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Tuesday, 12 July 2016

Port Smith Lagoon Caravan Park, West Australia

Thursday July 7th saw us leaving Broome and heading South for the next stage of our adventure. We traveled along the Great Northern Highway before heading West towards Port Smith. The dirt road in was just over 20 Km but in great condition. We had read some comments about how bad the road was but was definitely one of the better ones we have traveled, especially with the caravans in tow.

We got setup in sites facing each other. Ours was quite a large site and shaded for most of the day. Powered sites which were a bonus after not having for a week or so. Water pressure was some of the worst we have experienced and you weren't allowed to use your on board showers or washing machines which is a bit of a disappointment. The cost of $42/night is a bit excessive given the above restrictions. The amenities are ensuite style and of sufficient quantity for the caravan park at least. They were OK but a bit more run down than when we visited 5 years ago. I'll give 3 Stars.

We enjoyed an easy afternoon around the park. Rans and I took part in the weekly fish & chips feed that the park puts on. All proceeds go to the the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Sandra and Carol made some Pizza on the BBQ.

Friday morning we registered for a Visitor Permit to access various areas of the Karajarri Indigenous land around the Caravan Park. We got a 3 day pass so we could visit on all the days we were at Port Smith. Our first stop was the Saddle Hills Cliffs. They were quite different than when we saw them on our last trip as was low tide when we got there. We were able to climb down the cliffs to the sandy beach and explore/swim. I saw a green turtle from the cliffs in the crystal blue water.




Next stop was Gourdon Bay which we hadn't seen before. This was another lovely area where you can climb down on the beach and swim/fish. The tide was coming in fairly quickly now so we couldn't reach all the areas of the beach. We saw another couple of turtles and a nice natural archway.




We then headed to the Port Smith Lagoon area at high tide. There is a nice swimming area here at high tide among a number of mangrove trees. Notice the picture and compare to the ones we took the next day at low tide. Amazing! We all enjoyed a relaxing swim before returning to the campground.


Saturday morning saw us drive down to the Lagoon again at low tide. We parked the car and walked out about a kilometer on the mud flats/sand banks left behind by the receding tide. We had driven out there the last time with the Butlers for a fish. Took a few pictures to compare with high tide ones above.




While it still low tide we ventured out to Cowrie Creek. Another narrow dirt track with high grass/brush growing on both sides. Saw quite a few groups of Brolga on route to the creek. Had a few rocky parts to negotiate before reaching some deep sand. We parked in a hard packed area and followed the creek down to the ocean. We saw some nice shells on our walk and an octupus in one of the small creek pools on our way back to the car. Would be a good place to fish we reckon.



We then returned to the campground before moving on to Gourdon Bay for another swim. The girls took a walk down the beach while Rans and I enjoyed a swim. Drops off really quickly but was very refreshing. Wouldn't want to venture out too deep as I'm sure there would be sharks in the area.


We headed back to the campsite for some lunch before heading out again to the Saddle Hills Cliffs. This time we caught them just after high tide. The waves were crashing against the cliff faces and there was very little sandy beach to be seen. Got some good pictures including me being hit by a massive splash from a rogue wave. Good fun but I was a bit sandy/salty/soaking wet after the experience.




We returned to the campground mid afternoon to relax and enjoy a nice baked dinner. Did a bit of laundry and preparation for our next stop as well. We once again enjoyed our time at Port Smith. The caravan park is expensive and could be improved but the surrounding area is quite diverse and interesting to explore. Great for those people inclined to fish as well. A good variety of fishing locations with ocean, cliffs, creeks, and the lagoon to tackle.

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