding its own rhythm. The local running club has been kicking off, and it’s been such a fun replacement for the footy back home. I’ve loved getting back into running — even better, the coffee catch-ups after each run have become something I really look forward to. It’s amazing how sport and coffee can bring people together, and I’ve met so many wonderful people I probably wouldn’t have crossed paths with otherwise. 🏃🏼‍♀️

The days have been a blur of endless sunsets that set the whole sky on fire. We’ve spent afternoons playing frisbee at the local oval, carried on dog sitting for some new friends, and even tried our hand at baking damper — a traditional Australian bush bread. (Safe to say, I’m still perfecting the recipe!) Life here is simple in the best kind of way, filled with small adventures, new friendships, and the kind of moments you don’t realise you’ll miss until later. 🌅

The clinic here in Tom Price has been busy, but the Easter bank holidays have definitely been a welcome break, helping to break up the month. It’s given me a chance to recharge and reflect on some of the amazing experiences I’ve had working here. One of the most rewarding aspects has been working with children with disabilities, it’s been eye-opening and truly humbling. I’ve also had the chance to check babies’ hips, which is not something I’ve done a lot of back home, and it’s really expanded my scope of practice. Being exposed to paediatric physiotherapy up here has been such an invaluable learning opportunity. Every day feels like a chance to grow professionally.

We’ve made our way to more of the stunning gorges recently, and each one feels like its own little piece of paradise. One of the highlights was Hammersley Gorge — a place of striking beauty and rich history. Hammersley Gorge is part of the Hamersley Range, which is believed to have been formed over 2.5 billion years ago, making it one of the oldest geological formations in the world. The area holds deep cultural significance for the local Aboriginal people, with stories tied to the land that have been passed down for generations. The gorge itself is renowned for its vivid, multi-colored rock formations and crystal-clear water.

The walk down was a bit of a challenge, but once we reached the bottom, it felt like we had stepped into another world.

We also visited Knox Gorge, which offered a similarly breathtaking experience. While the descent was steep and challenging, every step was worth it for the view once we reached the bottom. The gorge is surrounded by towering cliffs, and the rock walls are layered in such intricate patterns that it’s hard to believe they were shaped by nature alone. The calm pools of water here are a perfect contrast to the rugged landscape, creating an oasis that feels almost surreal.

With just seven weeks left in this beautiful town, it’s hard to believe we’ve been here since January. Time has flown by, and while we’ll certainly miss the stunning gorges, the close-knit community, and those magical moments under the Pilbara sky, we’re beyond grateful for all the experiences we’ve had. What an incredible journey it’s been so far.

As always, thank you for reading!

Rock on! 🤘