Darwin,Kakadu, Douglas Daly, Katherine, Timber Creek, Lake Argyle, Bungle Bungles, El Questro, Home Valley and the infamous Gibb River Road to Derby onto Quandong Point and Broome.
I know I know this is the July update and its mid way through August, I am my own worst enemy. But with so much to see and do I guess sitting here typing sometimes feels like work. But don't despair its all here and a whole lot of it !!
From memory we left you all hanging on the June update in Darwin ? well it was perfect timing to be up there for territory day where only in Darwin can you buy as much fireworks as you can and let them all off in one big pyrotechnic party along with everyone else in the Territory. At 9am you can wander in and spend away at one of the 400 outlets setup for the day for 12 hrs only. Then from 6pm till 11pm you can cut loose like a kid and set off the 100’s and 100’s of dollars you just spent like a kid in a candy store. I felt exactly like i did as a kid when we could buy them and set them off anytime. I guess I was reliving it a bit as well as showing the kids how much fun it is.
Now all that fun was out of the system it was time we got back on the road, Kakadu was calling again ( we had on a previous trip some 4 - 5 years ago done most of Kakadu ) First night we rolled into the Corroboree Tavern / caravan park for a night after doing the Spectacular croc jumping cruise on the Adelaide river - note we joined the Spectacular Croc Jumping as there are a few operators on the river and this one was $80 cheaper to see the exact same thing !! BIG CROCS !! UP VERY CLOSE !!! see pics. Next day we rattled along to Merl camp ground just next to Arnhem land and setup next to our old friends the Gouldings from Mildura. Whilst here we visited the Ubirr ancient aboriginal rock art which is some of the clearest and most detailed and colourful we encountered on the trip. Sunset approaching and we hightailed it to the Nodab lookout overlooking the wetlands along with 100’s of others and a few gazzilion mozzies to see the sun sink into the green wetlands. Whilst in Kakadu it was still NAIDOC week and we were fortunate to have 2 local indigenous men come and teach the kids how they paint as well as the stories behind what they paint. Our boys were memorised and produced their own painting with their own stories. Next day a quick trip into Jabiru to stock up on some supplies then were we off to Jim Jim Falls campground. On the way we stopped in at Nourlangie to see some more aboriginal rock art - with the highlight being the Namarrgon - the lightening man and Namonjok the creation ancestor - amazing how the colours are still so vivid and the storys had the kids talking for days.
From here we then turned off the lovely bitumen and started 53 kms of dirt - which was one shocker of a road where we lost count of the amount of corrugations after Ryan counted to what he said was a Bazzillion !! with a van full of dust and every bone rattled we setup overlooking the stunning range and decided to drive into then do the short hike to the Lower falls of Jim Jim falls. 10kms of 4wding and dodging tour operators we arrived for a short 1 km hike up to the falls, well 1km over rocks larger than 2 storey houses and over an hour later we arrived to one massive pool and towering cliffs all around us. Sadly the water temp must have been mid teens and only a couple of the kids jumped in and out. Next day we decided we would take the 6km walk to the top of Jim Jim falls. We were all pumped and ready to go - 4 adults and 5 kids !! then we began one of the toughest hikes yet !!! I led trying to find the little bits of pink ribbon tied randomly tied to trees along a track then up a mountain of rocks and tree roots, seems only in the territory they let you on the see sort of trails !! 3.5hrs later we made it to a beautiful clear pool of water overlooking Kakadu. Stunning but marred by the thought of our trek back, we soldiered on and for the kids it must have felt like Mt Everest. A few well earned cold ones and a big feed followed by what felt like 4 days of sleep.
Next day we tackled the 53 kms and another Bazzilion corrugations and we headed for the green pastures and luxuries to be had at Cooinda resort with a welcoming pool, bar and restaurant. Many hours spent here relaxing away and getting the dust out of us all. We parted with the Gouldings here as they had QLD on their radar and we had the rest of OZ on ours. We went in search the next day for another swimming hole and found the Magic in Maguk ( Barramundi Gorge) slightly warmer than most so we spent hours here swimming and of course we found another 5m jumping cliff that we clambered up and let off relentlessly wearing us all out. Another fitting end to our Kakadu visit.
We did a little back track to Douglas Daly Hot springs for a few days to catchup on some school and get back into the groove of travelling on our own. The hot springs lived up to their reputation as BLOODY HOT !!! almost scorching in places with some relief in the cooler springs. Next we hit Katherine for a few days to enjoy some more hot springs and a bit of shopping before we head west towards WA. With a stop over for a few days at Timber Creek whilst we waited for Sue’s sister Ceily along with Tim and their boys Tyler and Harrison to join us as they will be travelling with us as we tackle the infamous Gibb River Road. Whilst at timber creek the local freshwater crocs provided plenty of entertainment as they arrive on queue at 5pm to be feed. With 20 or so people hanging off a hand made wire suspension bridge the freshies arrive, eat and leave. Simple but awesome and free , followed by feeding the whistling kites that also arrive a 5 for their feed.
With the WA quarantine ahead of us we ate everyone we needed to get over the border with no dramas except for the potatoes we forgot and declared at the border. And with that done we entered our final state / territory on the map ( except Tasmania but apparently that happens a lot ) A shop stop and restock as well as feeling up all the jerry cans and car with diesel ( 240lts at $1.55 ) in Kununurra to see us to the other side of the Gibb. We made a bee line to Lake Argyle was one of our Bucket list destinations. We setup unpowered on the oval and headed for the famous infinity pool to get those postcard pics. Not a lot of people in the pool considering the park was packed !! we jumped in and quickly found our why !! that pool is near frozen !!! but we got the pics and bailed out. The Lake is amazing and massive, also slightly warmer than the pool so we went in for a swim even after they said that 25,000 plus freshwater crocs live in it !! ( sent the kids in first )
With the Gibb Ahead of us and the Bungle Bungles below us we decided to head south and spend a few days exploring the Bungles Bungles as we had them on our Travel Bucket List. We camped out at the free camp on the highway ( with a few 100 others ) a day tripped in as we weren't allowed to take a dual axle van into the Purnululu NP. Another 50km trek in on some ordinary roads that were soon forgotten by the majestic scenery of the iconic bee hive rock formation known as the Bungle Bungles. Stinking hot we hiked to Cathedral Gorge with was breathtaking and so well worth the hike, with temps in the high 30’s and radiating off the rocks in the mid 40’s Ryan was struggling so Sue ventured on and did another hike with the older boys and Ryan an I headed back to the car and some shade. 50 kms back out to camp for a feed and sleep. Next day we drove back in and headed to the Northern area of the park and some easier walks as a little relief as it was a few degrees cooler. We hiked into Echidna Chasm, a narrow and shaded Chasm that towers above you as you meander along the creek into the Chasm to the very end were it just ends. A quick stop at the lookout on the way back gave us our farewell view of the Bungle Bungles and topped off the few days of exploring them.
We head north again then turn left onto the infamous Gibb River Road, we have always wanted to tackle this beast and had prepared ourselves, car and van for the notorious track ahead. So with that in mind we drove along the bitumen all the way to El Questro !! yes bitumen, but this wont last long at all. We stayed at El Questro camp grounds, NOT the Homestead that all the brochures show of luxury villas on top of the gorge that come with $1900 - $2500 per night price tags. At El Questro you are in the Gorge, so its not scenic from the campsite but you can jump into the Pentecost River for a swim ( this bit is croc free ) we drover on the property to view Explosion Gorge and up to the lookout where you can take in the vista and just see those people paying their 1000’s of dollars at the homestead. Whilst here we went to Zebedee hot springs, tiny pools filled with tourists like us jostling for a spot in the water. They were warm and relaxing. We booked into the afternoon cruise down Champagne Gorge where we slowly travelled along the Pentecost River between huge cliffs towering over us again. We stopped at the furtherest point you could go to ( before rocks) and anchored up when the your guides gave us all some fish food to which you hold out over the boat and 1000’s of archer fish spit water at you to drop the food into the water. They also crack open a dozen bottles of Champagne to feed the land goers :) then it was Barra feeding time !! all of our boys jumped at the chance followed by Sue who bravely held out the small bait fish to have a big Barra gulp it down, I should have given her a hook and line as this was the only chance i reckon I had of catching one !!! Next day we packed up and back tracked a few kms to visit Emma Gorge which is also part of the El Questro property . Another hike over rocks and creek beds which prove to be a challenge for little ones, but again were rewarded with another jaw dropping swimming pool and the base of a gorge waterfall. And as usual it was refreshingly cold, however as we found out once you swim through the cold waters, tucked around the corner is a crevice that flows with hot spring feed waters, fitting everyone in was a bit tricky but nice all the same.
Time to move on - we drove back down the bitumen part of the Gibb past the El Questro turnoff and that is where the bitumen ends for the next 500 or so kms. A few more kms down the track we meet the Pentecost River crossing, the one you see in all the 4wd adventure and travel magazines. We were there and doing it !! Sue lept out half way across to get the pics of us crossing, having a good look to ensure no crocs were waiting for their moment as well. Only a short 40km drive to Home Valley station down a few corrugated roads and the usual trail of dust in the mirrors. Upon entry to the station we were at the main gates which were the most elaborate and beautiful gates any of us have ever encountered and sets the scene for the rest of the station. Best to see the pic below to see what we mean. We chose to stay at their river camp some 7kms away from the main station and restaurant. This station overlooks the Cockburn Ranges and we had a river front setting and million dollar views. The sunsets over the ranges and the mud flats of the Pentecost river provided the same colour changing experiences you get at Uluru, except this one have 5 more crocs in the background as well. We spent 3 days here as it was beautiful and to date one of the most serene places. The restaurant at the station was fantastic, great food and in a rustic tin shed which added to the Station feeling. Tim, Ceily and the twins departed a day earlier to go and explore the Mitchell Falls by air from Drysdale Station, we had heard the road in was van destroying !! we opted to not go there but instead meet a few days later at Silent Grove.
Leaving Home valley we headed west and came across the turnoff to Drysdale, we thought to our selves should we head up there and see or not ?? maybe the road had been graded and we would kick ourselves for not going up there. Turn right and lets see !! 20kms in and 40 to go we were travelling at less than 10kms per hour over foot long and foot deep corrugations - oceanic is a good description. Time to re- assess so we turned around satisfied that we tried. It was shocking and we were also relieved that we didn't miss much according to Tim & Ceily at the station. We made our way to Mount Barnett Roadhouse and paid our camping fee for the Manning Gorge camp grounds 7 kms down the track behind the roadhouse. It was rather busy and we ventured far down the grounds to find a spot for a few days. Next morning we were up and ready to go for a hike to the gorge, only a 1.5km walk which these days is a stroll, 50 meters from our van we come across the first water crossing which has a small tinnie with a rope tied to each side of the creek where you pile in and pull yourself across. The walk to the bottom of the gorge was awesome, treacherous in places but well worth it, the waterfalls flowing and yes the waters are cool ( normal ) We - the boys, found a great 6 metre platform from which we could leap from and spent hours climbing and jumping. The walk back was easier and mostly back downhill to the creek crossing and another swim of the afternoon. Here we met 2 more families travelling with kids who we would travel with for the next week or so on and off to Broome.
Moving further down the Gibb our next stop was at Silent Grove, another 34km side road with treacherous corrugations that saw many vehicles being towed back out and vans requiring repairs. The local ranger was kept busy making phone calls for all of them. We setup and headed off to Bells Gorge, another hike into yet another pristine set of falls with great swimming and of course we found another cliff to jump from ! this one a little higher at around the 8m mark which made the heart rate increase however it had to be conquered over and over. We returned to camp to find Tim, Ceily and the boys camped up beside us and our other friends camped close by. An evening fire after dinner and a few stories over drinks topped off another day in paradise. We spent another day cleaning up and went for another swim in the gorge and we all agreed we starting to feel gorged on all the Gorges.
A few 100 kms left on Gibb we decided to get to the other end and bypassed a few other gorges that had some very ordinary roads. We parted ways with Tim & Ceily as they looped back for a week or so to Darwin and we were very fortunate to be able to share some of our adventure with them over the 2 weeks of the Gibb. With the bitumen insight we made it across the Gibb River Road in one piece ( some bits broken , but all fixed ) We made for Derby and settled in for a few days to clean clean clean !! Lots of clothes to be washed, lots of dust to be removed. Sunset approaching we headed for the famous Derby Jetty and its massive tidal range ( todays was around the 10m mark ) ordered fish and chips and sat as the sun sunk into the waters for another day.
Derby done we started heading to Broome and again changed our dates for our booking at Cable beach for the 2nd or 3rd time.On the way out of Derby we stopped in and visited the “Prison Tree” and very large Boab Tree that was used to detain Aboriginals back in 1883 then sent them out to dive for pearls. A sad piece of our history but a part of it no the less. We had 3 days to spare before booking in at Cable Beach so we headed up to Quandong point on the way up to Cape Leveque, We found a spot after hitting the red dirt and sand for around 25kms, perched up of the red sandy cliffs over looking the ocean, our first ocean that we could swim in without being eaten by crocs or sharks since we left Wilsons Prom in Vic back in February. As we sat and took in the seaside views, in the distance were 100’s of Humpback Whales leaping from the blue waters and frolicking around. They appeared to be having as much fun as we did watching them. More stunning sun sets each day along with one that I titled “Sons Set” see pic in gallery and you'll figure out what we mean. A few days of schooling by the seaside and a 4wd trip along the beaches, visiting the pearl farms and just settling into the beach life again it was time to pack up , leave the dust and dirt behind us and start our Southern trek to Broome. I will leave you all here for the extended July update and pick up in August ( OK OK more than likely September )
Cheers The Loopy Lapers
I know I know this is the July update and its mid way through August, I am my own worst enemy. But with so much to see and do I guess sitting here typing sometimes feels like work. But don't despair its all here and a whole lot of it !!
From memory we left you all hanging on the June update in Darwin ? well it was perfect timing to be up there for territory day where only in Darwin can you buy as much fireworks as you can and let them all off in one big pyrotechnic party along with everyone else in the Territory. At 9am you can wander in and spend away at one of the 400 outlets setup for the day for 12 hrs only. Then from 6pm till 11pm you can cut loose like a kid and set off the 100’s and 100’s of dollars you just spent like a kid in a candy store. I felt exactly like i did as a kid when we could buy them and set them off anytime. I guess I was reliving it a bit as well as showing the kids how much fun it is.
Now all that fun was out of the system it was time we got back on the road, Kakadu was calling again ( we had on a previous trip some 4 - 5 years ago done most of Kakadu ) First night we rolled into the Corroboree Tavern / caravan park for a night after doing the Spectacular croc jumping cruise on the Adelaide river - note we joined the Spectacular Croc Jumping as there are a few operators on the river and this one was $80 cheaper to see the exact same thing !! BIG CROCS !! UP VERY CLOSE !!! see pics. Next day we rattled along to Merl camp ground just next to Arnhem land and setup next to our old friends the Gouldings from Mildura. Whilst here we visited the Ubirr ancient aboriginal rock art which is some of the clearest and most detailed and colourful we encountered on the trip. Sunset approaching and we hightailed it to the Nodab lookout overlooking the wetlands along with 100’s of others and a few gazzilion mozzies to see the sun sink into the green wetlands. Whilst in Kakadu it was still NAIDOC week and we were fortunate to have 2 local indigenous men come and teach the kids how they paint as well as the stories behind what they paint. Our boys were memorised and produced their own painting with their own stories. Next day a quick trip into Jabiru to stock up on some supplies then were we off to Jim Jim Falls campground. On the way we stopped in at Nourlangie to see some more aboriginal rock art - with the highlight being the Namarrgon - the lightening man and Namonjok the creation ancestor - amazing how the colours are still so vivid and the storys had the kids talking for days.
From here we then turned off the lovely bitumen and started 53 kms of dirt - which was one shocker of a road where we lost count of the amount of corrugations after Ryan counted to what he said was a Bazzillion !! with a van full of dust and every bone rattled we setup overlooking the stunning range and decided to drive into then do the short hike to the Lower falls of Jim Jim falls. 10kms of 4wding and dodging tour operators we arrived for a short 1 km hike up to the falls, well 1km over rocks larger than 2 storey houses and over an hour later we arrived to one massive pool and towering cliffs all around us. Sadly the water temp must have been mid teens and only a couple of the kids jumped in and out. Next day we decided we would take the 6km walk to the top of Jim Jim falls. We were all pumped and ready to go - 4 adults and 5 kids !! then we began one of the toughest hikes yet !!! I led trying to find the little bits of pink ribbon tied randomly tied to trees along a track then up a mountain of rocks and tree roots, seems only in the territory they let you on the see sort of trails !! 3.5hrs later we made it to a beautiful clear pool of water overlooking Kakadu. Stunning but marred by the thought of our trek back, we soldiered on and for the kids it must have felt like Mt Everest. A few well earned cold ones and a big feed followed by what felt like 4 days of sleep.
Next day we tackled the 53 kms and another Bazzilion corrugations and we headed for the green pastures and luxuries to be had at Cooinda resort with a welcoming pool, bar and restaurant. Many hours spent here relaxing away and getting the dust out of us all. We parted with the Gouldings here as they had QLD on their radar and we had the rest of OZ on ours. We went in search the next day for another swimming hole and found the Magic in Maguk ( Barramundi Gorge) slightly warmer than most so we spent hours here swimming and of course we found another 5m jumping cliff that we clambered up and let off relentlessly wearing us all out. Another fitting end to our Kakadu visit.
We did a little back track to Douglas Daly Hot springs for a few days to catchup on some school and get back into the groove of travelling on our own. The hot springs lived up to their reputation as BLOODY HOT !!! almost scorching in places with some relief in the cooler springs. Next we hit Katherine for a few days to enjoy some more hot springs and a bit of shopping before we head west towards WA. With a stop over for a few days at Timber Creek whilst we waited for Sue’s sister Ceily along with Tim and their boys Tyler and Harrison to join us as they will be travelling with us as we tackle the infamous Gibb River Road. Whilst at timber creek the local freshwater crocs provided plenty of entertainment as they arrive on queue at 5pm to be feed. With 20 or so people hanging off a hand made wire suspension bridge the freshies arrive, eat and leave. Simple but awesome and free , followed by feeding the whistling kites that also arrive a 5 for their feed.
With the WA quarantine ahead of us we ate everyone we needed to get over the border with no dramas except for the potatoes we forgot and declared at the border. And with that done we entered our final state / territory on the map ( except Tasmania but apparently that happens a lot ) A shop stop and restock as well as feeling up all the jerry cans and car with diesel ( 240lts at $1.55 ) in Kununurra to see us to the other side of the Gibb. We made a bee line to Lake Argyle was one of our Bucket list destinations. We setup unpowered on the oval and headed for the famous infinity pool to get those postcard pics. Not a lot of people in the pool considering the park was packed !! we jumped in and quickly found our why !! that pool is near frozen !!! but we got the pics and bailed out. The Lake is amazing and massive, also slightly warmer than the pool so we went in for a swim even after they said that 25,000 plus freshwater crocs live in it !! ( sent the kids in first )
With the Gibb Ahead of us and the Bungle Bungles below us we decided to head south and spend a few days exploring the Bungles Bungles as we had them on our Travel Bucket List. We camped out at the free camp on the highway ( with a few 100 others ) a day tripped in as we weren't allowed to take a dual axle van into the Purnululu NP. Another 50km trek in on some ordinary roads that were soon forgotten by the majestic scenery of the iconic bee hive rock formation known as the Bungle Bungles. Stinking hot we hiked to Cathedral Gorge with was breathtaking and so well worth the hike, with temps in the high 30’s and radiating off the rocks in the mid 40’s Ryan was struggling so Sue ventured on and did another hike with the older boys and Ryan an I headed back to the car and some shade. 50 kms back out to camp for a feed and sleep. Next day we drove back in and headed to the Northern area of the park and some easier walks as a little relief as it was a few degrees cooler. We hiked into Echidna Chasm, a narrow and shaded Chasm that towers above you as you meander along the creek into the Chasm to the very end were it just ends. A quick stop at the lookout on the way back gave us our farewell view of the Bungle Bungles and topped off the few days of exploring them.
We head north again then turn left onto the infamous Gibb River Road, we have always wanted to tackle this beast and had prepared ourselves, car and van for the notorious track ahead. So with that in mind we drove along the bitumen all the way to El Questro !! yes bitumen, but this wont last long at all. We stayed at El Questro camp grounds, NOT the Homestead that all the brochures show of luxury villas on top of the gorge that come with $1900 - $2500 per night price tags. At El Questro you are in the Gorge, so its not scenic from the campsite but you can jump into the Pentecost River for a swim ( this bit is croc free ) we drover on the property to view Explosion Gorge and up to the lookout where you can take in the vista and just see those people paying their 1000’s of dollars at the homestead. Whilst here we went to Zebedee hot springs, tiny pools filled with tourists like us jostling for a spot in the water. They were warm and relaxing. We booked into the afternoon cruise down Champagne Gorge where we slowly travelled along the Pentecost River between huge cliffs towering over us again. We stopped at the furtherest point you could go to ( before rocks) and anchored up when the your guides gave us all some fish food to which you hold out over the boat and 1000’s of archer fish spit water at you to drop the food into the water. They also crack open a dozen bottles of Champagne to feed the land goers :) then it was Barra feeding time !! all of our boys jumped at the chance followed by Sue who bravely held out the small bait fish to have a big Barra gulp it down, I should have given her a hook and line as this was the only chance i reckon I had of catching one !!! Next day we packed up and back tracked a few kms to visit Emma Gorge which is also part of the El Questro property . Another hike over rocks and creek beds which prove to be a challenge for little ones, but again were rewarded with another jaw dropping swimming pool and the base of a gorge waterfall. And as usual it was refreshingly cold, however as we found out once you swim through the cold waters, tucked around the corner is a crevice that flows with hot spring feed waters, fitting everyone in was a bit tricky but nice all the same.
Time to move on - we drove back down the bitumen part of the Gibb past the El Questro turnoff and that is where the bitumen ends for the next 500 or so kms. A few more kms down the track we meet the Pentecost River crossing, the one you see in all the 4wd adventure and travel magazines. We were there and doing it !! Sue lept out half way across to get the pics of us crossing, having a good look to ensure no crocs were waiting for their moment as well. Only a short 40km drive to Home Valley station down a few corrugated roads and the usual trail of dust in the mirrors. Upon entry to the station we were at the main gates which were the most elaborate and beautiful gates any of us have ever encountered and sets the scene for the rest of the station. Best to see the pic below to see what we mean. We chose to stay at their river camp some 7kms away from the main station and restaurant. This station overlooks the Cockburn Ranges and we had a river front setting and million dollar views. The sunsets over the ranges and the mud flats of the Pentecost river provided the same colour changing experiences you get at Uluru, except this one have 5 more crocs in the background as well. We spent 3 days here as it was beautiful and to date one of the most serene places. The restaurant at the station was fantastic, great food and in a rustic tin shed which added to the Station feeling. Tim, Ceily and the twins departed a day earlier to go and explore the Mitchell Falls by air from Drysdale Station, we had heard the road in was van destroying !! we opted to not go there but instead meet a few days later at Silent Grove.
Leaving Home valley we headed west and came across the turnoff to Drysdale, we thought to our selves should we head up there and see or not ?? maybe the road had been graded and we would kick ourselves for not going up there. Turn right and lets see !! 20kms in and 40 to go we were travelling at less than 10kms per hour over foot long and foot deep corrugations - oceanic is a good description. Time to re- assess so we turned around satisfied that we tried. It was shocking and we were also relieved that we didn't miss much according to Tim & Ceily at the station. We made our way to Mount Barnett Roadhouse and paid our camping fee for the Manning Gorge camp grounds 7 kms down the track behind the roadhouse. It was rather busy and we ventured far down the grounds to find a spot for a few days. Next morning we were up and ready to go for a hike to the gorge, only a 1.5km walk which these days is a stroll, 50 meters from our van we come across the first water crossing which has a small tinnie with a rope tied to each side of the creek where you pile in and pull yourself across. The walk to the bottom of the gorge was awesome, treacherous in places but well worth it, the waterfalls flowing and yes the waters are cool ( normal ) We - the boys, found a great 6 metre platform from which we could leap from and spent hours climbing and jumping. The walk back was easier and mostly back downhill to the creek crossing and another swim of the afternoon. Here we met 2 more families travelling with kids who we would travel with for the next week or so on and off to Broome.
Moving further down the Gibb our next stop was at Silent Grove, another 34km side road with treacherous corrugations that saw many vehicles being towed back out and vans requiring repairs. The local ranger was kept busy making phone calls for all of them. We setup and headed off to Bells Gorge, another hike into yet another pristine set of falls with great swimming and of course we found another cliff to jump from ! this one a little higher at around the 8m mark which made the heart rate increase however it had to be conquered over and over. We returned to camp to find Tim, Ceily and the boys camped up beside us and our other friends camped close by. An evening fire after dinner and a few stories over drinks topped off another day in paradise. We spent another day cleaning up and went for another swim in the gorge and we all agreed we starting to feel gorged on all the Gorges.
A few 100 kms left on Gibb we decided to get to the other end and bypassed a few other gorges that had some very ordinary roads. We parted ways with Tim & Ceily as they looped back for a week or so to Darwin and we were very fortunate to be able to share some of our adventure with them over the 2 weeks of the Gibb. With the bitumen insight we made it across the Gibb River Road in one piece ( some bits broken , but all fixed ) We made for Derby and settled in for a few days to clean clean clean !! Lots of clothes to be washed, lots of dust to be removed. Sunset approaching we headed for the famous Derby Jetty and its massive tidal range ( todays was around the 10m mark ) ordered fish and chips and sat as the sun sunk into the waters for another day.
Derby done we started heading to Broome and again changed our dates for our booking at Cable beach for the 2nd or 3rd time.On the way out of Derby we stopped in and visited the “Prison Tree” and very large Boab Tree that was used to detain Aboriginals back in 1883 then sent them out to dive for pearls. A sad piece of our history but a part of it no the less. We had 3 days to spare before booking in at Cable Beach so we headed up to Quandong point on the way up to Cape Leveque, We found a spot after hitting the red dirt and sand for around 25kms, perched up of the red sandy cliffs over looking the ocean, our first ocean that we could swim in without being eaten by crocs or sharks since we left Wilsons Prom in Vic back in February. As we sat and took in the seaside views, in the distance were 100’s of Humpback Whales leaping from the blue waters and frolicking around. They appeared to be having as much fun as we did watching them. More stunning sun sets each day along with one that I titled “Sons Set” see pic in gallery and you'll figure out what we mean. A few days of schooling by the seaside and a 4wd trip along the beaches, visiting the pearl farms and just settling into the beach life again it was time to pack up , leave the dust and dirt behind us and start our Southern trek to Broome. I will leave you all here for the extended July update and pick up in August ( OK OK more than likely September )
Cheers The Loopy Lapers