Cheela Plains Station in the Pilbara is a wonderfully remote stop along the Nanutarra–Munjina Road, about halfway between Paraburdoo and Tom Price. The country here is shaped by ancient geology more than two billion years old. The red rocks and iron‑rich ranges show the deep age of this landscape.
Accommodation at Cheela Plains
Cheela Plains offers two styles of accommodation. There is the main caravan park with full amenities—showers, toilets, laundry, camp kitchen. For more adventurous visitors, there are the wilderness camps located about 30 minutes away.
We chose the wilderness experience and stayed at Wilderness Fad’s Bush Camp, a secluded site tucked at the base of an ancient little gorge with sweeping views in every direction. Our nearest neighbour was far enough away that it truly felt like we had the place to ourselves.
Although the site itself has no amenities, we could still use everything at the main campground, which made the stay comfortable. The three nights cost us $243, and for the remoteness and the sense of being on a real station property, it was absolutely worth it.
While staying at Cheela Plains wildnerness camp, I took the opportunity to climb the gorge early morning while everyone else was still sleeping. It was a good workout, but I liked it. I made it just in time to see the sun rising above the horizon. The solitude, the views of the surroundings and tranquility were awesome. I also loved watching the spinifex grass and the rocky hills in the distance transform as the sun rose and cast their rays on them.
Ancient geology at Cheela Plains
During our stay we had private access to our own gorge and could explore several others around the station. The colours were incredible — banded iron formations, scattered quartzite, and warm red tones from oxidised rock. Everything looked almost magical. At sunset the rocks revealed even more depth, glowing intensely under the rays of the setting sun.
In conclusion
It was a memorable trip, that we’ll remember for a long time. We highly recommend the wilderness camps for anyone who is self‑sufficient and travelling with an appropriate vehicle and van. A 4WD is a good idea due to the rough terrain.
