Our journey takes us on to the coast at Derby, via the Tourist Way and Gibb River Road.  Some 300km of dirt Road and arid landscape.

not everyone makes it!

pretty rock formations at the entrance

there's crocodiles in there !!

the standing pools of water don't look inviting so we decide to give it a miss

another one who didn't make it

This is the end of the dry season and the water levels are very low.

we seem to be alone again...

A really old boab tree by the side of the Gibb River Road.  Must be well over a thousand years old.

We reach Derby the administrative center of the region.  The highlight is the jetty and the second highest tidal variation in the World (11m)

The jetty (now don't get excited!)

We met Ranger Peter and had a long chat with him.  He'd only been here a week, but still gave us a great insight into outback life.

Another prison Boab tree.  This was used as a stopping off point before prisoners were moved on to the grim looking prison in Derby.

the longest drinking trough in the World.  Designed to water 500 cattle at once, to service the large droves that were on their way to Derby for shipping out.

Broome

Northern WA's largest and most attractive town. 

Broome is an isolated oasis with wide, sandy beaches and a really relaxed atmosphere.

This is our final destination in the 'Top End' and we really enjoyed its comfortable and easy going atmosphere.  The beaches are long, vast and very empty.  The town is still very small for such an important location.

The beach was deserted...

up to Gantheaume Point and the red rocks are stunning

with views along the 22km of white beach

Like last year Kairen was stopped and breathalysed (you get the tube as a souvenir). 
(Luckily this year she wasn't speeding)

We went on a sunset camel ride.
(This is our mount 'Naughty Nigel')

say cheese

just like donkey rides at Skegness

a lovely walk in the sunset

The beautiful church at Beagle Bay which is set in a very small aboriginal community

The main feature is...

the altar of mother of pearl

back from the long hard road, and we settle on the beach for some rays.

avoiding the crowds wasn't easy!!

A long walk on the beach in the waning sun was beautiful followed by a few beers and a sumptuous steak at the Sunset Bar