With tyres back to bitumen pressure, it was highway driving again. Sandfire roadhouse was just up the road and we stopped for fuel, then on to Broome, where we were to do a last supply stock up, as it was the last major town before we started down the Tanimi track heading for Alice Springs in the NT.
330k of bitumen road to Broome, not very exiting, but the low coastal landscape kept us entertained as usual. A couple of overnight camps, keeping up our normal hectic pace, and we were at the turnoff to Broome, sneaking off into the bush at a truck pullover bay, we setup for the night.
In the morning, after brekky, we ventured into town. Today was a week before election day, we found the early voting center and cast our vote. Then to the supermarket to stock up. With food cupboards full, then water tanks topped up, we did a drive around Broome. It had grown a bit since last we were there, but still managed to keep most of its old charm, nice little place with a wealth of history.
Back to the road and as we wandered eastward the landscape changed from the low shrubs of the coastal plains to more taller gums and some rocky outcrops looming in the distance.
180k east a narrow, one lane bridge crosses the Fitzroy river and at the other side is Willare Roadhouse. We crossed the river and checked out the roadhouse. A dusty, red earth, bit barren place. We didn’t need fuel, and on the other side of the river where we had come from, there was a campsite by the river, so back we went and found a spot.
The night was hot, 36 degrees during the day, and it didn’t seem much cooler at night. During the night crocks could be heard barking in the river below. After scouting about and bagging up litter and the ever present loo paper found even in the most remote places, some people have no respect for this beautiful land, it was time to go.
On to the small town of Fitzroy Crossing. Boab trees now become prominent in the landscape. These ancient, magnificent, trees stand out proud amongst the other vegetation, looking like sentinels, watching over the land. At one rest stop, a huge specimen stands proud in the centre. Too bad lots of people felt the need to carve their names in it’s life giving bark. This tree would be hundreds of years old.
More fuel at Fitzroy Crossing, then back on the road. More narrow, one lane bridges across wide flood plains of creeks and rivers, the rocky ridges, closer to the road, are a wonderful sight, colours of orange and brown with streaks of white on their time worn faces.
A little way before Halls Creek we stopped at Margaret river, a campsite that was popular with travellers. We rolled in at lunchtime and there was already a little crowd camped by the river. Finding a tucked away corner we also camped up. As evening came, so did the campers, filing in with some regularity. By morning, when I looked outside, the place was packed. By the time we had had breakfast and contemplated the new day, the place had almost emptied out.
Halls Creek, our last chance to stock up before the 850k trek across Tanami. Being well stocked with food, a last top up of fuel and water was all we needed. It was near midday when the town came into sight, so we continued on to the site of the original Halls Creek town, about 20k further east. Scouting about the old town ruins when we arrived, there was a track leading to a little spot near the water, this was our camp for the night.
Morning arrived, and into town to fuel up and back out to the start of the Tanami.
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