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” (Ash) to make this all possible.
The Kimberley 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 (which means the roads are passable), 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 ideal 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! The east coast is appealing to me for its many trendy surf towns and of course the Great Barrier Reef. Also the fact that I haven’t been there yet and I want to see what’s it’s like! That being said, I am really sad to be leaving Western Australia…I really really love WA. WA has truly satisfied my deepest hopes and dreams of what this country would be like. Traveling to the east coast means leaving such remote and expansive areas (which I love) and being in more highly populated areas. If I had unlimited time and the ability to work, I would definitely be staying in WA longer. 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’ll be kicking off the roadtrip by taking a famous 4WD track called the Gibb River Road which is approximately 400 miles of corrugated track which passes through remote areas of the Kimberley boasting many gorges to hike through and swim.
This will be my route to start! Approximately 2800 miles. I am hoping to be at point “F” by the first week of September as time is sort of running out for Great Barrier Reef season.
For now, I am enjoying my last week in Broome. I have been living in a share house during my time here, and really enjoying hanging out with my new friends from around the world- Japan, Italy, and France. I have already stayed here longer than originally planned (shocker), but it’s been the perfect situation for getting myself organized! I’ve slowly been working on plans/routes and projects with my car. I’ve also been waiting for my foot to heal because I think I may have broken or dislocated my toe a few weeks ago. Which has been a bit of a nuisance.
I have some mixed emotions about leaving…so so excited to hit the road and see some new and beautiful things! But sad to leave as I’m fairly certain I won’t be coming back here again. Never know though I guess! When I leave I will also be leaving my last piece of familiarity and the little community of friends I have made here. Moving forward everyone and everything will be new…which excites me! But also, it’s like my mind highlights the fact that I’m choosing to leave connections for the unknown. If that makes sense.
As I mentioned before, the first step of my road trip will be the Gibb River Road! A road that I have always wanted to explore, but the thought of it stirs up a lot of nerves within me. It’s because there are water crossings involved and a lot of opportunity to puncture tires and potentially beat up my car. Plus, if something goes really wrong, I’m pretty far from resources. With my limited funds and trying to keep my sights on the big picture, it feels like a bit of a gamble…but, it looks like my FOMO wins again!
Thanks to Ash I am well prepared! So hopefully everything will turn out ok.
Also, pinch me…my crazy plan seems to be working so far!