Jason had always wanted to go to Broome, and go fishing, he had heard good things. So we decided. What the hell, lets go.

I booked us return flights and 14 days in Broome. And then I did the research. Yup, sometimes I am not very bright. Turns out, not a lot to do for 14 days. So we decided on a road trip. Broome to Darwin. Bring it on.

Leaving BrisVegas

The first day was busy we worked all day and then had to farewell our little terrors to the loving hands of Nana Pam and Grandad Phil. We are so lucky to have them in our lives. MASSIVE SHOUT OUT!! NANA PAM AND GRANDAD PHIL.

Off to the airport, it was actually remarkably easy and without issue. Our suitcases were heavy as we had to pack everything we would need for 10 days on the road.

The first flight took us from Brisbane to Perth.

Luckily this is not a very popular flight so we had two entire rows of seats. So we were able to lay flat, not comfortable, but flat and catch a few hours’ sleep. Yay.

We woke up as we were descending into Perth. We had a 10-hour stopover so I had booked us a room at the Country Comfort.

It was all very easy, I rang them, they came, picked us up and we headed off to bed. A proper bed. Yay.

As Perth was a fleeting visit I cannot really comment on it. So, yeah, we have been to Perth. That is all I have to say about that.

Day 2 Perth to Broome – 1st June

We had a 2.5 hour flight from Perth to Broome, my god what a circus. There were babies, all screaming, toddlers, all going nuts, large families, all yelling, shouting, and bouncing on seats. Madness I tell you. So Jason read his book i.e. went to sleep and I did some work.

It felt like the longest flight in history.

Finally, we landed and the views coming into Broome were spectacular. The colour of the water was truly turquoise, the sand golden, and the earth red. What a contrast. Excitement started.

The travelling circus that was our fellow passengers continued to entertain throughout the baggage collection process, nothing like a few entertaining face plants by sugar pumped naughty kids to make my day.

Rental car collected and off to our accommodation Oaks Cable Beach Sanctuary.

When I was booking all of this I was a worried about making sure we were on the right part of town, having no idea how big Broome was and how far we would need to travel to get to the beach and so on. Well, I needn’t of worried, the place is tiny. Which is awesome.

You can drive anywhere in less than 10 minutes and the walk to the beach and the local tavern was only 10 minutes. Perfect all the essentials within reach without having to drive.

There were a couple of must do’s in Broome, a fishing charter and camel ride! We had the charter locked and loaded for Sunday, so we decided to do the Sunset Camel Ride on day one.

There are three different options we could go with. And we chose with Red Sun Camels. The timing suited, the price was reasonable, and they had room for us. Lock it in Eddy!

We drove to the beach and then walked to the camels. My god they are big, but so cool, they look so ZEN with their noses pointed to the sky and eyes half closed.

When it came time to assign people to their camels, apparently it is done by personality match. I am not so sure that was accurate. We were put with the biggest camel on the beach. A stunning chap by the name of Smokey. Smokey is 17 years old and freaking massive. I’ve ridden horses and elephants but never camels. And when these suckers stand up, you take a deep breath. Nothing prepares you for it, other than riding a camel J

And when Smokey stood up he just kept going, and going. It was truly amazing. Uncomfortable but amazing.

It turns out that not only is Smokey huge, but he’s a wuss. Frightened of waving arms and sudden movements from his riders (yes, we were doomed – this is me right!). Remarkably, I kept myself somewhat calm and cool (it is possible you know) – but Smokey didn’t like people coming up to him to take our camera etc. So there were about 6 instances when Smokey seemed like he was about to make a run for it. We were ok with that, if he made a run for the pub.

Quick note here, he is thoroughly tethered and Steve has an amazing connection with and control over his team. Smokey, it seems, was all smoke and no fire. He just didn’t like surprises. But he loved a good chat. Jason and I were thoroughly enamoured with our large, beautiful camel, I wonder if the girls would mind if we bought him home.

By the time we said goodbye to our camel and got back to the resort there was enough time for a refreshing beverage, a change of clothes, and a walk to Divers Tavern.

Only 1.4km from where we were staying the menu looked good and the tavern itself looked welcoming. Little did we know it was the place to go once you’d drunk yourself silly at the local races. Not quite the relaxing evening we were looking for, but the entertainment was free.

Got my bum pinched by a chick standing behind me at the bar, she was toasted, but hell – I’ll take the compliment.

The ribs were delicious and just what we needed. Home to bed now. Big day fishing tomorrow. EXCITING.

Broome Sunday 2^nd June 

Due to windy conditions our fishing charter was postponed, by 2 hours. That meant we could sleep in!!! What a terrible shame.

We had enough time for a bit of lie in and a cooked breakfast. Our room is fully equipped, so Jason was back to work in the kitchen.

Pickup – 915. Like everything in Broome the launch location for our charter was 10 minutes away J

By the time everyone was on the bus there was 8 of us. We were chuffed as it meant the boat was not going to be crowded and they all seemed like a very friendly bunch.

When we arrived at the beach the skipper, Sam (is this guy old enough to vote!!!), informed us it was a little rough out there, and there was a possibility of sea sickness. So if you want to bail you have to bail now. BUT, if any person bails, the whole trip is called off as 8 is their breakeven point.

One lady was particularly anxious and was looking likely pull the pin when her husband said “you’ll be right” and the fishing trip was on! TBH he only said what everyone else was thinking.

To get out to our charter boat we had to get into a dinghy first. This dinghy was something pretty freaking awesome. It was called Sealegs, see photos below, and google it. Bloody awesome and clever! You can own one for as little as 57K AUD.

This boat has fold down wheels! So once you get to shallow waters you pop the wheels down, and vroom, no one gets wet feet. Takes some of the fun out of it, you know watching people fall into the surf and stuff, but it is super cool none the less.

Once on the charter it is a 45 minute ride out to the first fishing spot. The ride was a little rocky and rolly but nothing worse than your typical Wellington ferry experience. Throughout the day we hopped from spot to spot, catching fish, and bouncing around the ocean.

We were with Absolute Ocean Charters, and the guys were awesome. Super quick to help out, explain the fish, provide food and beverages, and generally providing excellent service. If you are out that way I highly recommend them!. https://www.absoluteoceancharters.com.au/

Jason and I caught around 15 fish between us, of those, 5 were keepers J the sharks were also giving us a far bit of grief – and a gentle reminder that the sea is pretty, but filled with predators!

By the time we were dropped off at our resort, it was 500pm, and we were wind blown, exhausted, a little sunburnt, and thrilled at the amazing day we had.

RECOMMEND!

We picked up our perfectly filleted fish at 600pm, thanks again boys, and decided for the easy option of eating at the resort. The menu looked good and Jason had mud crab on his mind!

Dinner!

The restaurant was quiet, not a great sign, but we knew a lot of the guests had checked out that day. I opted for the fish of the day (Baramundi) and Jason finally got his chili crab – he had been talking about it all day.

The Chili Crab arrived. Encased in its perfectly fitted home, ready to be torn apart and eaten. NOW, those of you that know Jason, realise that finger food is not his favourite thing. Chicken wings and nachos are eaten with a knife and fork.

So the sight of all that crustaceous glory, after a long day in the sun, well… it was not ideal. Not ideal for Jason, but highly amusing for me. BAD WIFE.

I know right, what did he expect? Well he expected the crab to be extracted and made into a nice curry. That’s what.

He fought, and ripped, and cursed, and bit. In the end he surrendered and I made him toast.

Yes, I laughed, yes I tried to explain that this is how crab was served, but at the end of the day. The crab was voted off the island.

We went to bed. Tired, anti crab, but happy. GREAT DAY Broome! Well played.

Tomorrow we pick up our 4×4 and go wild.