I have spent the last few weeks just hanging out at some of the beautiful and remote beaches on the North West coast of WA, which has been rather enjoyable, I must say!
I have left the dry, dusty and red Pilbara and am officially in the Kimberley, so I am definitely in the real tropics now. The days are hot and humid, but an earlier heatwave has abated, so most days are regularly in the low to mid-thirties now. Usually a nice sea breeze tempers the stifling humidity a bit, which helps.
A quick sortie into Broome saw me stock up on supplies. Broome is one of those tourist towns whose sole purpose is to part people with their money. I was not surprised to find the place very overrated and overpriced and I was more than happy to head onwards.
Heading north to Middle Lagoon on the Dampier Peninsula, I camped at a little cove known as Ridge Beach. The campsites are on the ridge which gives the beach its name and I was literally overlooking the waves.
Actually it is rather pleasant having a view the cove and hearing the constant rumble of the surf. But the normally pleasant sea breeze would pick up into a brisk blow in the evenings, making it quite gusty on the ridge at times, too.
The bay is protected by a rocky headland, so the surf is not massive. It is considered okay to swim here and the water is extremely clear, which makes it a very pleasant place for a dip. The water is also really warm; in fact it is a bit like walking into a bath!
Tides in this part of the world are massive, with up to 12 metres difference between high and low. There is certainly plenty more sand to explore when the tide is out, but it is a long walk to the water if you want a dip!
The locals assure me they don’t get crocs at this beach, but the predators have recently been sighted at estuaries not too far away, so they are around. Saltwater crocs are a very real danger in the north and you should never be lax in your awareness of these nasty beasts!
Because of crocs (plus the stinging jellyfish season is nearly upon us…) this is probably the last beach I will be able to swim at in the north. After here, it will be swimming pools only for refreshing dips!
I have been wandering around WA for nearly a year now. I am working out the best place to hunker down for a while and experience a ‘Wet’ season, which apparently is amazing to see. The locals are expectant but not that convinced they will get a Wet; after all the last couple have been complete duds.
There is no sign of rain yet; in fact the skies are so clear I’ve forgotten what clouds look like!
Many places in the north are already closing down for the summer; this may dictate my ongoing path of travel through the Kimberley.
