ANIMALS
Animals On Cheela
The vastly arid Pilbara region is home to small mammals, reptiles and birds. Over a vast station like Cheela, native animals are not always immediately visible, but if you’re lucky, the short scenic drive into the Station Stay could be interrupted by a Red or Grey plains kangaroo bounding across the road in front of you or a circling raptor keenly watching your every move.
Sand Monitors
The infamous Sand Monitor (Varanus Gouldii) or Gould's Monitor can grow up to 160cm and weigh as much as 6kg. They are very popular on the station. You may hear us refer to them as 'Bungarras' which is the Aboriginal name for Sand Goanna.
Horses
You may get the chance to see some of our station horses Comet, Jet, Mardi, Clipsy, Tex and Atlas. Either down at the paddocks or if Robin brings them up for a bath on the grass. These are all working horses and may be used in mustering.
Dingoes
Sometimes you may hear the howl of Dingoes at night. the Pilbara is home to the Western Desert Dingo. Although not common to see, you may spot them at the Beasley River Gorge.
The Pilbara is also home to Wild Dogs and Wild Cats.
Cows
Be on the lookout for Milo, the pet Brahman Heifer. Hand reared on the station she's very friendly. You can find her with her not so little calf Ovaltine down at the paddocks, but please only pat her from the outside of the paddock. She may be some of the only evidence you see of Cheela being a working cattle station. Our herds of cattle may be kilometres away from the campground, being constantly moved to fresh pasture across the 188,000 ha of the station.
Kangaroos
Although rare to see, you may get the chance to spot a Red (or Grey) Kangaroo, Wallaroo or Rothschild Wallaby. Due to our dry climate they travel far and wide searching for new water sources. Red Kangaroos are an iconic Australian animal and also the largest living Marsupial in the world.
