Brisbane to Broome... live (ish) trip report
Aug 20th, 2018, 01:43 PM
#41
Even the mere mention of the Bungle Bungles make me think of Emma Blyth, my favorite West Aussie artist.
Home - Emma Blyth - Australian Made Art
Home - Emma Blyth - Australian Made Art
Aug 20th, 2018, 11:27 PM
#43
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 468
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Stunning photos aussiedreamer - thank you for sharing these.
It looks so warm,peaceful and expansive
I am really enjoying reading your report and thinking it might soon be time for an Aussie adventure.
Mel - yes Emma Blyth is a wonderful West Aussie artist and her work often makes me feel homesick.
She capture the colours and energy so well.
Annhig - I have to confess that brown lawn is not something I associate with England, nor is a shortage of water to green it up!
Hopefully you will soon have good rains to refill your well and green up the lawn.
I am travelling to London for short visit in November and thinking I might try and convince my travel partner to visit yourn part of the world despite it not being a warm and sunny time.
Drive safely aussiedreamer...
It looks so warm,peaceful and expansive
I am really enjoying reading your report and thinking it might soon be time for an Aussie adventure.
Mel - yes Emma Blyth is a wonderful West Aussie artist and her work often makes me feel homesick.
She capture the colours and energy so well.
Annhig - I have to confess that brown lawn is not something I associate with England, nor is a shortage of water to green it up!
Hopefully you will soon have good rains to refill your well and green up the lawn.
I am travelling to London for short visit in November and thinking I might try and convince my travel partner to visit yourn part of the world despite it not being a warm and sunny time.
Drive safely aussiedreamer...
Aug 21st, 2018, 04:15 AM
#44
<<Annhig - I have to confess that brown lawn is not something I associate with England, nor is a shortage of water to green it up!
Hopefully you will soon have good rains to refill your well and green up the lawn.
I am travelling to London for short visit in November and thinking I might try and convince my travel partner to visit yourn part of the world despite it not being a warm and sunny time.>>
our lawn looked very sad for a while but it's greening up now; where my mum lives it's been much worse and they desperately need some prolonged rain.
if you decide to come to Cornwall, let me know - it would be fun to meet.
Hopefully you will soon have good rains to refill your well and green up the lawn.
I am travelling to London for short visit in November and thinking I might try and convince my travel partner to visit yourn part of the world despite it not being a warm and sunny time.>>
our lawn looked very sad for a while but it's greening up now; where my mum lives it's been much worse and they desperately need some prolonged rain.
if you decide to come to Cornwall, let me know - it would be fun to meet.
Aug 21st, 2018, 05:35 PM
#45
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,187
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just leaving Kunanurra heading towards the Bungle Bungles, I can’t imagine service will be very good, so just checking in. Had an awesome couple of days at Lake Argyle. We did a sunset cruise on the lake which was lovely for the scenery and the light but we weren’t thrilled with the ‘quality’ Of the set up. But not bad.
We we had a great day in Kunanurra, restocking and researching our onward journey. Had a really yummy lunch at the country club, a real tranquil little oasis.
That night we had a bucket list moment a camp oven dinner under the stars and chandlerliers Just the most amazing concept, limited to 10 people and a fun bunch we were. Lots of chatting and singing haha maybe a few liquid refreshments too. Just amazing. If you ever get to this part of the world make it a must do. Dinner was a barramundi fillet on potato rosti, crispy pork belly native salad and basil damper. Desert was a chocolate brownie with native honey and vanilla ice cream. Just delicious.
Yesterday we we spent the day at El Questro Station, on the Gibb River Road.... an iconic road here in WA. Wow, the scenery was breathtaking, we did our first of many water crossings in the car, equal parts scary and exciting. Another fantastic lunch at the station.
So, the road is bumpy the service patchy time to post. Excuse the grammar.
Kay..... do it. This is our first van and we are complete novices and are having a ball. When I get home I’ll send you a message with van tips/thoughts.
We we had a great day in Kunanurra, restocking and researching our onward journey. Had a really yummy lunch at the country club, a real tranquil little oasis.
That night we had a bucket list moment a camp oven dinner under the stars and chandlerliers Just the most amazing concept, limited to 10 people and a fun bunch we were. Lots of chatting and singing haha maybe a few liquid refreshments too. Just amazing. If you ever get to this part of the world make it a must do. Dinner was a barramundi fillet on potato rosti, crispy pork belly native salad and basil damper. Desert was a chocolate brownie with native honey and vanilla ice cream. Just delicious.
Yesterday we we spent the day at El Questro Station, on the Gibb River Road.... an iconic road here in WA. Wow, the scenery was breathtaking, we did our first of many water crossings in the car, equal parts scary and exciting. Another fantastic lunch at the station.
So, the road is bumpy the service patchy time to post. Excuse the grammar.
Kay..... do it. This is our first van and we are complete novices and are having a ball. When I get home I’ll send you a message with van tips/thoughts.
Aug 24th, 2018, 05:20 PM
#52
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,187
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Greetings from the Great Northern Highway somewhere between Fitzroy Crossing and Derby. It’s been an eventful few days but alls well.
We left Lake Argyle and drove towards the Bungle Bungles, I just can’t get over the amazing ever changing landscape. We’d booked the caravan park just off the highway on Mabel Downs station, the other alternative was to drive into the national park. We’re all glad we did this as it’s a further 55 kms just to the visitors centre on a very rough bush track. There’s a couple of creek crossings mostly dry at the moment, which makes for a very bumpy ride.
So we set up for our two nights and enjoyed the serenity , while watching the resident cattle roam through the park. . Early start the next morning, 6.30am pickup, for our day trip into the Bungle Bungles N/P. Fantastic 4wd bus, very comfy and most importantly airconditioned. We stopped off at the visitors park then onto the first of our three walks. Just the most incredible rock formations. We had a great morning tea a fantastic lunch and terrific commentary from a really knowledgeable guide. Back at our camp around 5, time for showers then over to the ‘circus tent’ camp fire for pre dinner drinks followed by the yummiest dinner. All included in the day your package, really great value and a really fun day.
The weather has been stunning, cool fresh evenings and warm to hot sunny days.
On arrival at the camp site our companions noticed a small bulge in one of their tyres, so fortunate that it hadn’t blown out on the toad. Fortuitously a road side assist just pulled into this very remote place on a false alarm call out. So after a couple of phone calls he was diverted to our job. This is where our relationship with ‘sergio’ began. He changed the offending tyre and suggested that he wasn’t confident with the spare, so they should get a new one on arrival into Halls Creek.
We left Lake Argyle and drove towards the Bungle Bungles, I just can’t get over the amazing ever changing landscape. We’d booked the caravan park just off the highway on Mabel Downs station, the other alternative was to drive into the national park. We’re all glad we did this as it’s a further 55 kms just to the visitors centre on a very rough bush track. There’s a couple of creek crossings mostly dry at the moment, which makes for a very bumpy ride.
So we set up for our two nights and enjoyed the serenity , while watching the resident cattle roam through the park. . Early start the next morning, 6.30am pickup, for our day trip into the Bungle Bungles N/P. Fantastic 4wd bus, very comfy and most importantly airconditioned. We stopped off at the visitors park then onto the first of our three walks. Just the most incredible rock formations. We had a great morning tea a fantastic lunch and terrific commentary from a really knowledgeable guide. Back at our camp around 5, time for showers then over to the ‘circus tent’ camp fire for pre dinner drinks followed by the yummiest dinner. All included in the day your package, really great value and a really fun day.
The weather has been stunning, cool fresh evenings and warm to hot sunny days.
On arrival at the camp site our companions noticed a small bulge in one of their tyres, so fortunate that it hadn’t blown out on the toad. Fortuitously a road side assist just pulled into this very remote place on a false alarm call out. So after a couple of phone calls he was diverted to our job. This is where our relationship with ‘sergio’ began. He changed the offending tyre and suggested that he wasn’t confident with the spare, so they should get a new one on arrival into Halls Creek.
Aug 24th, 2018, 05:47 PM
#54
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,187
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Part 2....
we headed off towards Fitzroy Crossing, but alas 20kms short of our stop at Halls Creek for new tyres their spare blew. Alls well but quite scary, we pulled into a rest stop and called our new friend. He was going to take an hour or more to get there. So we settled in for an unscheduled rest stop. Now any Aussies reading this, will know of the AAMI tv commercial re ‘up ship creek’!!! One of our group decided we should reenact it. God we laughed and it certainly lightened the mood.
Sergio arrived and replaced the offending tyre and we were about to head off. But alas not meant to be. Our car wouldn’t start so Sergio to the rescue again. His comment was... I do like you guys BUT it’s time to go now. 😀
So off we go again and after a very expensive stop for tyres and a battery we spent the night in Fitzroy Crossing. An interesting place but a great park, just what these weary travelers needed.
We will be in Derby for two nights... well one actually. We will leave the vans there tomorrow night and do an overnight flight/cruise to horizontal falls.
Then onto Broome our ultimate destination.
we headed off towards Fitzroy Crossing, but alas 20kms short of our stop at Halls Creek for new tyres their spare blew. Alls well but quite scary, we pulled into a rest stop and called our new friend. He was going to take an hour or more to get there. So we settled in for an unscheduled rest stop. Now any Aussies reading this, will know of the AAMI tv commercial re ‘up ship creek’!!! One of our group decided we should reenact it. God we laughed and it certainly lightened the mood.
Sergio arrived and replaced the offending tyre and we were about to head off. But alas not meant to be. Our car wouldn’t start so Sergio to the rescue again. His comment was... I do like you guys BUT it’s time to go now. 😀
So off we go again and after a very expensive stop for tyres and a battery we spent the night in Fitzroy Crossing. An interesting place but a great park, just what these weary travelers needed.
We will be in Derby for two nights... well one actually. We will leave the vans there tomorrow night and do an overnight flight/cruise to horizontal falls.
Then onto Broome our ultimate destination.
Aug 28th, 2018, 11:19 PM
#58
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,187
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well that was an interesting couple of days........but first 'Tripplanner001' for us two nights was adequate but yes there are more walks you can do. But take into account how hot it is...so not sure how much you would actually want to do. As for accommodation inside the park we opted not to as we didn't want to take our vans in on the very rough 55kms road. We did pass vans though, as there are two camp grounds (unpowered) and permanent safari type tents but I think they are for organised tour groups.
So Derby it self doesn't require too much time, not much to do but we did have a good look around at the wharf and the old gaol etc. had a lovely lunch at the Spinnafex pub.
The next day we were collected and taken out to the airport to catch a float plane to Talbot Bay. What an amazing experience, the scenery on the way over was breathtaking. Exactly what you think of when you imagine the Kimberleys and we caught our first glimpse of Horizontal Falls. Wow And landing on the water was surreal and thrilling. It is the most amazing set up, a huge pontoon, complete with accommodation, bar, restaurant swimming cages, jet boats etc.
After welcome drinks we were then able to swim in the 'shark cage' while they fed the sharks. Wow A very surreal experience, so many sharks around the cage. Then it was a quick change to board the jet boat for our first cruise around the bay and to the falls. If you haven't heard of Horizontal Falls, its a phenomenon caused by water being trapped and the turn of each tide. The only way out of the bay is via small gaps in the gorge. The difference in the levels can be as much as 4 metres, which causes the water fall affect, just amazing. So we cruised around the bay for a while learning about the geology of this beautiful region. Then we got to do a couple of 'passes' through the first of the gaps, 'wide' gap. Imagine jet boating on white water, absolutely thrilling. We went over to the second gap, 'narrow' gap but the difference in the levels made it too dangerous to go through. But he did take us right in close.
Then it was sunset bubbles and a yummy barramundi BBQ dinner on deck, the full moon over the gorge was an absolute bonus. We slept very well in our floating hotel, the cabins had huge windows with unrestricted views of the bay and the cliffs. The full moon made it really special, and the odd shark swimming by was pretty thrilling too.
The next morning after a cooked breakfast we got to go out on the boat again to see the falls in the morning light, again just so beautiful. The run through the falls woke us all up, thats for sure. Time to board the float plane for our scenic flight back to Derby over the archipelago and a barramundi farm. I got to sit in the co pilots seat which was lots of fun.
Back to pick up the vans and head to Broome, our final destination. Not sure if I've mentioned that we'd been having a little bit of car trouble? Apart from the battery it had randomly started over heating and losing power but then would be fine again. So we'd booked it in to the Ford dealership here in Broome for a good check. OH Dear, how plans can change, it appears that the motor may be completely 'cooked'. Fortunately for us it looks like its an issue with this particular model and is covered by warranty. But until they finish all their tests we wont know, Ford I must say have been amazing. They have organised a hire car for our time here in Broome and if its going to take some time to repair will organise flights home. Then transport the car home or fly us back to drive it home...hopefully it wont come to that and we can head home on Sunday as planned.
Needless to say the stress levels have been a bit high, as our 18mth old grandson is also unwell and may need to be admitted to hospital. sigh Hopefully we will know more on both fronts this evening.
On a much brighter note, we dragged ourselves out to see the Staircase to the moon, another natural phenomenon that happens here at Cable Beach as the moon rises over the ocean, the ripples of water in the moonlight appear as stairs. Hard to photograph but beautiful to see. And last night we went to see the sunset over the ocean, again a new thing for us, we are used to sunrise over the ocean. They do camel rides on the beach at sunset, which makes for some great photos.
So hoping things get on track a bit tomorrow.
So Derby it self doesn't require too much time, not much to do but we did have a good look around at the wharf and the old gaol etc. had a lovely lunch at the Spinnafex pub.
The next day we were collected and taken out to the airport to catch a float plane to Talbot Bay. What an amazing experience, the scenery on the way over was breathtaking. Exactly what you think of when you imagine the Kimberleys and we caught our first glimpse of Horizontal Falls. Wow And landing on the water was surreal and thrilling. It is the most amazing set up, a huge pontoon, complete with accommodation, bar, restaurant swimming cages, jet boats etc.
After welcome drinks we were then able to swim in the 'shark cage' while they fed the sharks. Wow A very surreal experience, so many sharks around the cage. Then it was a quick change to board the jet boat for our first cruise around the bay and to the falls. If you haven't heard of Horizontal Falls, its a phenomenon caused by water being trapped and the turn of each tide. The only way out of the bay is via small gaps in the gorge. The difference in the levels can be as much as 4 metres, which causes the water fall affect, just amazing. So we cruised around the bay for a while learning about the geology of this beautiful region. Then we got to do a couple of 'passes' through the first of the gaps, 'wide' gap. Imagine jet boating on white water, absolutely thrilling. We went over to the second gap, 'narrow' gap but the difference in the levels made it too dangerous to go through. But he did take us right in close.
Then it was sunset bubbles and a yummy barramundi BBQ dinner on deck, the full moon over the gorge was an absolute bonus. We slept very well in our floating hotel, the cabins had huge windows with unrestricted views of the bay and the cliffs. The full moon made it really special, and the odd shark swimming by was pretty thrilling too.
The next morning after a cooked breakfast we got to go out on the boat again to see the falls in the morning light, again just so beautiful. The run through the falls woke us all up, thats for sure. Time to board the float plane for our scenic flight back to Derby over the archipelago and a barramundi farm. I got to sit in the co pilots seat which was lots of fun.
Back to pick up the vans and head to Broome, our final destination. Not sure if I've mentioned that we'd been having a little bit of car trouble? Apart from the battery it had randomly started over heating and losing power but then would be fine again. So we'd booked it in to the Ford dealership here in Broome for a good check. OH Dear, how plans can change, it appears that the motor may be completely 'cooked'. Fortunately for us it looks like its an issue with this particular model and is covered by warranty. But until they finish all their tests we wont know, Ford I must say have been amazing. They have organised a hire car for our time here in Broome and if its going to take some time to repair will organise flights home. Then transport the car home or fly us back to drive it home...hopefully it wont come to that and we can head home on Sunday as planned.
Needless to say the stress levels have been a bit high, as our 18mth old grandson is also unwell and may need to be admitted to hospital. sigh Hopefully we will know more on both fronts this evening.
On a much brighter note, we dragged ourselves out to see the Staircase to the moon, another natural phenomenon that happens here at Cable Beach as the moon rises over the ocean, the ripples of water in the moonlight appear as stairs. Hard to photograph but beautiful to see. And last night we went to see the sunset over the ocean, again a new thing for us, we are used to sunrise over the ocean. They do camel rides on the beach at sunset, which makes for some great photos.
So hoping things get on track a bit tomorrow.
Aug 29th, 2018, 12:27 AM
#59
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 468
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Gosh aussiedreamer the adventure continues with beauty, drama, excitement and a little worry!
You are so lucky to have got to Broome with the car despite it being a really annoying situation.
I have enjoyed following along (been a bit slow responding last few days as we are getting ready to heading to Dolomites in 48 hours...)
The Lake Argyle dinner looked amazing, the Bungle Bungles trip even more amazing, and am left speechless by the description of the excursion out of Derby to Horizontal Falls.
Was this trip many months in planning?
We are sorely tempted for maybe next year so your report has given us a lot to research.
Good luck with the car and I do hope your little grandson recovers quickly and happily.
Annhig - will be in touch if there is any chance of Cornwall later this year!
You are so lucky to have got to Broome with the car despite it being a really annoying situation.
I have enjoyed following along (been a bit slow responding last few days as we are getting ready to heading to Dolomites in 48 hours...)
The Lake Argyle dinner looked amazing, the Bungle Bungles trip even more amazing, and am left speechless by the description of the excursion out of Derby to Horizontal Falls.
Was this trip many months in planning?
We are sorely tempted for maybe next year so your report has given us a lot to research.
Good luck with the car and I do hope your little grandson recovers quickly and happily.
Annhig - will be in touch if there is any chance of Cornwall later this year!
