Ben fishing in Western Australia.
The spectacular Port Hedland Coast.
In search for the perfect oyster.
WA budget accommodation.... Ben heads to a working cattle station on the water and learns some fishing tips.
John and Pam Leeds and their family live on Pardoo, a 200,000-hectare working cattle station. They run Santa Gertrudis cattle which are sold for export, as well as having a livestock carrying company which takes cattle throughout Western Australia and as far as Queensland if requested.
Pardoo runs 80km along the coast and goes inland another 80km. It is covered with low scrub, and on the coastal plains is saltbush. As you move inland, the grass changes to soft spinifex.
The main homestead is about 3km from the coast and was built in 1869. It is actually two buildings — one contains the kitchen and the other the living room, bedroom, bathroom and office.
About eight years ago, John and Pam decided to open the property to tourists, and the success has been fantastic. In winter, people stay for three to four months at a time, and most are return visitors. Local people young and old also love to visit Pardoo to camp and fish and get back to nature.
There are several levels of accommodation to choose from. There is a camping and caravan area with both powered and un-powered sites. There are three separate areas which can accommodate up to 30 people in a range of twin rooms, double rooms and family rooms. The family rooms have a double bed, double bunk and refrigerator. The amenities are shared, with 12 showers and 12 toilets.
The large kitchen building includes two stoves plus pots, pans, cutlery, plates and refrigerators. There is also a communal barbecue area.
The homestead's stone swimming pool is open to guests. Pam also runs a shop providing essentials such as milk, bread, barbecue packs and fishing tackle. They also have what Pam thinks must be the world's smallest liquor licence.
During the day people usually fish for their dinner, paint local scenery or just relax on the beach or by the pool. Fishing is dependent on the tides, and you can fish off the beach, in the tidal creeks or walk out to an island and collect oysters.
