Broome to Fitzroy Crossing
Felt really sad to be leaving Broome, but excited about my new adventure across the very hot northern part of Australia, into the Northern Territory and finally to Queensland.
Stopped at Willare Roadhouse for a cold drink but didn’t fill up with petrol there (had about three quarters of a tank left after filling up in Broome). Car seemed to be using more fuel than usual, maybe because of the aircon, the heat or accelerated Granny speed I was travelling at! There wasn’t a lot of traffic apart from a few road-trains and some caravans.
I pulled over and stopped on the side of the road to take a photo of the Erskine Ranges and straight away, the car behind me pulled alongside and the lady passenger asked if I was OK. That’s a very heartening thing that often happens on these isolated roads – and you feel as though people actually care!
The scenery changed from green trees to charred looking trees where fire had ravaged them, then close to Fitzroy Crossing, it was very much of a desert, prone to flooding, though there’s no water in the rivers or creeks at the moment. It must look amazing when the floods happen and some of the signs indicate an extremely high water level from past floods.
Booked a ‘Gecko’ Room at the historic Crossing Inn (see website at https://www.crossinginn.com.au/) which has a colourful history. Unfortunately no views of any water in the mighty Fitzroy River at the moment!
My room was up high on stilts, and after the drive and carrying too many bags, I was eager to leap into the shower so imagine the disappointment when no water came out of either tap!
The bar-tender in the outside bar was very sympathetic and told me that the water only gets pumped up a couple of times a day!
I enjoyed a nice meal in the restaurant at the Crossing Inn and although there were people sitting outside eating I decided to stay inside in the air conditioning.
The next morning I had a look around the small town – there was a big IGA Supermarket and shops but they weren’t open so I decided to have a coffee at Jalangurru Mayi Cafe which has fabulous healthy food and highly commendable coffee. They also have art works by local artists and some clothing and handcrafts.
After my coffee, I was ready for the drive on to Warmun.
8 Comments
You really are in the outback now woo!! How exciting for you wouldn’t like after along hot drive not being able to have a lovely tepid shower though!! Oh well worse things happen at sea as the saying goes.Look forward to reading more!! Cheers Annie xx
Wow that is DRY!
Safe travels Tina- you have guts alright doing this adventure!
So I’ve been told … but sometimes you have to take some risks as we both know …
😊 so glad you’re adventure is proceeding almost to plan… apart from the showers. The water in the pool this morning so just right ( goldilocks) safe travels 🙏🌺
Thanks Majella, missing those Aqua classes!
I am loving your blog Tina and all the links you provide. Western Australia must be THE most different in landscape and temps compared to NZ – I am fascinated by it = hope not morbidly so. You are so brave, but what an adventure. You will be dining out on this for years. I can see you – being asked to ‘talk’ as a guest that crossed the outback. Keep giving us photos. Water is gold and I am super angry at NZ Govt for allowing South Island Spring water to be bottled in plastic and sold overseas at present.
Safe travels
Della
Thanks Della, yes can understand your anger re the NZ Spring Water. Sad to see so much of both our country’s wonderful assets being sold off overseas!!