Week Commencing 15.08.10
Sunday 15.08.10 – Left Pardoo and drove the 220km to Port Hedland. As you drive into the town you notice mines on either side of the road. We also spotted our first huge train, it was that long you could not see where it ended. On the main road there was the Rio Tinto Salk Mine, this huge pile of salt and salt pads , it is amazing. When we got to the visitors centre it was closed but the sign advised no sites at the van parks. We made some lunch which we had in the car park and then made our way to the Golf Course as this is where the overflow go. Sandy was a pleasant lady and said it was ok for us to stay. So we joined the other four or five vans in the car park.
Monday 16.08.10 – We went into South Hedland to doing some chores as well as vote. We had lunch at the local chinese and spent the afternoon feeling very full. John decided to have a game of golf as we were living there. The course is very green and he had a good game. We got on the net and booked our tickets to come home at Christmas. Looking forward to seeing everyone over this period. We will be home 12 December and return back to Perth on 6 January.


Tuesday 17.08.10 – Up early but only on the highway a short time when we were delayed nearly an hour as they were moving some huge equipment which took up the whole road. Finally we were passed and when we turned off to Karijini it was as if everyone was in a hurry. They were overtaking one after another, the cb’s were going nuts it was really strange. Finally this settled down and we were able to enjoy the trip. The landscape was amazing, real red sandy desert, I am nothing just red rocks and dirt. Then you would come across some trees and creeks that were very wide with just sand in them and maybe some trees. We then travelled over some ranges and finally arrived at Karijini. The campsite is red dirt and rocks, we have a site in Bungarra Loop and have settled in nicely. This afternoon we did the Fortescue Falls and Fern Pool walk. You have to make your way down the gorge about 150mtrs deep, lots of steps. There were folks swimming in both pools, but the water is very cold.

Wednesday 18.08.10 – After a great nice sleep up and had brekkie then prepared for our trekking. We haven’t trekked for sometime so hope we both make it. Back in camp by 3pm and had a fantastic time exploring Dales Gorge. The walk starts at the top of the gorge descending the steps down a steep slope to the bottom of the gorge. You then ramble along the gorge floor to the fern-framed pool – Circular Pool. The water is very cold but I am told refreshing. From here we walk along the creek to Fortescue Falls. We had to negotiate creek crossing and large boulders. The banded iron formations exposed in many of the rocks in and around the gorge originated more than 2,500 million years ago as iron and silica-rich sediment deposits accumulated on an ancient sea floor. Over millions of years these deposits were transformed by the pressure of further sediments laid down over them, forcing trapped water to be driven out and gradually turning the sediments into tough, well-bedded rock. Horizontal compression later caused the rocks to buckle, developing numerous vertical cracks, before lifting to the surface to form dry land. A sharp drop in sea-level caused the rivers to cut down rapidly through the land, creating sheer-sided gorges. This, combined with millions of years of erosion, has sculptured the rocks into the present landscape.
The Gorges
In the north of the park, small creek-beds, hidden in the rolling hillsides and dry for most of the year, suddenly plunge down 100 mtr chasms. Farther downstream the gorges become wider and their sides change from sheer cliff to steep slopes of loose rock. Finally the drainage systems emerge as alluvial fans into the Fortescue Valley. The gorges provide a refreshing retreat from the arid plains above.
Karijini’s traditional owners are The Banyjima, Yinhawangka and Kurrama Aboriginal people, the traditional owners call The Hamersley Range – Karijini. The name of the park recognises the historic and continuing significance of the area to these people. Evidence of their ancestors’ occupation dates back more than 30,000 years. During that period, Aboriginal land management practices such as “fire stick farming”, resulting in a diversity of vegetation types and stages of succession, have helped determine the range of plants and animals found in the park. Fern Pool and Circular Pool are special places to local Aboriginal people. The park is situated just north of Tropic Capricorn and its climate can be described as tropical semi-desert.
Wildflowers vary in abundance with the seasons and from year to year. In the cooler months the land is covered with numerous yellow flowering sennas (cassias) nd acacias, northern bluebells and purple mulla mullas. Birds are many and varied , you may encounter red kangaroos, euros (kangaroos that are common to the rocky country), Rothchild’s rock-wallabies, bats and dingoes.


Thursday 19.08.10 – Up early and headed off to Tom Price. We had a 96km drive to our destination. Arrived and found grass, yes grass sites. It is wonderful to have grass. After setting up we headed to the Visitors Centre to see what Tom Price had to offer. We were lucky enough to join the afternoon tour of the Rio Tinto Iron Ore Mine. This tour was very informative and enjoyable. Everything to do with Rio Tinto is big, big trucks, big tyres, big signs, it is amazing how big the whole corporation is. The driver took us for a look around town and then into the Mine site. We could only get out of the bus at the lookout, we looked quite funny with our Hard Hats and goggles. Tom Price was built by Rio Tinto but is now controlled by local council. Rio Tinto owns 90% of the homes in town. They just built a new swimming pool worth some 1.3 million dollars. The population is around 6,000 of which 1,000 are school aged children. We were told there are more than 1,000 pre schoolers. Not much else to do in a town like this.

Friday 20.08.10 – Today we are heading off to Hamersley Gorge in Karajini National Park, Mt Sheila, and then Nameless Mountain. We head along the main highway and then turn off onto the Rio Tinto Mine access road. This road runs from Tom Price to Karratha about 100kms of dirt road. You need to go to the visitors centre and watch a video to get a permit to travel on this road. We did this before we headed off this morning. From the turnoff of the highway we travelled 27kms and then a further 10kms to Mt Sheila. We then travelled another 2.5km to the top of the Mountain. The views were spectular unfortunately the pictures do not give it justice. Then we backtracked and got back on the access road and headed to Hamersley Gorge, this was another 29kms of red dirt.
Hamersley Gorge – On arriving we decided to do the rim walk first, only problem the track lead to nowhere. So up the hill we go back to the carpark. We then find the right track which was alot of steps down into the Gorge. The Gorge was really really nice, well worth the effort. The rocks were quite tricky to get over, very smooth and slippery in places. John continued on further upsteam and when he returned he said he was glad he had made the effort. So we were very impressed with Hamersley Gorge. As there was nowhere to have a picnic lunch we ate as we drove back to town.


This time it was another 50kms along the red dirt road. We certainly had a day on the red roads around Tom Price.
Nameless Mountain – This mountain is the backdrop to our caravan park. Once again on a very rough dirt road. It was a very rough and steep road to the top. I think John had a great day doing all the 4WD driving stuff. The view from the top was really nice. You overlooked the town of Tom Price, the Caravan Park, the rolling hills and mountains. You could also see the mine, a great 360 degree view from up here. We are both so glad we did all these things today.

Saturday 21.08.10 – Rest day. Off towards Karratha tomorrow. Wow I am up to date again. Hope everyone is well.

Week commencing 09.08.10

Week Commencing 09.08.10
Monday 9.08.10 – Very windy here today, I cooked some piklets and we shared morning tea with Trish and Kerry. Yummy. We went to a drive up to the Point where we saw some pelicans on the shore. We walked along the beach and rocks. This is our last day at Port Smith. Back at camp we started preparing the van for departure the next morning. At 5pm we went to the BBQ area to listen to the Bush Poet, he was fantastic, we bought one of his CD’s. Finished the evening with a few drinks at Kerry’s van joined by other folks. It was a nice end to our stay at Port Smith.

Tuesday 10.08.10 – Up early and finish packing up we leave camp around 9.30 (early for us) we have about 200kms to Eighty Mile Beach. We are lucky and get a powered sight. Settle in and I head to the beach. Here in the Kimberley they have huge tides. The water is miles out so I walk along the beach collecting shells. We then have lunch and go for a drive along the beach. As there is no internet service we try the one at the shop. Terrible, so slow and we only got to read a few emails, so no contact until we get to Port Headland. Eighty Mile Beach caravan park is not what it used to be. They had a big cyclone here last year and lost all there palm trees. They have a photo board in the shop and it is just amazing. John set up his Foxtel and had it within 5 mins (this is a record). I have hurt my shoulder this afternoon washing the floor of the van. Not too bad but it gave me a scare and I thought of New Zealand.
Wednesday 11.08.10 – Had a good night’s sleep and have woken to a very windy day. Am doing some washing before we head down to the beach to try and do some fishing. John has been over the road helping an old mate with this Foxtel, seems he is the expert in the park. We went for drive along the beach to collect some shells. We could not believe how far the tide was out, amazing. For some reason I started to feel unwell and spent the rest of the afternoon and evening on the loo. No dinner for me tonight.
History of Pardoo Station
Pardoo was originally established as an outstation of De Grey Station, when Padbury took stock north to De Grey in the 1860’s. He later abandoned the area and itwas then taken up by AE Anderson, Harper and Grant in 1869. Later Harper was replaced by Edgar.
Another change was to come about when the Pardoo section was sold off in 1902 to Frank Snellgove Thompson, Medcalf and Rounsville. They were all bought out by Thompson in 1904.
In 1912 Thompson left the station in the hands of managers until his son returned from the war in 1919. He then took over the running of Pardoo. Frank Finlayson Thompson married in 1925 and Pardoo was to stay in the family until sold in 1963
The Schubert family brought Pardoo on 7 May 1963 and then later sold to Kari Stein on 7 March 1967. Russell and Gillian Peake brought Pardoo in 1973 and then later sold to the Brown familyin 1986. In December 1991 John and Pam Leeds brought Pardoo and later sold to Graeme and Judy Rogers in 2005. Graeme and Judy Rogers are still the current owners.
In 1902 Pardoo consisted of 414,750 acres and now with additional land acquired, it measures 500,000 acres or 199,000 hectares. Pardoo stretches approx 80km along the coastline and includes tidal creeks and small islands off the coast.
Pardoo Homestead as with De Grey homestead was close to the port of Condon, which flourished from 1872 to the early 1900’s when Port Headland was established as the main port for the Pilbara. Condon is now abandoned.
The Pardoo Homestead was extended by the Thompson Family in 1936. The site for the buildings is significan t as one of the early stations to develop from the De Grey Run.
Of the collection of buildings the homestead and the shearing shed are the most significant. The homestead is typical of a Pilbara plan type. It has a central “core” containing small numbers of large rooms, no passages and no formal entry or entry hall. It is completely surrounded by verandahs and all under a steeply pitched hip roof. The kitchen block is separate.
The Homestead walls are mode of concrete and stone and are approx 450mm thick. The verandahs have tee section posts,the steel of which bears the trademark “Frodingham England” into the sections fitted to the top hung cyclone shutters. The ceiling height is 3670mm (asft) and comes down to 2140 (7ft) at the edge of the verandahs. Adjacent to the kitchen block is a store saddle room structure which is made of corrugated galvanized iron walls with framing of leightweight railway lines from the Port Headland to Marble Bar Railway. The roof is clear span corrugated galvanized iron vault of some 3m.
Pardoo consists of mostly very flat, grassy plains and numerous species of Spinifex. Soft Spinifex being looked upon as the best drought-resisting feed for stock. Pardoo in early times ran sheep plus a small mob of breading mares. Camels were used in the running of the station.
Now Pardoo is a cattle station running mainly Santa Gertrudis cattle. There are approx 6,000 cattle on the station at present.
The Rabbit Proof Fence was completed in 1907 and ends on Pardoo at Cape Keraundren where a stone wall was built out to sea to stop the rabbits coming around the fence. Cape Keraundren was taken out of the Pardoo lease in 1983 to give the public access to the coast.
Pardoo has a substantial water supply with the Canning Artesian Basin situated below the lease. There are a number of Artesian Bores which were established by Wapet in 1955. The most significant being the Homestead water supply, it is 90m deep and water is constantly supplied to the Homestead and Homestead gardens.
Thursday 12.08.10 – Feeling much better this morning, so up early and packed up for our trip to Pardoo Station Stay. We had yet another red dirt road – 13kms into Pardoo. We found a nice spot to set up and then headed onto the Station roads to check things out. Lots of catter, brolgas and lots of dirt, dust. We first headed to Pardoo Creek, the tide was out so all we saw was mud, not very appealing. We noticed some young guys had walked along the creek bed and we assume they were going crabbing. We then drove out to Red Point and Banningarra Creek. Unfortunately it seems we are here at the wrong tides, unable to get to Lighthouse Island or Bake Bean Creek. We drove as far as we could but the surface was very muddy so we decided to turn around. You need to open and close each gate and the cattle have right away, they just walk across the road and you sit and wait until they move.
Friday 13.08.10 - Not well again today, went fishing with John but just sat in the chair and read. No luck with the fish, still very windy here. Spent the afternoon in bed sleeping.
Saturday 14.08.10 – Woke feeling much better today. We decided to stay today and do some jobs before we move onto Port Headland. Spent day doing the washing, cut Johnny’s hair and he dyed my locks. John watching the races and football and I am catching up with some updates. We are going to the Pardoo Station Restaurant for dinner tonight. They tell us it is well worth a visit.

Week Commencing 01.08.10
Very Important Month, Birthdays include:
03.08.10 Harley Entink 15.08.10 Cecilia Copeland 17.08.10 Jenny Purtill (60 big one) 18.08.10 Jason Kluver 25.08.10 Josh Potter 26.08.10 Melissa Marchetti (my little baby) 29.08.10 Mine (very important) 31.08.10 John & Wil’s Wedding Anniversary
Sunday 01.08.10 - Here we are another month gone, wow August is here. We are up early after a restless night of storms hitting Broome. We are lucky to be able to hitch up in a break in the weather. Today we leave Broome after 22 days here. We are heading for Barn Hill Station stay. Barn Hill is situated on Thangoo Station, which is a working cattle station. Alf and Maria Grey purchased Thangoo in 1960. The property is approximately 43000 acres and stretches 85 kms along the coast between Broome and Port Headland. The property runs 8000 head of Brahman cattle which are marketed to the live export trade through the port of Broome. Barn Hill is an Eco based park. Activities include, fishing, lawn bowls and general resting and walking along the beautiful beach. We have set up camp and can finally use our generator, so yes we can have foxtel tonight. It has been a very stormy afternoon with heavy rainfalls as the band of storms move over us. We were able to go for a long walk along the beach late this afternoon. Hoping tomorrow will be fine and we can hopefully catch some fish for dinner. We did indulge today as they were selling freshly baked Custard slices, yum very very nice.
Monday 02.08.10 - Woke to windy weather which made things a little miserable. We headed down to the beach to try our luck with the fish. After about four hours still no luck. Back to camp to have some lunch and decided to have a rest and then a big walk along the beach before dinner.
Tuesday 03.08.10 - Today we packed up cam to head to Port Smith. We have been told many different things about this area. Thought we would go and make up our own mind. We have not been disappointed, it is different but we both think we will enjoy it here. The park itself is well presented, no grass all red gravel, the actual site is big and we have a nice shady spot. We are told the kangaroo’s come to visit and not to leave your door open as the help themselves to your bed. After settling in we head down to the beach. The lagoon is set among lots of mangroves and when the tide goes out you can actually walk to an island but you must be off it before the incoming tide or you are stuck there until the next low tide. We are going on a boat over to the island tomorrow around midday and then they come back and get you 4 hours later. We thought there was no phone service, but another traveller told me to go over near the tractor in the paddock and you can get service. We were able to speak to the girls tonight.

Wednesday 04.08.10 – Today we get on the boat to go over to the island for fish four 4 hours. We all met at the shop and they pick us up in the really old rust bucket of the 4WD. Our driver was a black fellow called Mully. He is a very special person, he is very witty and lots of fun. We then transfer onto a small dingy which is overloaded and off we go to the island. John and I walked along the beach and decided to try our luck amongst some rocks. Fished all day without any luck, but he did catch a turtle who gave quite a struggle. Poor fellow, but we did manage to release him without injury. Just before we were due to go home , John brought in a small flathead. All in all we had a fun day and met some lovely people. By the time we got back to camp it is near 5.30 time for showers dinner and an early bed.


Thursday 05.08.10 – We have a lovely couple next to us, Kerry and Trisha, they are regulars here come to Port Smith every year and have done this for many. Kerry and his mat Ron invited John and I to join them to go fishing today at M>>>>>>>>>>>. We set off on yet another adventure. We head out the back of the camp along dirt roads, instructions like turn right at the old car and left at the patch of trees. Lucky for us we had Ron and Kerry driving ahead in their car. We travelled about 10kms to this special spot. It is like a lagoon that is tidal and we arrive on low tide and fish the incoming. We have to walk over rocks and oyster shells to the special spot where you fish. John and I were very happy we had our reef shoes with us. We got a good feed of fish for all of us. We were surprised with how many species were here. We caught, bream, trevelly, cod, mangrove jack and a couple of others nobody knew what they were. Here is Western Australia you make sure you only keep legal fish. Fisheries are always around checking. When we arrived back in camp with our catch we were told the Fisheries had just been in. The fish was filleted and shared between everyone. Tonight the Park puts on a Fish and Chips night for $5, donations going to the Royal Flying Doctors. They also have raffles and the local aboriginal band plays. They were fantastic and we were all up dancing and enjoying ourselves. Once again a great night was had by all and we met some lovely people. It seems alot of folks from Perth area come here for two or three months in the winter. What a great place to do this.

Friday 06.08.10 – Today we were up early as we were all going fishing at 8am, only to find someone must have had one too many last night and we need not go until 10am. Another cup of coffee was in order and some more tackle to be made. Off we go and we run into Tony and Faye who we met on the first day over at the Island. They were going over there again today but realised they had missed the boat (another one with one too many the night before). Anyway I jumped in their car and was going to show them the way hehehehe! I was doing ok for awhile buy luckily John and Kerry had forgotten something and they found us. Once again we went to the special fishing spot and today John was the lucky fisherman, 1 golden trevelly and 3 legal size bream. All in all we got a good catch and the fish was shared around. Tonight we are having fish and chips (fresh only out of the ocean a few hours) yummy yummy. At present have a nice glass of wine and watching the Carlton Essendon game on telly. I almost forget today and yesterday we saw a flock of Broglas, just beautiful. I feel so lucky to be seeing and doing all these wonderful things. Life is good.
Saturday 07.08.10 – Lying in bed enjoying a sleep I hear a knock on the door, it is Kerry who’s up for fishing. John tells Kerry I am sleeping, but no I am not going to miss out on another adventure. Up and ready to go within the hour. This morning we are going to Gordon Bay to try our luck. We travel along a very narrow track for about 10kms and then out of the car and walk up a sandhill and then over the rocks to the beach. Once again my rod is too small so I go walking and shell collecting while the boys fish. Not a very successful day for us, Kerry got a nice Golden Trevelly which he donated to me (Thankyou Kerry I will enjoy). After about four hours of fishing we head home. The afternoon spent relaxing , reading my book and John watching his AFL and Races. Kerry and Trish joined us for the later game. John then cooked a yummy dinner of fresh fish and chips and salad.

Sunday 08.08.10 – This morning we went off to The Point by ourselves, lovely views and lots of rocks. We took the wrong road and came across an aboriginal family and they gave us directions, just keep veering left and you’ll be right. We eventually found our way back to the old burnt out car. John threw a line it but no luck today. We have had a relaxing afternoon. We are heading off to the cliffs with Kerry and Trish and some of their friends for a barbie and watch the Sunset.

Around 4pm we set off to the Cliffs. We enter a road where the sign says NO Entry on we go along this very narrow track. The track then takes us over the plains and then we hit the sand dunes, change into 4WD and up and over the dunes we go. We stop at one point to build a marker so we can find our way out (very re-ensuring). Then over some rocks and here is this beautiful plateform where we are going to sit and watch the Sunset. To the left is a sandstone cave, Trish tells John to climb inside and he will get some great shots. We watch the sunset and then the boys cook dinner. We are about 20mtrs up from the beach and as the tide comes in it starts splashing up to where we are sitting – time to leave. We then cart all the stuff to our cars and head off home. We find the marker and so we are on the right road. Things are so different driving through this country at night. We thank Trish and Kerry for sharing this special spot with us. Wow it was fantastic and we are so grateful to both of them for sharing Port Smith with us.

Week Commencing 25.07.10

Sunday 25.07.10 – Up early and put the van in storage so we could head off on another Camping adventure. On the road early and we were both very excited about this trip. First stop was Whalesong Bush Camp. To get to this beautiful place we had to leave the bitumen and travel 100kms on dirt road, reasonable condition. Turn off to Whalesong took us on another half an hour on a sandy road to the campsite. We were not disappointed when we arrive, very eco friendly. There was only four other campers so very quiet and private. We set up camp at the top of a cliff which overlooked the bay. Stunning views. Not long before the whales gave us a special show. After setting up camp we headed to the cafe of a nice cuppa – which I must say was delicious – yum hot chocolate. We then went for a walk along the beach, as it was low tide the rocks were exposed and we were able to climb over them. It seemed that we were the only humans on this beautiful beach. Back to camp to this time watch the moon come up and this was fantastic. Even the shower was something to remember, a bush shower which was delightful. The toilet was different also, the whole place was great. See the pictures attached. John got the fire going and once again cooked meal a fantastic meal. I think I am the only traveller out here who has her own special chef nearly every night. I feel very lucky to have such a wonderful husband. Love him so much. Thanks Johnny for all you give me.
Description of Whalesong Cafe, Campground
Whalesong, Cafe, Campground and Camels Munget Aboriginal Community;c/- Cape
Munget Aboriginal Community is located on the Dampier Peninsula, Western Australia. It is the largest bay on the western side of the Peninsula; there are whales, sea eagles, migratory birds, water birds, beautiful shells and hermit and ghost crabs. There are spectacular views of the coast line with pindan cliffs and amazing sandstone formations. Join them as you ride the camels through the bush to the beach; learn from local guides about bush tucker, the trees and their uses to Aboriginal people. Experience the country - learn the culture.


Monday 26.07.10 – After breakkie we decamp and continue on our adventure. Today we are heading to Cape Leveque Resort for two days. Once again we travel back down the sandy track to continue North to Cape Leveque. We arrive and this time we find ourselves at a full one resort environment. Here they have cabins on the beach, cabins, camp sites. We are given a site on the cliff edge overlooking the ocean. We are very pleased to hear this, until we see our site, no shade, not a tree in site. Here we are 30degs and no shade. Anyway we set up camp in the heat and then head to the beach. The Western beach is not available for driving you can drive down to the rocks but not on the beach. John tries his luck at fishing but once again unsuccessful. I enjoy the afternoon walking along the beach collecting shells and sitting the shade of the car reading my book. (I am very proud of myself that I am reading books). We drive over to Eastern beach, you can drive on the beach here. We find a shelter and I make a nice lunch, we are joined by an 84 year old lady who is on a tour and doesn’t want to do the walk along the beach. We share some of our water with her and spend the next hour listening to her life story. You met all sorts of folks out here in the world of travel and holidays. She was a lovely lady and both John and I enjoyed her stories. We then decided to go for a swim and a walk. We walked for about an hour, over rocks and found a little rock pool to have a swim. Just lovely! John then wanted to head down to the beach to once again try his luck at the fishing. I spent the afternoon collecting shells and reading. John caught himself a nice flathead which we enjoyed for dinner that night. When the sun was on its way down we headed off back to Western beach to catch the Sunset. This was one of the most beautiful sunsets we have seen so far. We headed back to camp to cook dinner shower and hit the sack, it had been a long hot day. We were awaken about 4 hours after we went to bed to find that the airbed had a leak, so John had to get up and pump it up. Four hours later he had to do the same thing. Bugger!!!
Tuesday 27.07.10 - We awoke to find there had been a very heavy dew and everything was wet. Eventually the sun came over and dried things. We were out of camp by 9am as it was very hot and we had no shade. We spent the morning on the beach fishing and reading, walking and collecting more shells. We then came back to camp to have lunch at one of the joint shelters, while we were enjoying our lunch the whales decided to put on a show for us, even though there is no shade at our camp it is a very nice place. We started talking to an English couple who came to Australia in 2003 and decided to buy a 4WD, campervan do a 4WD drive and travel around Australia until they found somewhere they would like to live. They have a house at Paroo (near Tin Can Bay) they tell us they work for a few months and then take to the road again. This has been their life since arriving in Australia. It was great talking to them as Denis knew alot about fishing and they also gave us some information about place down the west coast. We then headed off to at place called One Arm Point, now when we arrived here they wanted $10 each to just drive through the town. John thought this was crazy so we turned around. We then took a track into another campsite just for a look and was told it would cost us $5 each to drive around the campsite. Once again we declined. Anyway we had a nice afternoon and returned to camp to see another beautiful sunset.
Description of Cape Leveque

Kooljaman at Cape Leveque is a wilderness style luxury camp which is surrounded by a diversity of natural wonders. The amazing wildlife, the vast array of marine life and a stunning coastline which allows unrestricted views of magnificent sunrises and sunsets, makes this a truly unique experience.
Kooljaman is the Bardi Aboriginal name for the land at the tip of the Dampier Peninsula north of Broome. The two surrounding indigenous communities of Djarindjin and One Arm Point jointly own Kooljaman and have developed the facility in line with the community’s aspirations and their inherent knowledge of the land. Kooljaman at Cape Leveque has been established for 20 years and has won numerous state tourism awards and recently won four Australian Tourism Awards.

Wednesday 28.07.10 – Today we decamp and head to Middle Lagoon. Middle Lagoon is about an 1 hour south along the bitumen and then along the same sand track we took to Whalesong, they are neighbours. Arriving a Middle Lagoon we were hoping for a shady spot. When shown our campsite we were delighted, shade shade and more shade, not much grass but we could live with that. We set up camp in no time and headed straight to the beach for a swim. The water was fantastic, it was very salty and we both just floated and enjoyed the cool. We spent the afternoon exploring the area. You could not drive on any of the beaches here but we found some great tracks up on the cliffs. We found a bay with a beautiful beach, John walked down but I gave up halfway as it was very steep. John found another way down and we decided we would come back here tomorrow and fish. Back to camp and then an hour walk along the beach to complete the afternoon. John collected some wood so we could have a fire after dinner. Once again a fantastic meal and then a few drinks around the fire before bed.
Thursday 29.07.10 – Up nice and early as the bed isn’t as comfortable the one in our van. Also John had to pump up again during the night. After breakfast we headed to our private beach we had found the day before. John had some luck here fishing, caught about five fish in all, unfortunately they were all undersize and we had to kiss them and give them back to grow bigger. Anyway I had a happy Johnny as he said he really enjoyed bringing them all in. Especially one fish called a Long Tom, they are very long fish with very sharp teeth, but John says they are fun catching. We spent about four hours here, really a nice place. Back to camp and headed straight to the lagoon for another swim before lunch. We spent the afternoon reading, collecting wood for yet a bigger fire and watching the going ons of the camp. We got some new neighbours, about 12 people from a cattle station on a two day broke. They were lovely people, made themselves known to us. The guys dressed in their jeans and riding boots and then later changed into board shorts and tee-shirts. They headed off to do some fishing and the kids played footy on the beach. We also met another couple who were farmers from the big Tam (Tamworth), they were a real nice couple on a three month holiday in a 4WD and tent. We enjoyed dinner and then we had a huge fire for our last night. All in all it was a fantastic five days. Really like the camping thing.
Friday 30.07.10 – Once again up early and heading back to Broome as we have the car in for a Ming service at noon. We have a good trip back along the 100kms of dirt road, sure is nice to hit the bitumen. Back to Broome Caravan park, move van to site and tackled the washing etc. Busy afternoon.
Saturday 31.07.10 – Still washing, nearly finished. John and I head off to buy me a fishing rod as we will be fishing all the way down the coast and I thought I should get in on the act. Dropped John at the TAB and I headed to town to once again check out the markets and do the shopping for our next adventure.
Description of Middle Lagoon
Middle Lagoon is an Aboriginal operated camping area. Wulgarding is the name of the dream-time snake that protects the area. Middle Lagoon is also the name of the Aboriginal Corporation.

Located approximately 182 km from Broome via the Cape Leveque Road & 65 km from Beagle Bay, Middle Lagoon is 31 km off the tar along a sandy track. The 20 hectare camping area is located on a black rocky headland overlooking beautiful crystal clear water.

Commonly referred to as "Natures Hideaway", Middle Lagoon has great fishing with boat launching access, Accommodation includes a few cabins, beach shelters and bush camp sites some with water nearby. You could set up on the dune overlooking the beach but to avoid the wind there are sites among the trees, this is truly a Kimberley cruising getaway!

Week Commencing 19.07.10

Week Commencing 19.07.10
Monday 19.07.10 – Lazy morning and then the weekly shopping. I had a lovely browse and John took himself for a long walk.
Tuesday 20.07.10 – We had a lovely adventure today, left home around 9.30 and arrived back at 5pm. Covered approximately 230kms on dirt roads. First stop was Willie Creek Pearl Farm, very interesting. Unfortunately all the pearls I liked were well out of our price range. We took a side track and found a lovely spot on the beach to have our picnic lunch. Back through the sand dunes and back on the road to James Price Point. We took the left road which took us along a track which didn’t seem to go anywhere. We came across a couple camping in the bushes, stopped and had a chat he had just been down to the ocean diving for fish. She had a pet budgie sitting on her shoulder they adopted back in Alice Springs. After leaving them we found the place where our friends Garry and Deb must have camped. There was only one camp set up. We walked on the beach, I collected more shells while John scrambled over the rocks. We then headed back home and stopped in at Quondong, here we found lots of campers, some in vans, some in tents , the view was to die for. You are allowed to camp at these spots for three days only. We drove down onto the beach, it was just lovely. Further down the road we decided to check our Barred Creek, once again more campers here. We spoke to a couple who were about to go out fishing in their boat, she was fishing while waiting for hubby to sort the boat and while we were there she caught a lovely whiting. She said she had spotted a big shark in the creek. Apparently the creek is dry when the tide goes out. This place was a little eerie. Once we hit the highway we decided we should see where yet another dirt road took us. Crab Creek Road took us down to Roebuck Bay and we could see Broome from this point. Once again another fantastic day, I thank John for all his driving and keeping us safe.
Note: We came across these birds, would appreciate if anyone knows what they are

Wednesday 21.07.10 – Spent morning with Allyson enjoying nice morning tea as John and Alex went to golf. Did some shopping with John in the afternoon. Nice peaceful day.
Thursday 22.07.10 – Rest Day.
Friday 23.07.10 – Rest Day
Saturday 24.07.10 - Dropped John off at the Rowie TAB for the afternoon. I spent the afternoon looking at the shops and exploring Broome town.