I’d long been wanting to do the trip up to Cape Leveque at the tip of the Dampier Peninsula, but wasn’t keen on driving myself up there as the road from Broome to Beagle Bay is extremely corrugated.
Don preparing Morning Tea at Beagle Bay
So I decided to book a one day trip with Kimberley Wild and was very fortunate to have Kiwi Don as the driver and his partner Jane, also a Kiwi, along for the ride.
Peaceful Beagle Bay
There were only nine of us aboard the large and comfortable ‘cruiser’ which travelled with ease over the many bumps. And, having lived in the Kimberley for over 20 years, Don regaled us with a very interesting and informative commentary throughout the journey.
Our first stop was the Beagle Bay Aboriginal Community,
Spectacular pearled interior of church
for morning tea and a look at the beautiful Beagle Bay Sacred Heart Church with its magnificent pearl shelled altar.
Beagle Bay Community building
Next stop was Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm http://www.cygnetbaypearlfarm.com.au, the only working pearl farm open to the public. We learned about the history and cultivation of the world’s finest pearls during an in-depth Pearl Farm Tour.
Here is a replica of the original bark hut homestead that the early pioneers lived in. No air conditioning in those days!!
Replica of original bark hut
Lone pearl in Oyster Shell
Curious little lizard behind the stone
Cygnet Bay
Azure blue water at its best
Enjoyed a swim here at Cape Leveque
In the One Arm Point Aboriginal Community we had a look at the local aquaculture hatchery perched right on the tip of One Arm Point and enjoyed a picnic lunch overlooking the impressive Buccaneer Archipelago, witnessing the huge tidal flows of the Kimberley – the largest in the southern hemisphere!
Returning south Don drove the truck down quite a steep dirt road to show us the spectacular red cliffs of the Lombadina Community near Kooljaman.
It was a fitting end to a remarkable day trip.
Many thanks to Don and Jane for ensuring we all had a safe and enjoyable journey and for providing healthy and tasty food!
Heading home from Lombadina