Broome

 Broome is situated on a small peninsula 4km wide. On the west it meets the Indian Ocean with the famed Cable Beach and its glorious sunsets. Cable Beach was where the submarine telegraph cable left Australia across to Jakarta in 1889, thus becoming the third link for Australia through to England. On the Eastern shore is Roebuck Bay and Town Beach, where the phenomenon of the full moon rising over the very low tide creates the "Staircase to the Moon" - a photographers delight and I managed to capture some pics. We had dinner at the night markets which accompany this event, and breakfast at The Courthouse markets today. We've braved a camel ride on Cable Beach and enjoyed a drink at the Sunset Bar after. We also strolled Chinatown with its plethora of pearl shops. A day trip up the Dampier Peninsula on dirt roads to Cape Leveque in a 4WD bus was another gem with visits to Beagle Bay community viewing its church with Mother of Pearl decorated interior, and Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, before reaching the Cape for lunch and a swim. These red (Pindan) cliffs is where the Australian Childrens Choir sang 'I still call Australia Home' in a Qantas ad some years ago.
Photos: Cape Leveque, Camel riders, Sunset on Cable Beach (thirsty work) and Staircase to the Moon.

Kimberley Wild Expedition

Safely back in Broome after an epic 10 day adventure through the Kimberley with 10 other passengers, our driver/guide and a hostess. It was amazing and yes I did survive the camping aspect, but was glad we upgraded to 'Camping Plus'. This gave us some nights in a safari tent or cabin with ensuite, for a bit more comfort. From rugged red ranges to cool waterfall fed pools, long hikes along rocky gorges to 5 star dinners under the stars, we experienced it all. Purnululu National Park (home of the Bungle Bungle range) was spectacular, as I enjoyed a helicopter flight over these unique beehive shaped domes with distinctive red and black banding, which were formed millions of years ago. We were woken before dawn and at 4 a.m. taken to watch the sun rise over the Domes, whilst eating a delicious breakfast of ham and cheese croissants. The meals were brilliant, offering variety and clever cuisine, including a replica Bungle Bungle coffee and orange mousse dessert. The famed El Questro Station was also a highlight where we hiked up Emma and El Questro Gorges in the heat, to be rewarded with a cool refreshing swim.
Time to relax a little and see the sights of Broome for a few days.
Photos: sunrise at Bungle Bungles, Aerial view of Bungle Bungles, Cathedral Gorge, Emma Gorge, Echidna Chasm

Derby to Broome

We have set up in Derby for 3 nights to get some reprieve from the heat. Derby is on the coast and has the second highest and lowest tides in the Southern Hemisphere owing to the funnel shape of the Bay and proximity to the equator. It at least gets a cooling sea breeze in the afternoons.We viewed sunset from the Wharf whilst eating delicious fish (barramundi) and chips. We will see high tide tomorrow (over 11 metres) as well as a few local highlights.
Now moved further West to arrive in Broome Friday.
Then it is off on a 10 day tour with Kimberley Wild Adventures. This will be a challenge as it is along the infamous Gibb River Road which is only suitable for 4WD vehicles. Our tour is in a 4WD air con bus so hopefully some comfort along the way. I will probably be out of internet access as we are even more remote, so next post when return to Broome. Loving the Boab trees and stunning sunsets, not so much the red dust which gets into everything.
Photos - Prison Boab Tree (used to hold locals en route to jail), sunset Derby Wharf, low tide.

Mimbi Caves

Arrived at Mimbi Caves camp along a dusty road off the Highway between Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing. This is owned and operated by the Gooniyandi people. The Caves are one of the most significant Devonian fossil sites in the world. This area was once under the ocean and the shell and fish fossils in the limestone bear witness.  There are no walkways or lighting, the Caves are totally natural, complete with pools deep within hosting frogs, micro bats, water monitor and a snake! Lucky we had torches. It was a great experience. Tonight we are atop Ngumban Cliff which has allowed wi fi access as well as a remarkable vista, despite the smoke from distant fires. We are meeting fellow travellers at each stop, all very friendly. A bit cooler today and the nights now milder too.

Kununurra to Halls Creek

After a flight to Darwin then Kununurra I was met by Del and my home for the next few weeks - a Toyota Coaster motorhome. We've now travelled 300 kms along the Great Northern Highway to Halls Creek. Overnights have been camp sites en route, a daunting experience at first but quite safe owing to the numerous other vehicles and caravans there each night. The scenery is ever changing but predominantly red dirt, red termite mounds, rugged mountain ranges, and my favourites the boab trees. It is of course very hot, but so cold at night. Last night I looked out and saw a thousand stars lighting up the sky.
Tonight we have booked into Larrawa Station Nature Stay, and then head to Mimbi Caves campsite where we will do the Caves tour.
It is such a different world up here, and I am really enjoying the journey, taking our time and seeing the sights en route.