the big trip

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Well we finally started our big trip on Sunday the 17th of May and our first stop was at Gin Gin where we found a lovely parking area next to a park with lots of trees and black cockatoos in the trees.We thought that this was so lovely until we got up the next morning to find that the birds had all roosted in the trees above the car.I don't think I have to elaborate on that one.Had an early start and got through Geraldton where we pulled off at a place called Oakabella Homestead.It was only parking in a paddock on this historic buildings grounds but we were a long way off the road and the only people there so the dogs were able to run free which they really enjoyed.Our next night was also spent off road at a place called Edagee Rest Area.Again a great place with plenty of room.Wednesday we arrive in Carnarvon and booked into the wintersun caravan park.A really nice park with nice people running it.We had lovely grassed sites and we decided to bath and clip the dogs as the weather is getting pretty warm.We went out to the Gascoyne River which of course was dry but they have built a new bridge across since we were last here.we visited the famous blowholes and Quobba Station and also the Bibbawarra Bore where the water pours out of the ground at 65 degrees.Much to our surprise there were small fish swimming in the hottest part and we have not been able to find out what they were and how they survive.Maybe someone will solve the problem for us.Of course Carnarvon is famous for its bananas and fresh veggies so we stocked up on those and also some scrumptious home made ice creams that are to die for
Our first weeks end and we head off for Coral Bay where we stayed for three nights.We took a day and drove up to Exmouth which again has changed so much.It is all good and looking very much nicer than the last time we were here.Coral Bay has not changed that much as it is such a beautiful place with crystal clear water and lovely beaches but I think the caravan park that we stayed in could well do with smartening it up a bit as everything is just dusty sand and it is not cheap to stay.Wednesday 27th we leave and free camp at Robe River Rest area.Very dusty.We push on to Roebourne and stayed two days at Harding River caravan park from where we visited the historic town of Cossack and also Point Sampson and Wickham.Of course the usual catch up on laundry which never seems to go away and then we were off towards Broome having another two nights free camping at De gray River and Stanley Rest Area.
Having heard along the way that there was a caravan park in Broome that had started accepting dogs we rang immediately and booked in for a week.Well it is a very very nice park just minutes from Cable beach and with good facilities.Again how Broome has changed and for the better.They are obviously trying to have things to negate damage from floods etc.There are some lovely gardens being put in and lots of new roundabouts which make life so much easier than traffic lights.We decided to put the dogs into kennels for three days son that we could do some things on our own.We had a lovely Chinese dinner and went to the old open air picture theatre to see a film.We also met up with some friends from South Australia who are working in the tourist industry for a few months.We all made a picnic tea and met up on Cable beach to watch the sunset.They are pretty spectacular and Cable Beach has got to be one of the best in the world.We did take the dogs down and they went absolutely crazy in and out of the water and running around like maniacs.While they were away though we drove out to the Willie Creek Pearl Farm another very spectacular spot with water so clear you just feel like jumping in.Not to be recommended of course because of crocodiles so we went back to Cable Beach instead.While there though Marilyn and Trevor took a helicopter ride over the creek which again was pretty spectacular.On our last but one night Marilyn booked herself a ride on the camels a must to do when in Broome.They are quite a sight as the three trains plod their way down the beach and then back as the sun is setting..It is then a mass exodus to leave as it gets dark so quickly then and you have to drive through the rocks to get off the beach.I think we were all a bit sad to leave on Monday morning but we have a few miles to do before our next major stop in Kununurra.
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Photos

Gin GinOur
Our first night

Oakabella Homestead
Second night