Lazy Sunday Drive

Saturday, 8 October 2011

Goodbye WA :(

Day 31: Adelaide River

Sadly it was time to leave WA - man we loved that place! Anyway, we crossed the border to Northern "we make up our own rules" Territory! More on that later, but despite the sadness of leaving WA, the Northern Territory didn't disappoint!

They don't have the open speed limit any more, still we don't see this sign in Queensland!

On the road between WA and Katherine, is the stunning Victoria River. We'd love to get back here too - it was awesome! We stopped for a quick fish of course. It was stinking hot and the water looked super inviting for a swim - crocodile warning signs everywhere though so I wasn't going to tempt fate.

No fish, but fun all the same!

The cliff faces were amazing (even if my photography isn't!)

We left Victoria River and headed towards Katherine. We had grand plans of hopping on a cruise at Katherine Gorge, but we'd heard mixed reports about how good it was and had just missed a cruise meaning we'd have to spend a lot of time hanging out in the information centre waiting for the next one. We weighed things up and decided to push on without seeing it. Perhaps it's a decision we'll regret but we figure it's close enough to Darwin if we ever want to go back. So, we kept on the road and headed to Adelaide River.

We spotted a few 'little' termite mounds on the way!

And finally we were in Adelaide River! A cute little town with a great pub (AKA "The Adelaide River Inn)

The Wrap Up:

Glad we had: Pub meal and a bed (no swags!)

Wish we had: Not bothered to drive into Katherine Gorge! (given that we didn't end up going on the cruise)

Well worth the visit

Day 30: Lake Argyle

So, we knew about this place before we left, but we still weren't convinced that we'd definitely go there. It was on the itinerary but it was probably a 'negotiable' destination as we figured we might be tight for time in the 5th week of our travels. We had, however, done more k's the day before so we thought it was worth the detour off the main track - and well, it was well worth the visit.

But before we got to Lake Argyle, we stopped in Kunanurra....

And hello Icebreak!!!!! Oh how we'd missed you!! The first one in a LONG time - we hadn't spotted any others in WA!!

The amount of water flowing through the causeway was incredible! Should have been a sign of things to come but I still don't think we were prepared for how big this man made dam really is! We went for a sunset cruise later in the day - if you're ever in the region it's a must do!

The dam wall, pretty small really in comparison to other dams and how big this one really is. I wish I had an aerial shot - but this place is massive! They dammed off part of the Ord River - if you know where the Argyle Diamond mine is you can see it from the dam. The thing is so huge though that in the middle of it, you can't see the other end - the horizon gets in the way!

We ducked into Crocodile Cove for a quick look - Freshies, so they're harmless!

Nick was as little jealous of the GPS on board the boat - big flat screen TV that folded down from the roof!

Beautiful sunset!

We camped the night at the Lake Argyle Caravan Park. Well worth it. Pretty amazing pool too right on the edge of a cliff!

The Wrap Up:
Glad we had: The fore site to book a spot on the cruise early in the day. We were lucky to get a spot apparently!
Wish we had: Booked even earlier, then we could have hopped on a sea plane and had a look at the Bungle Bungle Ranges. Never mind, next time!

On the road again

Day 29: Somewhere South of Kunanurra

We hit the road again - not locked into any particular destination, but we needed to log a few k's to stay on track with our time schedule.

So, a leisurely drive ensued...

Random first stop - Minnie Bridge!! There was no real reason for choosing this particular location except that Nick needed a pee, and felt like a fish! So, we jumped out of the car and headed to the river bed.

There were plenty of cat fish, but no barra. There was some other wildlife that we hadn't banked on too...

No. 1: Brahman Bull. We didn't see him straight away, only noticed him after the first 10 minutes. He was about 50meters away and was very interested in us. Luckily, he decided that we weren't worth bothering and he soon left us alone - we were left feeling slightly uneasy though!

No. 2: Croc. Well, we can't be absolutely certain - as you can see we don't have the photo evidence to prove it - but, there was a massive splash on the other side of the river and subsequent ripples coming to our side ... time to pack up and leave!

We hit the road again after Minnie Bridge and headed on in the direction of Kunanurra. The boab trees were a definite highlight.

Not sure exactly where this is, but there was some pretty cool scenery on the way.

We fueled up in Halls Creek, and stopped in a few other towns. Eventually we set up camp in a free camp just south of Kunanurra. A good day!

The Wrap Up:
Glad we had: Baby wipes
Wish we had: A shower!!

Happy Days!

Days 27 + 28: Broome

Wolf Creek experience aside, we were happy that we'd driven so far the day before as we managed to get to Broome pretty early in the day. There were lots of highlights.

1. Cable Beach Caravan Park: No photos sorry, but it was awesome. Massive, and a little pricey but really nice! Lots of shady trees, cute permanent sites and a fantastic pool! (My first swim of the trip!)

Looking back onto Cable Beach from the Southern Headland

2. Town itself: Nice vibe, good places for eats and drinks and nice little shops to look at. Couldn't afford any pearls but it was good to soak in the atmosphere. In particular, we had a great meal at Noodlefish - Hamersley Street Broome, and delicious oysters at the port restaurant.

3. Open air cinema: Seen in the film "Bran Nu Dae", a must do if you're in Broome. We were actually there for the opening night of the latest Harry Potter film and LOVED it!! Slung canvas seats, stars overhead, and made even more cool by the planes that come in for landing right on top of you. It all just adds to a super unique, great movie experience!

So the photos aren't great (taken from my iPhone) but you get the picture. These were taken prior to the movie commencing, I tried to get a shot of the planes landing but kept on missing them - they fly in over the right side of the screen.

4. James Price Point: North of Broome on the way to Cape Levique. We didn't have quite enough time to head all the way to the cape, but we had a great time exploring James Price anyway.

Nick trying to decide whether to dive or fish from the shore - the water looks clear but was actually a little murky close to shore - not quite enough vision to see any unwanted visitors!! (sharks are common and apparently there's the odd croc sighting too!)

Obviously, line fishing was the choice of the day!

Potato Cod ... I think :~)

My, what big teeth you have!

The red sand contrasting against the blue ocean was just amazing!!

The Wrap Up:

Glad we had: A shovel

Wish we had: Realised how soft the sand was (Just before getting to James Price Point we pulled in at another beach and didn't think before we drove onto it and stopped for a look - luckily there were some awesome fellas that helped push us out!)

Wolf Creek Moment ....

Day 26: Somewhere North of Port Hedland

We were on the road again, not so sure of our destination but heading North-East to get as close to Broome as we could. The Pilbara region was beautiful, unfortunately I was pretty tired that day so I missed a lot of photo opportunities of the wild flowers - so you'll just have to take my word for it that they were stunning.

The day was rather uneventful although we were slowed down a little by needing to stop to get a new car battery.

Anyway, because we had lost some time with the battery we decided to press on with the driving. We had dinner in Port Hedland and kept going. By the time we were becoming weary of being on the road, we couldn't spot any free camps so we decided to pull into a truck stop.... what an interesting experience.

It was midnight and we were camped literally on a driveway, in the middle of nowhere, 20m from the highway. We slept in what we wore that day and only unpacked our swags from the car. I don't think I slept a wink for the first hour - jumping at every sound, convinced that somehow we were going to be attacked by an an attacker hiding in the bushes - Wolf Creek Style (not that I've actually seen the film, just imagining it that way!). I was just starting to doze off at about 1am when we were rudely intruded by a 5 carriage road train less than 5 meters from our tent. The sound of the air brakes was ridiculous - it sounded as though the thing was practically on top of us. Anyway, after the brakes finally grew quiet, and there was no sound of the truckie getting out of his cab, I was quite relaxed, happy even that someone else was there so if my Wolf Creek moment was to occur, at least there was someone else to give us a hand ... I fell asleep! Nick on the otherhand was wired! He was wondering what sort of guy drives a truck in the middle of nowhere and where he had been relatively at ease prior to the arrival of said truck, now he was on high alert wondering when the axe murderer was going to come out!

Needless to say, we survived the night! The truck left after an hour or so (at least that's what Nick tells me, I was that out to it that I didn't even hear him start up and leave!); the sun rose the next morning; and everything was ok! We hit the road early in search of some food and keen to get to Broome!

Right where Nick's butt is, is where the tent door was. The truck pulled up and parked right next to the other side of the car - a little too close for comfort!

The Wrap Up:

Glad we had: No axe murderers nearby!

Wish we had: A gun (just in case!)

Friends!!!!!!!!!

Days 23-25: Exmouth

Not far up the road from Coral Bay is Exmouth! We had been looking forward to this part of our trip for a few reasons. Firstly, we were catching up with our beautiful friends, but Nick was looking forward to an off shore fishing charter (finally!) and we were hoping to see a Whale Shark or two. And while the Whale Shark mission didn't quite pull off (ridiculously expensive at $400 per person for a 15 minute swim with them - no thanks!), the catch up with our friends didn't disappoint. Nick enjoyed his fishing trip too, even if he didn't quite get the reds that he was after.

Exmouth is a bigger town than Coral Bay, but probably doesn't quite have the same charm. Nevertheless, Liesl and I had a great time catching up over a few coffees and wines whilst the kids and Nick went fishing. Ohh, I had a few cuddles with the beautiful Ava too.

Marley with one of his many fish - his new fishing rod proved to be a winner!

The beautiful Ava and Liesl

Ahzida, her fish, and her wild hair!!

The Wrap Up:

Glad we had: Friends!!

Wish we had: More time!

Friday, 7 October 2011

School Holidays!!!

Days 20 - 22: Coral Bay

Well, it's been a while, but I'm going to see how I go remembering our trip so far down the track ....

So, after we left beautiful Denham and Monkey Mia, we made our way North up the Western Coast to the gorgeous Coral Bay. We loved this place and certainly plan on heading back there one day. It was also the first time in our trip, that it hit home that we weren't the only young ones travelling around the country. Western Australian winter school holidays were on and didn't we know it - people were EVERYWHERE and very few camp sites left. In fact, we even had to stay in a motel one night because there weren't any camp sites left - such a shame!!

Anyway, we had a great time exploring the coast. Unfortunately I was too much of a wimp to hop in the water (it was still the middle of winter!) but Nick had a great time snorkelling Ningaloo Reef and doing some spear fishing at a little spot called 'Five Fingers'.

Here are a few photos: