Broome

We arrived in Broome after a relatively short drive from Derby. Its about 10 degrees cooler here but still pretty warm, about 31 or 32. Broome is a very modern city, quite spread out, with lovely beaches and a big port jetty and lighthouse.

We set the van up at the Cable Beach Caravan Park after a recommendations from some fellow caravaners in Derby. It has lots of shady trees and a beautiful big swimming pool with a waterfall and shade sails over it.

Cable Beach is about a five minute walk from our caravan park and it is a beautiful beach. Its very very long and wide, with the tides going out quite a long way. You can swim and surf at the southern end of the beach and take your 4WD on the northern part.

We have been in the surf each day since we have been here which has been great fun. Its a long time since I've really got into the surf. The water is not very deep. You would have to go a long way out before you were unable to stand up. Too far for us!!

We took the car down to watch the sunset which was lovely. Its so different to see the sun setting into the ocean.

The birds in this photo were down to sheer luck not good photography!

There are several different companies that offer camel rides along the beach at sunset. The camels stroll along very gracefully up and down the beach. Because there are so many of them together however its a bit pongy when they go past.

Another interesting aspect of Cable Beach that we were unaware of is that its apparently OK to get your kit off there. The first man I saw with no togs on, well, I thought I was seeing (or not seeing) things, but then it happened a few more times and we realised that no, those folk definitely have any gear on. Anyway as I said its a huge beach so there's room for everyone.

We had a lovely seafood lunch overlooking the port jetty and then went back there the next day so Mike could have a try at catching a fish.

No luck unfortunately but we did see this huge stingray. Its stinger must have been about 8 to 10 feet long.

We went down the road to the nearby pub last night just for a quick drink and it turned out to be very quick. It was $19 for one glass of chardonnay and a pint of beer. $10.50 for a pint of beer!!!

Another spectacular spot we visited in Broome was Gantheaume Point where there is a lighthouse. I expected to see the light house and that would be it but it was so much better. For starters the lighthouse is really just a tower with a light on it and a pair of sea eagles had made their home in the tower.

We walked on past the lighthouse to this amazing rocky headland. The pictures say it all really.

Broome is a lovely place. Its a bit touristy but not overly so. You can park right at the beach and there are no parking fees. There are showers to use when you leave the beach to get the sand off. The shopping centres are good and have all the usual things which we have been missing a bit of late. Its very civilised. Real estate is very expensive here though and it was the same in Derby. At least Broome has a bit more going for it and the climate is much better. Its just a great place to relax. Being by the sea just makes you feel good!