Postcards from the Road - Broome, WA

Days on the Road 107 Traveled 10,364ks Campgrounds 24
Temp 16 - 35°C Water Temp 24°C
Catch of fish | Silver Bream 22 | Dusky Flathead 2 | Sand Whiting 7 | Spotted Mackerel 2 | Flounder 1 | Golden Trevally 1 | Orange Spotted Cod 1 | Yellowfin Tuna 1 | School Mackerel 2 | Cobia 1 |
Barramundi (under-sized) 1 | Golden Snapper 1 | Bluenose Salmon 7 | Silver Cobbler 2 |
Spanish Mackarel (28kg) 1 |
Mud Crabs 5 | Apple Pies 1 | Prawn Rolls 3 | Barra Wings 1 |
Horse Rides 1 |

Under the waves we dove, saltwater splashing on our cheeks, smiles on our faces, jubilant to be swimming in the ocean again, after six weeks of staying safe being Croc wise. As we travelled further west along The Savannah Way, we took a detour north of Broome, up the Dampier Peninsula to camp at Lombadina; an Aboriginal community located on Thomas Bay, near Cape Leveque. A community inhabited by the Bard people; ‘Salt Water People’ - the ocean being pivotal in their lives as both a source of food and spiritual significance. Here white sandy beaches, pristine turquoise waters, and the freedom to walk the beach and swim was a wonderful welcome back to the coast.

It was a unique experience and a privilege to stay within this self-sufficient community and meet some of the Bard people. Early morning I went to the bakery to watch the community bread being baked in their one-hundred-year-old wood fired oven. There I met Bud, one of the grandsons of the matriarch of this community, Bud is both a chef and a fisherman, so we had a lot to talk about. By the end of the conversation, we’d agreed on some additions to a sauce in the mackerel pies he’s been baking and for my fisherman to join a fishing charter with him the following day in the open sea. It was a golden opportunity to fish on Bud’s boat on the other side of the reef, where dolphins dived, Humpback whales breeched, and large sharks chased schools of tuna. Little did I imagine that the fisherman would end up reeling in a 28kg Spanish Mackerel; a local record-breaking catch. Even Bud was speechless. Mr G elated.

Next destination for us was Broome. It had been as long between opportunities to dine out, as it had been between ocean swims, so on our first night we headed to Matso’s Brewery for a night out. I relished in ordering good food; juicy Exmouth prawns, Soft Shell Crab with a fragrant dipping sauce and Grilled Barramundi to share. It was so civilised and such a treat to be spoiled with table service and no dishes to wash. 

Old Sydney friends who now live in Darwin and holiday in Broome each year for a month to surf and swim, were here. We had organised to camp near to them for over two weeks, in a lovely, quiet camping ground not far from Cable Beach. It was glorious being settled in one place for an extended time, with the luxury of nowhere to be and friends who are almost locals to generously guide us. The indescribable colours of the landscape here will stay with me, and the magnificent expanses; in particular 4WD driving up Cable Beach to sit, walk, swim and fish, heading out to Gantheaume Point to picnic and paddle board and up to Coconut Wells to walk along the rockpools at low tide, were all mesmerising.

Taking in a flick at Sun Pictures, a semi outdoor cinema where jet planes literally fly overhead mid movie, strolling the weekend markets where a ‘mango thingy’ is a delicious and refreshing thingy indeed, enjoying fish and chips on sunset at Broome Fishing Club and amusingly, the discovery of Kimberley Camping store, which seemed to have everything we were lacking in our set up, whether we were aware of it or not, were amongst our favourite places to find.

The iconic camel caravans walking on Cable Beach, the glowing sunsets, the turtles on show from above at the Town Beach Jetty and the whales breeching and spouting on the horizon every day, were all a part of the Broome we experienced. The countless meals and laughter shared with our dear friends, has forged many fond memories. After six weeks in the heat of the outback, and three months on the road away from family and friends, Broome’s breathtaking beaches and unique coastline, where the red earth meets the translucent Coral Sea, was a timely tonic for us both.

Broome Bird Observatory we camped here for one night overlooking Roebuck Bay, a mecca for bird enthusiasts and a quiet place to camp - the unsealed road in is fairly congregated - be prepared.
Lombadina an indigenous community on the Dampier Peninsula, welcoming day visitors and campers. Fresh bread for sale Monday, Wednesday & Friday - various tours available; kayaking, mud crabbing, fishing.
Tarangua Caravan Park - Cable Beach, Broome where we settled for an extended break, excellent modern amenities, friendly, quiet campground. Highly recommend.
Matso's Brewery - good food and delicious ginger beer.
Spinifex Brewery - good pizza and craft beers, walking distance from our campground.
Sun Pictures Broome we saw a feel good movie, reclining in deck chairs with chocolates to share. Such fun! Book tickets online.
Broome Courthouse Markets are held in the beautiful Heritage listed gardens of the Broome Courthouse. Started over 25 years ago by a small group of locals wishing to trade local product, they have grown to become a major tourist attraction in Broome and host up to 115 creative stalls over the Dry Season. Trading every Saturday all year and Sunday from April – October. Try the 'mango thingy'!
Broome Fishermans Club located on the edge of the coast, outdoor dining Friday, Saturday & Sunday only from 4pm - really good battered fish & chips and a raffle ticket for fishing gear related prizes with every drink sold. 
Kimberley Camping everything you could possibly need, and things you never knew you needed available at this iconic camping and fishing supplies store. Thanks Guilio.