Broome to Victoria Highway Junction

It’s hot, dry and dusty and I am feeling as parched as the land. Thank goodness for air conditioning; one of the world’s greatest inventions, along with power steering. The vast plain of the Western Kimberley, dotted with varying earth coloured termite nests and patches of scorched earth, stretches on forever. Shade is a rarity so to pull over and stop for too long is unbearable. And it’s not even summer yet.

We diverted to Geikie Gorge National Park, via Fitzroy Crossing, for a change of scenery. Unfortunately we missed the boat river cruise but we did catch the golden afternoon light on the gorge.

It was a still, warm night at the Ngumban Cliff Lookout campsite, and whilst weary from another 500 kilometre driving day it took awhile for sleep to come. A gentle breeze finally ruffled the curtains and caressed my face: for a brief moment I thought I was on Shore Thing again. A pity, as I think I prefer the cool blue water to the hot red desert, spectacular as it is. 

Awake at first light, which is at about 5.00am, we had an early start for Ground Hog Day. We refreshed with a cuppa at Mary River, and then a talking book kept us company until we arrived in Halls Creek. Finding the only shade in town, just as a fellow traveller conveniently pulled out, we enquired about scenic flights over the Bungle Bungles at the beautifully presented visitor information centre. Not getting much change out of $800, we opted to think about it as we pressed on and for a bite of lunch at Turkey Creek. The scenery became more visually appealing more regularly as we crossed into the Eastern Kimberley, with various ranges dominating the horizon. Yellow and black signs began to appear, warning us of up and coming bends in the road: a novelty after a couple of thousand kilometres on endless straights.  

Mary River

Now we are camped at the junction of the Great Northern Highway and Victorian Highway, 46 kilometres west of Kununurra. In plenty of time to capture and absorb a typical Kimberley sunset.