We stayed with Sean and Lisa who are currently working for Rio and BHP. The town was very impressive with lots of public gardens and parks decorated with sculptures. The new suburbs have cycle tracks and footpaths which all help the workers compensate for the limited shops etc. There was work going in for a new rail bridge and the soil is almost iridescent in the bright 38 temperatures. We did the BHP tour which covers the loading of ore onto the huge ships, six ...

The van park was lovely and green with easy access down to the beach. Lots of shells made walking out to the water difficult. I think 4 wheel driving along the beach and fishing is the main attraction. We did see the Coast Watch post manned but swimming wasn't recommended so I only went for a paddle in the waves. A neighbour gave us some of his catch for tea which we enjoyed. The surrounding area is home to Wallal Downs Station so what a back yard for their worke...

After setting up we went for a drive down to the jetty. You can drive around as it is a horse shoe shape. Locals were catching a few decent size fish from hand lines. We visited the old cemetery, the Wharfinger museum, the prison tree and old goal (1906). It was a small town managing to keep going after the live exports were moved to Broome in 1983. Riding our bikes around to the shops was cooler than walking or taking the car in their 40+ temps.

We arrived after taking the wrong 10 km dirt road to a quiet spot high on the hill, set aside by Barn Hill Station (a working cattle station) as a van park. The red cliffs protect the beach line where the long sandy beach with gentle waves was very inviting. The bowing green was an interesting patch which we didn't play on! They say the dry season visitors maintain and use the four rinks for some fun. We had a wade in the edge of the Indian Ocean as we walked alo...

12 Mile Bird Park was officially opened in April 2013. The 3 acre bush land setting makes for a pleasant walk around the enclosures. There was a few characters that enjoyed a chat (cockies, galahs etc) and a fantastic collection of Australian and exotic birds. We were able to photograph most of the birds successfully through the wire enclosures. This new exhibit will be a bonus for Broome when the proposed plans for development are all completed.