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Kimberley Adventures
  • Debbie McPhee
Apr – May 2022

Kimberley Adventures

A 13-day adventure by Debbie Read more
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  • Trip start
    April 24, 2022
  • Debbie McPheeKimberley AdventuresTraveler
    112

    Nice room, great location

    April 24, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 35 °C

    Literally a 2 minute walk to Matso's. Doesn't get any better than that!

  • Debbie McPheeKimberley AdventuresTraveler

    Life is tough

    April 24, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 35 °C

    Just back from lunch at Matso's. Two glasses of Prosecco under my belt and a delicious plate of fresh grilled Barramundi, chips and salad in my belly so I now relaxing by the pool with my book.
    Now, the reason I was so long at Matso's wasn't because the Prosecco was flowing - they'd forgotten to place my food order. Consequently, I waited over an hour for the food to be brought to the table. Ah, but there was an upside - I didn't have to pay for the food. BONUS!!!Read more

  • Debbie McPheeKimberley AdventuresTraveler

    Evening stroll

    April 24, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C

    My hotel is a short walk from the town centre so now that the sun has set and its somewhat cooler, I set off for an evening stroll. The air is sweet with the smell of frangipanis. Not much happening down town tonight bur then again it is Sunday.

    My hotel is also located next to another the Mangove so I called in on my way home for a bite to eat. Oh my gosh, it's all happening here. What a fabulous outdoor bar/setting.

    Settled on the healthy 'Budda Bowl' for dinner.    Read more

  • Debbie McPheeKimberley AdventuresTraveler

    All aboard

    April 25, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    [Day 1 - depart Broome - meet the crew]

    Today ,we were picked up from the hotel and taken to the Gantheaume Point where we boarded the tender boat to transfer us to the Reef Prince for our journey to Darwin.

    The boat is very luxurious, including leather lounge suites in the lounge area; my room is about 5 steps away from the dining room and the rooms, whilst small are nicely appointed.

    The hostess come in to our rooms each day and make the bed and fold the toilet paper just like they do in hotels!

    Our crew were sensational - nothing was ever too much trouble.

    The staff are very friendly

    The numbers are down from 36 to 24. Oh, and we have a real KAREN. She is also a solo traveller, so I will be steering clear of her as much as possible.    Read more

  • Debbie McPheeKimberley AdventuresTraveler

    Tonight's dinner

    April 25, 2022, Indian Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 33 °C

    After a leisurely day on the boat travelling along the coast, we were treated to a brilliant sunset, a scrumptious cheese board and drinks on the back deck.

    Some of boys trawling for fish on the back deck so aren't we lucky getting this 8kg Spanish Mackerel for our dinner.Read more

  • Debbie McPheeKimberley AdventuresTraveler

    Yampi Sound Sunrise and Croc Creek

    April 26, 2022, Indian Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Well if I thought the sunset was spectacular, it was matched by the sunrise this morning.  Up at 5am to witness this magical sight.

    Today, we sailed through the Buccaneer Archipelago that has over 800 islands and into Yampi Sound where we boarded the tender boats and set off for swim at Croc Creek and checking out the amazing landscapes along the way.

    Croc Creek has a waterfall system with a freshwater pool at the top and a Saltwater pool at the bottom.  I  order to get to the swimming hole (without crocs) we had to clamber across rocks and walk through shallow pools of water, which was so worth it!  We enjoyed a refreshing swim in the crystal clear water, while we checked out the scenery in including the two Monitor Lizards that are inhabitants there.  We also saw a small Honey Eater, who appeared to be building a nest.    Read more

  • Debbie McPheeKimberley AdventuresTraveler

    Koolan Island

    April 26, 2022, Indian Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 34 °C

    [Day 2 - Yampi Sound, Croc Creek, Koolan Island, Horizontal Falls, Shark Feeding and Cyclone Creek]

    Back to the boat for morning tea and a sail past the Koolan Island mine site.  We we're also lucky enough to see a vessel being loaded with Haematite iron ore that would eventually sail to China.

    Next stop Talbot Bay, an inland sea, to witness the tidal pinch phenomenon of the Horizontal Falls for a power boat ride between the entry/exit points between two lakes. On entry we navigate through a 40m opening and at the other end a 7m opening. During Spring, there can be a 4m drop from the lake into the falls at the 7m wide opening, which prevents boats entering into the 2nd lake. We we're incredibly lucky today to experience both!    Read more

  • Debbie McPheeKimberley AdventuresTraveler

    In Transit to Horizontal Falls

    April 26, 2022, Indian Ocean ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    From Koolan Island we transited through a patch of water called the Gutter as we head to Talbot Bay to experience the historical Horizontal Falls and to see the Horizontal Hotel - yes, that's right there is a floating hotel located near the falls. Folks fly in via seaplane or helicopter.

    Talbot Bay, an inland sea, to witness the tidal pinch phenomenon of the Horizontal Falls for a power boat ride between the entry/exit points between two lakes. On entry we navigate through a 40m opening and at the other end a 7m opening. During Spring, there can be a 4m drop from the lake into the falls at the 7m wide opening, which prevents boats entering into the 2nd lake. We we're incredibly lucky today to experience both!    Read more

  • Debbie McPheeKimberley AdventuresTraveler

    Shark Feeding and Cyclone Bay!

    April 26, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C

    After an exhilarating ride through the Horizontal Falls, it was back to the boat to feed and pat, the local Tawny Nurse Sharks.  you can pat them on the top of their heads (while there is food in their mouths). The skin is rough, a bit like sandpaper.Read more

  • Debbie McPheeKimberley AdventuresTraveler
    2

    Ruby Falls and Montgomery Reef

    April 27, 2022, Indian Ocean ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    [Day 3 - Ruby Fals, Raft Point, Bird Rock, Steep Island, Montgomery Reef]

    This morning we hopped in the tender boats and headed to Ruby Falls for another rock climbing expedition and swim in the fresh water pools.

    Enroute to the waterholes we had to navigate some challenging rock climbs and walk through some thick vegetation.

    The swim in the freshwater pool was very welcomed by the time we got there.  There was a small amount of bird life at the waterhole and we did see an abandoned nest of the Barred Honey Eater.

    Back to the boat for morning tea while the boat set sail for Doubtful Bay, Raft Island and Steep Island an area of significance for our Aboriginal ancestors.  In 1920 a small group of Aborigines were found to be inhabiting the Island, however by 1928 they had completely disappeared.  Their disappearance still remains a mystery today.

    Back on board for more food!!

    This afternoon we headed off to see Montgomery Reef 'rise' out of the ocean as the tide ebbs.  The coral on Montgomery Reef is made up of hard corals that have formed in a 'terrace' like arrangement so that as the tide rolls out, the reef rises, water rushes down the terraces and glistens in the sunlight.

    The reef is also home to many turtles who would pop their heads out of the water briefly and then quickly submerge themselves again. The Aboriginals that inhabitated Steep Island would hunt for turtles on the Reef, so the turtles have learnt to treat everyone and everything as a predator, hence why they pop up briefly and disappear from sight in seconds.

    I went out with fishing group, but the fish weren't playing the game, so we all got to 'hold the rod' rather than 'fish'. 

    We'd almost given up when someone yelled 'fish on'. Finally someone had caught something...alas it was a bloody shark!!!    Read more

  • Debbie McPheeKimberley AdventuresTraveler

    The Big Day Out!

    April 28, 2022, Indian Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    [Day 4 - Deception Bay & Creek, Butterfly Gorge, Slate Island, Kuri Bay Pearl Farm (drive by) Camden Harbour (failed settlement) through Rogers Straight to Hanover Bay for sunset drinks on the beach and a Bonfire].

    7.00am and we're all aboard the tender boats heading for Deception Bay. After a quick tour around the bay, we ventured up one of Deception Creek for a scenic tour of some more amazing geological landscapes. 

    The area boasts a significant amount of Boab trees so there was plenty to see including, how the vegetation has adapted to the environment as it was common to witness tree roots protruding out of the rock formations and in some cases following along the rock creves.

    We're still yet to see  crocodile (and I'm in no hurry), but we did come across a Black Whip snake as we approached the waterhole at the end of Deception Creek. These are best avoided - highly dangerous!!

    Once again, more rock climbing was involved to get to the waterhole at Butterfly Gorge.   This was unlike the others as the bottom temperature was warmer than the top temperature.

    We're back on board by 9.00am and the set sail for the next stop being, Slate Island.  Slate Island is another amazing geological experience.  The rock formations have to be seen to be believed.  The island has obviously been subjected to a lot of weathering over thousands of years and this is evident by some of the precariously positioned rock formations.  You can't help but think that one strong wind will send the rocks tumbling to the ground.

    We were also fortunate to find a sandy beach which we chose for a quick stretch of the legs.  The beach is a nesting ground for turtles and you could still see their tracks in the sand, along with some other creature(s).  The jury was out on weather it was a crocodile or a monitor lizard.   Anyway, we didn't hang around to find out who the tracks belonged to!

    The afternoon  was spent sailing through Kuri Bay (the home of Australia's first cultured pearl farm) and Camden Settlement/Sheep Island (the first European settlement in the Kimberley).  Although, it wasn't a success and sadly 10 people died before the settlement was abandoned.

    By 3.45pm we'd arrived at Hanover Bay, so we enjoyed a quick trip to Treasury Head to visit see the nests created by the Bower Birds, along with some native vegetation and some rock art before heading back to the beach to enjoy the sunset and a bonfire to accompany and evening drinks and nibbles.    Read more

  • Debbie McPheeKimberley AdventuresTraveler
    1
    1

    Kings Cascades

    April 28, 2022, Indian Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    [Day 5 - Kings Cascades & Cathedral Falls, Careening Bay and Mermaid Boab]

    This morning we sailed up the Prince Regent River, the longest river in Australia to see the iconic Kings Cascade waterfall, which stands 45m tall.

    We were reminded that the area is full of crocodiles and Paul, our guide, took the opportunity to tell us about the tragic story of the young 24 year old American woman, Ginger Faye Meadows, who died after being mauled by a crocodile in 1993.  I won't go into the graphic details that Paul did, but let's just say it was a gruesome death.

    A small group of us had put our hands up for another rock climbing challenge.  This one will take us to the top of the cascades to yet another 2 swimming holes and more waterfalls.  So, now that we're all on edge and incredibly anxious about the thought of crocodiles, it's time to take a leap of faith off the boat and onto the rocks.  With adrenaline pumping through our veins we quickly made it to the top (Michelle& Suzy - all those squats in the pump classes have put me in good condition).  We were not disappointed - this waterhole was magical.  We splashed around for an hour in the cool water, with some even diving/jumping in off the rocks.

    We have to exit the Prince Regent River the same way we entered and because the river is tidal, our departure from the Kings Cascades was timed to coincide with the changing tide.

    The others who chose not to climb to the top of  the cascades, were taken to another beautiful spot called Cathedral Falls.  Now, my group was  incredibly lucky because time and tide permitted a quick trip for the group to the Cathedral Falls.  These falls are a result if the summer rains and won't be there I another 6 or so weeks.

    Earlier, the other group had seen a crocodile on their trip to the Falls. It swam along side the boat for a minute and submerged itself.  The boat driver wasn't comfortable that he couldn't see the croc, so they high-tailed it out of there quick smart.  We didn't get to see the croc, and I'm glad about that!

    It's a four hour sail back up the river, so the afternoon was spent relaxing on board.    Read more

  • Debbie McPheeKimberley AdventuresTraveler

    Porossis Creek

    April 30, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    [Day 6 - Porossis Creek, Hunter & Roe Rivers, York Sound, Rock Art, Crystal Cove, Sea Caves].

    Overnight we've sailed from Careening Bay to Porossis Creek within the Hunter River and put anchors down for a morning of sightseeing,  bottom fishing or mud crabbing.

    I chose the fishing boat today.  7 of us caught and kept 27 Finger Mark fish.  I managed to catch 6 fish in total, although had to throw 3 back as 2 were undersized and 1 was a poisonous cat fish.

    We went to 3 fishing spots, with the first 1 known to have a resident crocodile, named George.   We'd only had the lines in for about 5 minutes and were having great success, and then George appeared in the distance and was slowly making his way to the boat.  He got within a meter of the boat and all rods were whipped out of the water and we were off to another fishing spot.

    At the other 2 fishing spots, the fish were very good at eating the bait and not getting caught, so we pulled up anchors and decided to go back and try out luck again at George's spot.  The fish didn't disappoint us and we caught several more so we have enough fish for the guests and crew for dinner one night. Oh, and we didn't see George again, thankfully!!  PS.  I discovered this evening George is no baby crocodile (as he appeared on face value), but a 9ft/3m crocodile!!!!!!

    With the morning's activities under our belt, we spent a few hours on board relaxing and sailing the Roe River towards York Sound.  In rhe afternoon we stopped off at multiple beaches for swims (water temperature 31.5, so not so refreshing), we also explored the crystal coves and sea caves.

    PS. The fishing photos will flow later (none taken on my phone).    Read more

  • Debbie McPheeKimberley AdventuresTraveler

    Crystal Cove, Sea Caves & Swift Bay

    April 30, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 33 °C

    Quick visit to Crystal Cove, the Sea Caves and Swift Bay art site. Came across a family of stingrays with their young basking in the warm, shallow pools. Didn't stay long as there is a sunset storm brewing.Read more

  • Debbie McPheeKimberley AdventuresTraveler
    11

    Prudhoe Island / Vansittart Bay

    May 1, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C

    [Day 7 - Exploring Prudhoe Island, Fishing, Swifts Bay Rock Art and steaming overnight to Vansittart Bay]

    On the tender boats at 6.30am this morning. Some chose the scenic trip, but I chose the fishing trip. Feeling like a pro fisherperson after yesterday's catch.

    We weren't having much success in the 'usual' spot as the current was too strong. Our guide found a spot for us a little way out of the bay. All of a sudden the fish were bighting, and I managed to land a Golden Trevally (GT, not to be confused with G&T), using a hand line and no gloves. Unfortunately, no photographic evidence of the catch.

    Quick trip to Swifts Bay

    Anchors were pulled up at 9.30 and we're off steaming around the Cape into Vansittart Bay. Arriving at 11.15, we're packed back unto the tender boats for a short cruise across Rocky Cove, where we went ashore to view some fabulous examples of the mysterious Bradshaw (Gwion Gwion) Paintings (dating back some 20,000 years) and some of the more modern Crawhand (dating back some 6,000 years ) and Wandjina rock art (dating back some 2,000 years). We also came across a small brook that had 6 stingrays resting in the shallows and some pretty native flowers.

    The girls were a little parched when we got back on board at 1.15pm (today is incredibly humid) ,so we all got stuck into the bubbles just before lunch. As you can tell, I hadn't had time to shower and change and I'm always having a serious bad hair day- it's unavoidable. We have along steam ahead of us this afternoon this evening, so most folks are in their rooms 'reading' (code word for sleeping). Oh, a there is a storm brewing!!!    Read more

  • Debbie McPheeKimberley AdventuresTraveler
    2

    DC 3 Crash Landing

    May 2, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    [Day 8 - DC 3 Plane wreck, Rocky Cove Art site, around Cape Londonderry - the northernmost point of mainland Western Australia, as well as the southwestern corner of the Timor Sea.]

    Another early start this morning as we're off to see the WW2, DC-3 plane wreck.  This involved walking over mud flats and through the mangroves and bush land.

    The story behind the crash was very interesting, but I won't go into the details, other than to say that the 5 on board survived the crash and were rescued within 4 days.

    Back to the boat around 9am for morning tea (yes, more food, although I skipped it today).

    At 10am, we're back in the tenders and heading to Rocky Cove Art site to climb over more rocks and look at more Rock Art (the origin of which is unknown, even to Aboriginal Elders) and an aboriginal burial site, recognised by mound of rocks. There are no skeletal remains as these are removed within few days after the burial and relocated in a sacred place.

    We also came across a very large wasp's nest and a couple more pretty flowers.

    There are only 2 days left and tomorrow will be the last day of getting off the boat for excursions.    Read more

  • Debbie McPheeKimberley AdventuresTraveler
    1

    Sunset and Margheritas

    May 2, 2022, Indian Ocean ⋅ 🌙 28 °C

    We hit some bad weather this afternoon  on our way to Cape Londonderry, so it wasn't a pleasant afternoon.  Some folks aren't feeling the best.  However,  the captain steamed into a sheltered cove so we could eat dinner and enjoy a few drinks. 

    It's 8.19pm and we are making our way around Cape Londonderry.   I'm in my bed, but I actually feel like I'm in a washing machine!!!    Read more

  • Debbie McPheeKimberley AdventuresTraveler
    1

    Tranquil/Pangeli Coves - Koolama Bay

    May 3, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    [Day 9 -Tranquil Cove & Pangeli Cove at Koolama Bay, King George River and Twin Falls]

    The rocking'n'rolling went on for 4 hours last night, with the Captain putting anchors down at midnight, so not a lot of sleep as we were up at  5.30am again.

    This morning we took a quick cruise around Tranquil & Pangeli Coves within Koolama Bay and saw a croc, a sea eagle, several hermit crabs and a enjoyed a quick beach walk, where created our own piece of stick figure art.

    We then set of to the mighty King George River and what a day we had.  We entered the river on high tide to enjoy the the soaring cliffs and two breathtaking falls of mammoth proportions.

    We have an in reliable Captain who was able to hold the boat right up against the falls - I got completely drenched...and loved every minute of it.

    We spent the afternoon cruised up and down the King George River admiring all it has to offer. Got drenched again under another waterfall, named the Fountain of Youth. Hopefully, I stayed under long enough for it to have an impact! We saw another croc, who was missing his left, front leg, some turtles and sting rays and more amazing rock formations.    Read more

  • Debbie McPheeKimberley AdventuresTraveler

    King George Falls

    May 3, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C

    Started our transit up the mighty King George River around 9am and arrived at the Twin Falls around 10.30am for a morning of fun in the sun! After lunch we jumped into the tenders to explore several parts of the river, including another waterfall known as the Fountain of Youth [not sure I stayed in long enough to make an impact].Read more

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