Here I am…in the Kimberley region once again! In a small town located in the northwestern part of Western Australia called Broome- a remote and quirky beach town along the coast of the Indian Ocean. This is where I’m re starting my road trip because it’s where I left my car in storage. Couldn’t have chosen a farther or more expensive point to base myself out of I might mention. But, I’m so fortunate to have the connection here with a local “Broomie” to make this all possible.
Broome is a highly seasonal place. There is a wet season and a dry season…so winter time in the Southern Hemisphere is the time to be here. Which is now! This is the season that you can explore the far northern regions of Australia. There is essentially no rain, less flies, and manageable heat. Daytime temperatures in the winter here are regularly in the mid 80’s, but its nice and cool in the early mornings and evenings, which is nice for camping 🙂
My plan and reason for returning to Australia has been to continue on road tripping and getting to places that I didn’t make it to last time around. So I’m off to Queensland! Mainly Queensland…one of their 6 states. Queensland has a lot to offer- the Great Barrier Reef and lot’s of surf amongst other things. But, I am really sad to be leaving Western Australia…I really really love WA. If I had unlimited time and the ability to work, I would definitely be staying in WA for a while. It’s an amazing place. But, I’m working with the circumstances I have and honestly I’m pretty fortunate! And this is why I am taking the northern route to the east coast….it will likely be my last venture through the outback. I will take a famous 4WD track called the Gibb River Road which is approximately 400 miles of corrugated road which passes through remote areas of the Kimberley boasting many gorges to hike through and swim.
For now, I am still in Broome for the next two weeks. I have been staying at a share house while here in Broome- another connection with a Broome local that I was fortunate to have made when I was here two years ago. I say that because it can be difficult to find accommodation here, not to mention it’s very expensive…to stay in a hostel here, it’s around $300 AUD per week. So, that’s about $780/month USD…to stay in a hostel. Pricey. And there’s not much camping (outside of the generally fully booked caravan parks that cost around $50/night). This house has been awesome! It’s been a nice mix of people from around the world-Japan, France, and Italy. Everyone gets along so well and it’s been fun to land in a house and have an immediate group of friends.
So really, I want to leave and hit the road already! But, I’m stalling a little bit. I still have some things to do with my car and planning my road trip before I take off, but honestly I could get that finished really quick. I’m really sad to drive away from WA. This area of Australia truly satisfied my deepest hopes and dreams of traveling this country. Also, I’m fairly certain I either broke or dislocated my toe the day before I flew here. It’s getting better, but I still can’t fully walk on it. I want to do some hiking during the first couple weeeks of my road trip and so I’d like to feel like it’s feeling good enough for me to do that.
Blend of aboriginal culture, highly seasonal, dinosaur prints, extreme high tides,
Crocodiles
Mix of colors here in Broome is truly something to see
Maybe break up the text with some photos or maybe a map which shows the route I will take
Distance to QLD
Process of getting Pradie back on the road
Don’t really like it here that much, yet do like it. Can explain. Why have I spent so much time here? Can explain. Staying longer than I wanted to- resting toe, prepping Pradie, mapping road trip and plans, clinging to WA a little bit (will be sad to drive away).
Was presented with opportunity to stay here in a very comfy house for free, so I’ve adjusted my plans a bit, hope I’m making the right choice. Wonder how that affects the rest of my trip and who I meet/how things go.
