Crocs and Sunsets

One last swim at Lake Argyle – it was maybe a degree warmer in there this morning so we floated around for a few extra minutes, then we were headed to Wyndham for a little look see. Lake Argyle was so amazing. So glad we spent more days here that our initial plan allowed.

We didn’t spend a huge amount of time in Kununurra, just a bit of a drive through. They were gearing up for a rodeo – lots of cowboys in town.

I’d never thought too much about Wyndham before and didn’t really know what to expect except that it was going to be spectacular.

No pressure at all, Wyndham!

Wyndham is the most northerly town in WA and where 5 rivers – The Ord, Forest, King, Durack and Pentecost Rivers combine and enter the Cambridge Gulf. A pretty amazing view from the top of the Bastion – aptly named “Five Rivers Lookout”.

Then a little stop off at The Grotto

The Grotto is a deep gorge that can be reached by 140 steps for a lovely refreshing swim.

If you zoom in, you can see the steps all the way down to the bottom where you can swim. We opted to stay up stairs.

The next part of our trip was going to be long driving days through Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing… and free camping out the other side.

We found this place not too far west of Fitzroy Crossing on the Fitzroy River. Quite a bumpy corrugated drive in, through a gate and try to avoid the livestock.

There was a little bit of a drop down to the edge of the river, so we figured that unless crocs popped on a harness and reverse abseiled up we were probably going to be ok…

Fitzroy River’s Sunset Bar and Grill

Really pretty reflections as the sun went down.

I’d misplaced the best invention I’ve ever seen – the mozzie coil clip (don’t worry, I found it today! phew) so I had to get all MacGyver and invent a new way to hold it. Mozzies were very curious by the river!

Then as it got dark, we heard quite a bit of action in the water.. fish jumping and frogs chirping and what sounded like perhaps a bigger creature? I got the torch out and spotted these shiny eyes across the water.

Then looked up…

An early morning brekky with our mates… lucky crocs don’t really like Vegemite (so I’ve been told – too salty)

This spot isn’t too far out of Broome so we took out time packing up. There were also a few little jobs to do before we set up at the caravan park. We drove around Broome and noted all the new shops and restaurants – lots of different things from the last time I was here 2 years ago.

Then once we were all set up and said hello to a few friends at the caravan park (shout out to Pam, Les & Doug), we headed to Gantheaume Beach for the sunset. It was packed. Cars can’t get down to the north end of Cable Beach while the council has dug up the car park so everyone is here.

We got a lovely spot away from the crowd near the rocks

… and there were lots of shells and hermit crabs and stones to fossick through.

Look at this lovely lady 😘

I love the sun flares in this photo below… I think that’s Me Jen and Col with me.

Amazing colours in this rock/seat.

How special to be able to share our first Broome sunset together.

And what a beauty she was…

Kris’ one request was to drive up to Beagle Bay to see the shell church. I’d never been up there either, so Day 2, that’s what we did.

Beagle Bay is an Aboriginal community on the Dampier Peninsula about 130kms north of Broome. It is famous for the historic Sacred Heart Church, built in 1917 with a stunning altar inlaid entirely with mother-of-pearl shells.

So pure, so chaste…. probably more busting to go to the toilet #womenofacertainage

Kris was ‘ere

We sat outside here and had a spot of lunch before purchasing the most expensive ice creams in the history of ice creams from the community shop. Sure we could have just not bought them, but,,,,,, HAHAHAHA

Could these be the Thorn Birds? Father Ralph? Is that you?

What else did we do in Broome? Mango smoothies, drives to the port and the boat launching beach, swims in the pool, 5sies, collecting shells and other beach treasures at sunset… what a trip!

And just like that it was time for Kris to head south again. The Jam Tarts (sewing group) was calling for their annual girls trip away. Let the sewing shenanigans begin!