19. The one with the Witnishes

Total distance travelled: 13,981km (+255km)

We were super fortunate to spend our time in Broome with the wonderful Witnish family. Aside from their lovely company, Sarah was very organised and had researched all the things to do in Broome, so we got to piggy back on their plans (much different to our usual spontaneous style!). Being camped directly next to them made for loads of fun for the kids, delicious shared meals and their working AC which they willingly shared with us, gave us some welcome reprieve from the heat!

We found Broome to be an intriguing place… our preconception of it being a desirable holiday destination was challenged as we found it to be quite rough in parts, with our car being ‘cased’ as we went to pay for fuel, many drunken people loitering in public places and not afraid to ‘humbug’. (To make unreasonable or excessive demands ie. ask for stuff!). We were told that Broome is the place that many Indigenous people go who have been kicked out of their own communities.

Perhaps this helps explain some of what we saw.

Nevertheless, there is much to love about Broome. The beautiful Cable Beach is a clear standout. Being able to drive onto the beach and not have to lug all your gear and food was awesome. We finally got to use our body boards that we carted halfway around Australia without using, which was very exciting! (Beach swimming in the NT and northern WA isn’t really an option between the crocs, sharks and stingers!).

We also availed ourselves of the ultimate Cable Beach tourist activity… camel rides! This was a clear highlight for the kids especially and was definitely a once in a lifetime experience that was throughly enjoyed! It was heartening to hear that many of the camels had been rescued from a camel farm and lovingly tended by Alison, who has been in the camel riding business for over 20 years. It was lovely to share this experience with our Witnish friends.

The next day we spent at Willie Creek Pearl Farm was also really special. It didn’t take us long to realise why Willie Creek is often referred to as ‘The Pearl of WA’. Consisting of a guided tour of the farm (on both land and water) and a delicious morning tea, the picturesque location set the scene for a memorable day. Given the beautiful location, we opted to spend the entire day enjoying the scenery, having a picnic lunch, and to the delight of the adults, the kids made their own fun on the small playground for hours. Considerably gobsmacked by the expense of some of the pearls in the showroom, we limited our purchases to post cards. Our host Rob, was incredibly hospitable, indulging us by answering our questions and graciously allowing us to remain long past our tour time.

One of the attractions of Broome is the phenomenon called ‘Staircase to the Moon’. This occurs when the full moon rises over the exposed tidal flats of Roebuck Bay, creating a staircase effect. We were fortunate enough to be there at the right time, with it only occurring 2-3 days a month between March and October. Despite it being later in the season, and therefore the flats not being completely exposed, as well as the smokey haze from a nearby fire, the view was still breathtaking and the last-minute picnic was enjoyed by all. Following the sunset, we had a mosey of the beachside markets and the kids enjoyed burning off all their Maccas-induced energy on the epic playground.