The Kimberly in north west Western Australia - another bucket list adventure part 1

For many years we have wanted to visit the Kimberley region of north west Western Australia but being remote it is really only accessible by four wheel drive and camping - not something we are familiar with! The alternative was expensive coach tours and that is not our style of travel.
But it was bucket list year so I searched and found a five day camping tour with Kimberley Wild, an outback tour group operating from Broome. Perfect if you are not sure if camping is for you!

In August 2019 we flew to Broome, having a two night stay there before joining the tour.

Cable beach is famed for its sunsets over the Indian Ocean and it did not disappoint. 

Some features of Broome that attracted us were the wall art, especially this aboriginal work, the Sturt's desert pea in full bloom and the pearling history and its influence on the town. Broome greatly appealed to us.

Our guide Andy collected us from our resort at sunrise and our little group of seventeen settled into the very comfortable especially built off-road vehicle.
We, the group, came from Italy, Denmark, U.S.A, England, Canada and Australia, with a nice mix of ages too.

Our route took us up the Great Northern Highway, almost to Derby, where we turned onto the Gibb River Road. We had a stop at the 1500 year old boab tree.

Windjana Gorge National Park was our first major stop and is most noted for its large number of freshwater crocodiles, however its geological features, aboriginal rock art, native bees and birds all added to a walk well worth taking.

After the early start and the walk we were all ready for lunch. We became a cohesive team as the time went by, setting up the meals, eating and putting the gear away in record time.

Tunnel Creek National Park was our next stop. We walked in water almost up to our knees in Tunnel Creek, with head torches and crocodile eyes watching us. It was quite exciting. 

Once through the tunnel there was a swimming hole and also ancient aboriginal rock art.

 It was a long day, travelling about 500 kms and it was dark by the time we reached Fitzroy Crossing. A barbecue feast then it was bed time. At this point Andy said that most people don't bother with a tent, they just throw the swag on the ground and hop in. Now this was not what this non-camping couple was expecting, nor most others on the trip. But we weren't going to be the wimps so that's what we did!

Next morning we could see where we had slept ... on the red earth under a boab tree.
Believe it or not but this was a most exhilarating experience and when it was offered again on the last night we didn't hesitate.