NORTH WEST AUSTRALIA
We are just amazed at the great condition of the roads here in Western Australia. Because of the distances between places it makes it really confortable.
After leaving Broome on 18th July our first stop was only 120klms south to Barnhill Station, which is 10klms west on a sand & dirt road off the Great Northern Highway. Due to the roughness it was slow going but was really worth it. Barnhill is situated overlooking the Indian Ocean and really beautiful. We arrived on a Sunday just when a 3 course dinner with entertainment was being offered. The entertainment was provided by a local family of aboriginals which was very entertaining. A swim down at the beach was the call of the afternoon. Just beautiful. A pity that we were only there for the one night. Plan to spend more time here next time up this way. Just loved the outdoor ablution block. Just hang on to the paper when the wind blows.
Port Smith only a further 20klms down the highway then 23klms west on a really good dirt road was our choice for 4 nights. A caravan park is the only choice of camping. Another lovely spot for fishing and recreation within the water way.We did try fishing, myself the only one to land a single fish, but due to the bad windy conditions was not good. Although we couldn’t do the water stuff it was another opportunity to meet new friends. Another case of being in the right place at the right time with the park putting on their weekly “fish & chip night” for $5 including fruit salad & ice cream. The fish being caught in the local waters. The entertainment was the same local family we saw at Barnhill. With large drum fires lit around the perimeter and games organized it was a really fun night. They also operate a rehabilitation and release area for injured or orphaned kangaroos & wallabies. As you can see by the photos they have become very friendly, although I thought a bit scary when one of the larger ones wanted to cuddle me. (I think he wanted a cuddle).
Now 365 klms. sw of Broome was Eighty Mile Beach. Shells, shells, shells. Neither D’Arcy or I have seen so many shells on a beach. I don’t believe anywhere in the world that you would find more shells. The variety and the beauty is just amazing. D’Arcy reckons I was like a little girl collecting shells. I can assure you there were lots of little girls and boys (D’Arcy) collecting too. We are looking forward to a re-visit. There were a lot of large red fin salmon being caught in the last 2 days of our stay, due to the winds debating , although they managed to swim past D’Arcy’s line. A next door neighbour was kind enough to present us with some fillets from his catch. Also good to catch up with Robyn & Tony who we met back in Broken Hill and new ones from Port Smith, Joan, Warren, Sandra & Don.
One thing not to do when driving on the beach at low tide is to go out on the mud flats. See by the photos what can happen. During the high tide the car was invisible. Thanks to all the park residents that lent a hand it was out in no time, but not without the salt damage. The other crashed one was doing donuts on the beach. Suppose it takes all kinds. Pilbara Towing had a busy time.
Till next time.........
