Day 33 – Broome

This morning we decided to move caravan parks. The Cable Beach CP is absolutely huge (500 sites), very dusty, and too few amenities for the amount of people, and the sites are tiny, we were packed in like sardines. So, we headed over to the other side of town (next to the Speedway) to one recommended by Wikicamps – Broome Caravan Park. Oh my goodness, what a good choice we made – stunning, huge resort style pool (one of the best we have ever seen),large grassy, shady sites, and lovely helpful owners. It is much smaller, and so much better! And bonus – actually cheaper than the other one at $58 per night.

After checking in, we headed  down the street this morning (after a couple of loads of washing) to check out Chinatown. Once filled with bawdy saloons, now it is full of pearl shops, retail outlets and cafes. This is also where the Pearl Luggers (old pearling boats) are moored. There is an interesting history tour you can do of the pearling industry in Broome which we did last time.

 

It’s hot and humid here in Broome with the temp already at 33 deg mid morning, and about 70 percent humidity. So, just a quick browse around the shops with the rather disinterested kids (and husband!). Must come back down here by myself!

 

Must say once again the beautiful flowering trees here are stunning, and Chinatown is a very pretty street. Along here we find the Broome Outdoor Picture theatre (with a roof) – apparently the worlds longest running/oldest outdoor theatre which is still showing movies every night.

 

After doing some grocery shopping, it was back to the caravan for a late lunch, then a swim in the fabulous pool. Must take some photos to show you. Sam has been good swimming laps, keeping up his swimming strokes.

So do you think we just sat around for the afternoon? Nope! Off to have a look at the current port facilities (live cattle exports from here), and watched a big ship being loaded with supplies for the oil rigs off shore.

 

Then we drove around to Gantheaume Point, a very picturesque spot – beautiful red, rocky cliffs. This place features amazing rock formations, and is home to some dinosaur footprints. Legend has it that William Dampier buried some treasure near hear when he visited back in 1688. (Didn’t see it lying around today!).

 

 

At the point there is a tall lighthouse in which three white bellied sea eagles have made their nest and their home. Quite amazing the size of their stick nests.

 

Sam my little budding photographer thought he should take a photo of me in front of these amazing red rocks.

 

As it was getting close to 5pm, we decided to drive over to Cable Beach and have a drive on the beach this time. One of the few places in Australia where it is legal to drive along the beach. You can actually drive 22km along the pristine white sand, gazing at the clear tropical waters of the Indian Ocean. An absolutely magic place.

 

We hunted for shells, and pieces of coral, and when Brendan tried to retrieve a rather pretty looking orange shell for Lily, it got up and walked away! It was a hermit crab who was not very happy being picked up and looked at.

We watched the sunset while Lily (aged 8) cartwheeled around us, and Sam (aged 11) tried his hand at some photography. Certainly a wonderful place to capture some beautiful memories.

 

P.S. - Couldn't believe it, my washing was still a bit damp after spending all day out in 33 degree heat - that's how humid it is here today!