Mon 16 Sept 2013 – Derby then to Broome

We were surprised to find that a few kms after Windjana Gorge the Gibb is sealed nearly all the way to Derby. We pulled over and re inflated our tyres which we'd had on 28 psi while we were on unsealed roads.

This not only gives a more comfortable ride but also helps to save punctures. We haven't had any yet but we've met several people (who didn't lower their tyre pressures) who have had 2 or 3 punctures just going along the Gibb River Road.

After 2 weeks of the sounds of our belongings rattling and crashing about as we drove over corrugations and ruts, it was such a joy to be able to hear some music instead. We enjoyed listening to Blackwood, Bruce Watson and Christina Mimmocchi.

We arrived in Derby in time for lunch, which we ate down at the jetty. Derby is situated on The King Sound, like a huge harbour and the ideal place for a port.

 Rodger decided to drive over the Jetty circuit.

We went to the Visitors' Centre but decided there really wasn't much to keep us here overnight and that we'd rather keep going to Broome. On the way, we visited a huge Boab tree that used to be used as a temporary prison for Aborigines in transit.

We arrived in Broome in the early evening and managed to find a camping ground without difficulty, which is great as we've arrived in the middle of a big festival called Shinju Matsuri or Festival of the Pearl. We're delighted about this and look forward to enjoying being part of it. We're also looking forward to clean clothes and fresh food!