Western Australia WA

June 2023 – Month 5 – Temp 27/11 – Distance travelled 10,000km

One minute we’re at Doon Doon Roadhouse. Then voila! 1000km on, a few outback stops later we arrive in the far west of the Kimberley’s in Broome.

A remote town, globally renowned for its beautiful pearls. However, the real gem is its stunningly beautiful Cable Beach. We’re in love with the dazzling aquamarine clear waters of the Indian Ocean, white sandy beaches and awe-inspiring sunsets. 

Fitting in with Broome time we’re enjoying relaxing lazy days away from the hustle and bustle of the busy highly developed town. A far cry from the quirky charming hippie hamlet I hold dear in my memory from my backpacker travels a lifetime ago. 

Travelling on to Barnhill Station… by tackling the last bit! An unnerving 10 km gravel track. Wow… we are rewarded with the breathtaking Kimberley coastline. 

Like a work of art, the red rugged sandstone cliffs reflect in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. 

A fabulous spacious camp site with sea views, cooling breezes and the odd flock of pelicans soaring high up add to the appeal. 

To top it off, Barnhill homestead offers authentic pizza prepared by an Italian chef. In the mornings the farm cafe delights with freshly baked breads and barista coffee whilst resident goats play nearby. It’s like being on a movie set. 

Speaking of which! We are travelling on to ‘Red Dog‘ Country. The movie ‘Red Dog’ is based on a true story about a beloved red cattle dog roaming this outback part of Australia ‘The Pilbara‘ after its owner had died.

Our journey takes us via a hidden gem, stunning Eighty Mile Beach, another beach paradise to Port Headland. Driving in to this industrial hub the van started to shutter. It felt like we were back on one of the outback gravel roads? Whaat? The problem was that three tyres were worn too far on the inside rims and needed replacing. Easy peasy Japanesey!

We regrouped and stocked up for our next mini outback adventure. A 700 km round trip to spectacular Karijini National Park. One of the largest National Parks in Australia. 

Hikes, hikes and more hikes to spectacular Fortescue falls, Fern pool, Dales- and Joffre gorges.

One night we joined Phil for a mesmerising Astro tour at Dales gorge campsite. The numbers in Astronomy blew our mind. We learned that our galaxy, the Milky Way is made up of 100+ Billion Stars. In awe we spotted a minute part of them through powerful Telescopes. 

We observed the star Antares in Scorpio which is estimated to be up to 700 times larger in diameter than our star, the Sun.

Then there were Omega Centauri globular Cluster (10 million stars at 16000 LYD light years distance), the stunning Jewel box (6440 LYD) and ETA Carinae, expected to go supernova – 7500 LYD. 

Phil philosophised that energy is the building block of all matter…even us! Our energy is connected to the star’s energy. Cool! That just confirms me feeling this special bond with the Universe when gazing at the stars.

A quick overnight stop at the tidy mining town of Tom Price wraps up our Pilbara outback adventure. 

We’re returning to the Indian Ocean to Exmouth. Come hail or shine we’re swimming with the Whale sharks on Sunday the 18th of June 2023.

Trevor enjoying Cable Beach – Broome WA

Loving Cable Beach

Awesome Sunsets at Cable Beach

Bye Bye Broome – hello Barnhill Station

Setting up camp at Barnhill Station WA

Colourful Kimberley Coast at Barnhill Station WA

Hiking along the Kimberley coast and a skinny dip with a bull shark

Dramatic Kimberley coast

Trevor loving the Kimberley coast WA

Magical 80 Mile Beach

West Coast Sunsets are just ‘Wow’

Travelling through the Pilbara ‘Red Dog Country’

Trevor braving icy waters at Fern Pool

Karijini National Park

Circular Pool near Dales Gorge – Karijini National Park

Fortescue Falls at Karijini National Park

Dales Gorge Hike Karijini National Park

Karijini National Park

Astro Night with Phil at Dales Gorge Campground https://www.remtrek.com.au/

Drive back to the Indian Ocean to Exmouth WA