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33 years ago when Chris and I travelled around Australia with our family for 4 months while dad took long service leave from his job, we visited an oasis called Millstream in the Chichester National Park. Back then we drove past a sign, thinking we would pull over for lunch, and ended up staying for 4 days. Our Millstream experience held vivid memories for me and it was such a special time in my childhood that almost seemed magical when I’ve looked back on it over the years. We’ve relived that time around the kitchen table many times over the years and stayed in touch with the other family that we met there to this day. I’m sure everyone has childhood memories that really are unique to them like this one.

Well, today we drove from Karratha through the Chichester National Park to Millstream. I was so excited to be going there again. Of course I was on the lookout for the exact sign I remembered but 33 years on a lot of progress has happened and a lot of scrub fires have taken place so the new sign had to suffice for photos instead.
We arrived at the campground and I recognised it instantly. There is now a wire fence between the water and the camp area and a few new posts but otherwise it is unchanged.
We swam in the stream which is fed by an underground spring just as we did when I was nine years old. I can’t really put into words how this felt, how grateful I was to be able to revisit this special place from my childhood and share it with my family.
It was such a special day and I felt very privileged to be there again.

We also visited Python Pool in the same National Park. It is named Python Pool because Aboriginal Dreamtime explains that there is a sleeping python at the bottom of it. It is a popular swimming hole and you could easily spend the whole day picnicking here. When we were here last (33 years ago) my dad blew up a lilo and while we played on the banks of the swimming hole, he floated away and promptly fell asleep floating out to the middle of the water. A busload of Japanese tourists pulled up and took great delight in taking photos of him bobbing along in the water. We all thought it was hilarious and laughed along with them, the language of laughter is no barrier when you are laughing at someone else who is oblivious to it. They all returned to the bus, probably looking forward to getting their photos developed with the unique Australian wildlife in the midst of their photos!

While we were there, Chris and I had a token push and shove on the banks, just as Mum told us we did all those years ago. We felt obliged to recreate it with photos to send to her. Chris was just 4 so I’m sure I didn’t push him too hard back then. So great to be sharing these moments with him.

After our day out, Ray and Caleb took advantage of a special at the supermarket and enjoyed a chocolate bar for dessert. We haven’t had any since we finished off the hoard that I brought from home, mainly farewell gifts from my grade. They certainly enjoyed it. Ahh…the simple things!

For more information and help in getting there:https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/site/python-pool