The VinCats

07/06/2026

Up real early this morning. Vince took Shadow out and again not walking much. He only did nbr 1s. Gave him his breakfast and loaded it with the good drugs. He then settled down after a bit of standing. Plenty of water and food for him.

Got water and some fruit ready for us and then set off to the gorge.

We came across a few Roos wanting to cross the track. So many out and about at this time of morning. Eyes p*eled for sure. Unfortunately we did end up hitting one. You don't always see them in time and there were 2 of them. The first one jumped out and then saw us as we saw it, and it tried to turn around and go back when it struck the front driver's wheel. Vince saw it head back off the road. No damage to the car. The second one saw us in time and didn't get onto the track before it turned around.

Arrived at the Gorge and decided to do both walks. We did the Gorge trail first. We got told by walkers coming back that once you see the river, there are fresh water crocs on the other side of the bank.

Off we went and how good is this place. Once you get through the hole in the rocks, you come out to the river. Can you see how many crocs there are? One the way back, more joined with one in the water.

The ranger was at the end of the walking trail putting up the sign saying you can't go past this point. It must have some down at some point. We had a chat and said we saw the croc sign. He then told us that a salt water croc was here and spotted by some tourists who saw the croc jump out of the water catching a Barramundi. Lucky them to witness that!

Got back to the car and had some water and fruit then started the 2nd walk. The path took us to the camp area and then back towards the reef limestone. The savannah grasslands are pretty tall and dotted around are Boab trees. As we were coming towards the end we could hear thumping and rustling in the grass. We stopped and listened for a while trying to work out what it was as it was pretty close to us. All sorts of things go through your mind - was it a bear (no bears in Australia except for the zoo), no ok what then.....

All of a sudden up pops a roo jumping away from us. We just managed to see three or four of them. Only when they jumped as the grass was too tall to see them otherwise. Ok mins at ease now.

Back to camp and see Shadow. He was up and happy to see us as we were to see him. Took him out to do his thing and only did a p*e. As he hopped back to the caravan I noticed his left back ankle and saw that it was swollen. He also felt hot not his normal hot. Not good. I managed to call the Vet in Derby only to learn they were not open and to contact the vets in Broome. Called them and managed to get in to see them. Told them we were on the Gibb travelling.

Went to reception to cancel the burgers tonight and see if we can stay longer if needed (we are heading off in the morning). All good on that front.

We raced off to Broome just over 2 hours away. Saw the smoke and thought - fire, probably a Blackburn. As we got closer, we realised it was right on the road side. Out with the camera and look at that smoke and how thick it is. There were no emergency vehicles around and it looked like it had been going for a while. No danger to anyone unless you stopped and got out.

At the vets Shadow got a very tiny examination as he was in a lot of pain. They would normally shave to see if there is any type of puncture, bite mark or stung but he was too sore for any of that. He also had a temperature. We got some more of the drugs I was giving him already and they increased the dosage and also gave us some antibiotics. Phew, we thought the worse - pain meds on the vets can administer, overnight stay or 2 and everything else in between. We were relieved when we could bring him back. The extra is cold compress and physio/massage to help him when he isn't so sore and allows me to tough him.

Sunset in the car on the way back. We knew we would get back in the dark so eyes p*eled again.

We stopped at Willare Roadhouse for fuel on the way to Broome and fuel for both the car and us on the way back.

Dinner and meds for Shadow when we got back and settled him down. Poor fella - so hard when they can't tell you what's going on and you see them in so much pain. We still have no idea what has caused it. Hips are fine so likely a bite or sting or something. When we get to Kununarra, he will go to the vets there for a more thorough examination.

07/06/2026

Our walk was cancelled today as Shadow woke in the wee small hours in pain and shaking. We thought it was his hip or arthritis pain in his back left leg. He was standing and wouldn't sit or lay down he was in so much pain. I gave him some of the real good drug and helped him settle.

In the morning Vince took him out first thing and he wouldn't walk far. He hoped around on his 3 legs holding the other one up. We thought a good rest will help. He could enjoy the birds and chickens and peacocks - even a white one here. So we had a relaxing day.

Around the camp fire last night, someone showed us their pics of the sculptures in Derby at sunset. So we decided to go and check it out and we needed to fuel up as well.

Went to the jetty area and Shadow didn't want to walk too far so I went to the shady grass area while Vince went for a walk with his camera.

Back in the car and we drove to see the Sculptures in the Marsh. How cool are these. Best to see at sunrise or sunset.

It's a public art trail featuring eight large-scale metal installations spread across the vast tidal marsh flats.

The project celebrates Kimberley’s cultural identity and are designed by local Kimberley artists and tell the stories of the region's heritage.

Contemplation (8m high): Created by local artist Mark Norval, this iconic piece features a massive face illuminated during sunset, reflecting the emotions of a young Aboriginal man preparing for a traditional dance.

Outback Football: Made largely of recycled, rusty car wrecks, this sculpture pays tribute to Indigenous Australian AFL players and pearling divers.

Kimberley Ringer (8m high): A silhouette honoring the legendary outback stockmen and their horses.

Family (10m high): Represents the importance of the family unit in providing love, identity, and protection.

Kimberley Moonrise Girl (9m high): An ethereal depiction of local folklore and the beautiful tidal moonrise.

Brolgas (6m high): Features Australia’s iconic crane, known for its flamboyant mating dances, often seen in the surrounding wetlands.

Mud Crab (5m high): Created by Valerie Lennard, a Warrwa Traditional Owner, this piece honors the traditional cultural practice of spearing mud crabs.

Stingray (8m wide): Created by artist Joey Kitching, this wide silhouette highlights local marine life.

We got back to camp after dark. Eyes p*eled for any Roos or cattle or anything else that might jump out at us. We made it back with no issues.

We talked about to the gorge walk early in the morning, Shadow would stay in the caravan and keep resting. See how he is in the morning.

We also booked for the burger night tomorrow. We hear they are really good. Looking forward to it.

06/06/2026

Travel day. Quick walk with Shadow, pack up and off we go.

Made a stop at Willare Roadhouse for fuel and grabbed a couple of pics while there. It's quite cool coming in as you see the line up of Boab trees.

The next stop is visiting The Boab Prison Tree, located 6 km south of Derby. It is an ancient, hollowed-out tree estimated to be up to 1,500 years old. Historically recognized as a staging point where police reportedly held Aboriginal prisoners in chains overnight, recent research and Nyikina tradition emphasize its sacred significance as an ancient site of memory.

During the 1890s, the tree's natural cavernous interior was reputed to be a temporary lockup for Indigenous prisoners who were shackled and chained by police while being transported to Derby.

The bulbous trunk has a circumference of over 14.7 metres.

While the "prison tree" label has been heavily documented in local lore and indigenous art, historians and researchers have noted a lack of concrete archival evidence that the tree itself was used as a jail, suggesting it may be largely a colonial myth built upon the brutal history of Indigenous incarceration in the region.

Some elders have noted the hollow tree was historically used as an ossuary to store ancestral remains.

Interesting history don't you think.

Up the road and around the corner, we spotted the Gibb River Road. Yay we made it, well almost.

First we have to stop at the information and get all the pics we could. The most famous one being us in front of the Gibb River Road sign.

Ok back in the car and boy it's hot today, 34 degrees. Love the air con in the car.

A bit later we arrived at Birdwood Station. What a cool place this is. Off to the unpowered section to find our spot. Parked near the trees and set up.

A bit of R&R before starting dinner.

They do burger nights and it's on tonight. As we already had dinner sorted we thought we would do it in a few days instead.

We joined fellow travellers at the communal fire pit. Some were about to do the Gibb and others had just finished it, or about to. It was a great night. Shadow was with us and took forever to sit down and eventually he did and happy days.

We have decided to go early in the morning to do the Windjama Gorge.

05/06/2026

Our last day in Broome and tomorrow we start the Gibb River Road.

Ran a few errands in town and took a quick look at Streeters Jetty. Not high tide yet but at least I saw it with some water in it 😊.

Picked up Shadow from the kennels and it was soooooo good to see him again. He took his sweet time recognising us but once he did, boy did he go nuts.

I heard about Coconut Well so we decided to go check it out and give Shadow some much needed sea air, sun and sand time.

Coconut Well (Goolarabooloo Millibinyarri) is a stunning, off-grid coastal community located about 25 minutes north of Broome. Famous for its massive Kimberley tides, it transforms at high tide into a tranquil turquoise lagoon, and at low tide into a playground of thousands of natural rock pools.

When the tide hits 9 metres or higher, the ocean spills over the dunes and creates a glassy, natural swimming pool perfect for floating.

As the water recedes, it leaves behind thousands of bathtub-sized rock pools teeming with marine life, acting like a giant natural aquarium.

A 4WD is recommended for the sandy tracks leading to the coast. The rocks can be very sharp, so reef shoes are highly recommended. Since it is an Aboriginal community, camping is not permitted on-site.

Bring your floaties and float down. At high tide you can go about 1 km walk up and float all the way back.

What a place. Check out the videos and let us know if you have experienced this before.

Back to camp and pack up as much as we can ready for tomorrow. Time now to settle in and watch the Staircase to the Moon for a second night.

Shadow says goodnight 🐾🐾🐾🐾

04/06/2026

Sunset Beach Holiday Park – Review

Sunset Beach Holiday Park is located in Geraldton, Western Australia, and offers powered sites close to the beach and only a short distance from town. We paid about $55 per night for a powered site for two people, which puts it in the range you’d expect for a coastal caravan park with solid facilities and a convenient location. Quick Facts…...

Sunset Beach Holiday Park is located in Geraldton, Western Australia, and offers powered sites close to the beach and only a short distance from town. We paid about $55 per night for a powered site…

04/06/2026

Today we explored a bit more of the Dampier Peninsula. Just a day trip out to see what we were missing out on and can plan for next time....🤣😂.

Cygnet Bay is stunning. You can stay here with a caravan or in one of there eco style cabins. Plenty of space. And you can have dogs here. No dog sitters and you can ask staff if they are willing, for a price of course. They asked the staff and then you negotiate directly with them after that.

There is a cafe that does breakfast, lunch and dinner and a beautiful Infinity pool over looking the bay. This is a working pearl farm and you can do tours on land or by sea. I would love to go over to Sunday Island as well as the reef waterfall, next time.

We arrived inbetween times at the cafe so just had a cuppa. As we were leaving, we bumped into a couple that was on the Horizontal Falls with us. They flew back to Cygnet Bay then took there boat out to the reef waterfall however the tide was too high to see the effect so went fishing instead. They were more exhausted than us. No time for them to rest as they were heading off to their next destination today.

Next up was a visit to Middle Lagoon. It's a 33 km track from the main road and rough in places but worth the drive. Had to air down, sandy in places, corrugations and small rocks in places and parts were like a roller coaster! You can bring a caravan here, just watch the last 5 KMs as that is the worst part. So slow, take your time and enjoy the journey.

Upon arriving there were boom gates into the camping area. Day Visitors are charged $20 per person and everyone has to report to reception. We parked the car outside of the area and went to reception. We told him (one of the traditional owners) we just wanted a look around, not staying and the he was really great and let us walk though. There was a food truck that was about to close so he called them up to check if they were going to stay open. Yep they were staying open till 4 pm, so he ordered a burger... 😂🤣.

We thanked him and went off for a drink and toasted sarni. Walked through the camp and what a beautiful place this is. $25 per person per night camping and $28 pp pn if camping with the seaview. There are amenities, laundry, camp kitchen and all sites are unpowered. All rubbish must be taken with you when you leave.

Stopped and chatted to a couple of guys who stayed here for 6 months last year. Loads of people stay here for a while it seems and can see why.

The beach by the camping area is not dog friendly however the beach on the other side where you launch the boats is. You are not allowed to drive on the beach unless you have a boat.

We are definitely going to come back here and stay one day. Went back and chatted to the guy at reception. He was saying there is one couple who have been here for 4 years. Tradies are hard to get and can cost $1k just to get them out from Broome. So if you are a tradie, they may need your help in exchange for work.

Bookings open up around Aug/Sept for the following year. The regulars get first dibs of course.

Heading back out down the track and it didn't seem as bad as coming in.

While Vince was airing up, I got his camera and went nuts... 😂🤣😅😂🤣. Poor Vinnie. There were vehicles going past so I got some good shots of them and the dust flying around.

Heading home, I saw that there was a 'Mother of Pearl' church in Beagle Bay. Oh that could be quite cool. Is it covered in pearl shells, does it have pearls decorated around it. Who knows, so let's check it out. Only 27 KMs down the round and round the corner.

This is an indigenous community. They say lock your car. Crime is everywhere. The sp*ed limit is 20 km/ph and we could see why. Nearly got hot by a car coming from a side street and not looking and just went for it. Wow, slow down and use your eyes, crazy.

Arrived at the Catholic big white church. No pearls of any type on it that we could see. It really stood out. Pretty cool though.

Time to head back home. Looks like sunset is on the road back tonight and driving the last hour in the dark. Must have eyes wide open, don't want to hit anything. A wallaby did come out to cross the road, saw us, Vince swerved and luckily it decided to turn around. Phew, they don't normally do that.

Made it back in one piece. Went to see our old neighbours who were leaving I. The morning to thank them for keeping an eye on our caravan while we were at Horizontal Falls. They were going to Middle Lagoon so gave them an update on the track.

04/06/2026

How did you sleep last night? Well knowing we had to get up so early, not very well.

In fact we both woke real early and just as well cause we got to the bathroom before the rush came through.

Took a pic of our room. Yes it's in a mess as we were frantically trying to pack up with wet towels and togs. Forgot to bring a bag for the wet stuff....duh.

Up on deck and tried to find the best spot for sunrise. On one side you can see the light getting brighter and bigger as the sun rose however on the other side, you could see the changing colour of the cliffs as it was lit up by the sun.

Slowly people joined us, all feeling various degrees of tiredness. Some had a great sleep cause they were smart and took ear plugs.

Breakfast was ready. A bit of a delima here as we don't eat breakfast but hay, no time to come back and eat. So we went for it. I gave half of mine to Vince and got some scrambled eggs instead.

Bags were all ready to go on the plane down stairs while we jumped in the boat again. I'm in 2 minds about this boat trip.

I was expecting the falls to be raging through the gaps, maybe on an incoming tide and zooming through and the thrill of it in the falls and whirlpools however what we got instead was calm waters.

The tide had come in, filled up and equalised before heading back out again. We got the flat equalised falls, well not falls. It's an awesome, amazing, natural phenomenon that many people don't actually get to experience so we were the lucky ones.

Someone saw a turtle and occasionally there can be crocs. This is the time they come through otherwise they can get sucked in and thrown around and won't survive the experience. Hence why we all had to be seated the whole time. Yep, I ain't going over that's for sure.

So in one way, I was disappointed it was flat and no thrills on the water and on the other, it was amazing to see it equalise and experience that. So so different.

Sitting on the water and hearing how there was a cave at the end that had paintings letting other travellers know what food is around these parts and where to get fresh drinking water. This is how they survived back in the day.

It was so calm, so quiet and peaceful listening to the sounds of nature. The birds, splashing from things underneath....hmmm was that a croc....nope it's a turtle. I wasn't seated in the right part of the boat to see it though.

Such a beautiful place however the planes don't wait for no one so back to the pontoon and get ready to go.

4 seaplanes came in carrying the next lot of guests. These one were on the luxury one and get to spend more time here, free drinks and ensuites in there room.

2 planes went back to Cygnet Bay and 2 back to Derby then a bus ride back to camp.

First thing we did when we got back after sorting out the wet stuff was getting in a nanna nap for a few hours. I don't normally nap during the day cause it makes me feel worse whereas Vince does it all the time. And yes, I felt sh*te afterwards.....darn it.

We were originally going to go from Derby, however I couldn't find anyone to look after Shadow at the time of booking. If you can go from Derby or Cygnet Bay then do that.

03/06/2026

Oh where are we going today you ask. Great question. Let's rewind.

The packing - we were only allowed to take a bag weighing no more than 5kg. What to pack is the question for an overnight trip in the middle of nowhere and staying on a pontoon. Hmmm. Togs and towel are a must, no jandals and only closed in shoes, something warm for nighttime. It's gonna be cold right, out on the water right.

11 am we got picked up from camp and driven to Derby. 2 and a bit hours later we arrived at the airport. Watched the safety video then everyone got weighed including the bags. Wow, we have both lost weight especially when we put our bags down 🤣😂😂🤣😅.

I asked if I could be the co-pilot and as no one else had, I got the front seat yay. I wasn't allowed to touch anything as it all worked on my side and that could be a whole heap of different type of fun......

The scenery going over was friggin awesome. Didn't see any crocs in the water, did you?

This part of the country has stunning water and surrounds.

Landed on the water about 30 mins later and put our bags on the table then rushed to the other side to jump on the boat.

Time to check out what we came here for - the Horizontal Falls. The tide was outgoing and the water was so powerful, it pulled the boat around in the whirlpools. We went back and forth a few times. It was amazing and exciting. There are two water falls however the smaller gap was closed off so only looked from the boat. The fall itself was about 8 metres so even if we were allowed to we couldn't. Just a tad too dangerous.

The middle section is completely closed off from the rest of the sea except for these two gaps and is very much tidal.

After the falls experience, we went down the gorge and wow. This part of the Kimberley has the highest natural tide variations in the world and you can see the tide marks.

Back on the pontoon and we were shown our rooms, got changed then swam with the sharks. Not really - there were bars and fencing to separate us. Vince and I got in and it was cold, 25 degrees but cold when we got out. We went under water to take a look at them but it was too murky. The tidal fluctuations does that and better to see from the top.

Back to our room for a quick shower and warm up, then upstairs for cheese platters. Yay finally we get to eat. Nothing up until this point except some fruit on the bus. We weren't expecting to not have lunch and get on the boat so quickly however the tide is what dictates us.

Moved to the other section of the boat for a beautiful dinner of Barramundi and it was delicious. We had lots of great conversations and laughs till we found out we had to be up for a cooked breakfast and then ready to go back on the boat by 6 am. Yes 6am? WHAT.....

03/06/2026

Shock horror, I was actually up early enough to capture the sunrise. It doesn't happen often but when it does, this is what you get. What a start to the day.

Treated ourselves to a slap up lunch at Matso's. Brewery. Well Vinnie wanted to go there so we did. Very nice too.

Saw the museum across the road so went and took a gander. Interesting place. Look at that collection of shells! Impressive.

Gantheaume Point for sunset viewing tonight. Not sure what the chimney is about. That was all there was remaining. No plague to say what it used to be attached to or why.

A short walk and take a look at this place. Wow and what about that sunset, so stunning. The rock formations are awesome. Lots of people here come to watch the sunset. Helps with them in the pics to give scale. You need to be here early to get the best spots. Bring drinks and snacks and watch nature at its best.

03/06/2026

Looking back towards camp from the Jetty in Town beach is quite something. Zoom in and take a look.

Always wanted to see James Price Point and it didn't disappoint. How cool are these cliffs. So red. A few people camping here and evidence of fire pits. What a stunning place for sure.

We thought we might be able to drive on the beach so went further up the road near Watermark. Essentially the other end of James Price Point. Just as amazing.

Found this odd big brown/reddish egg type shapes thingy. Looks kinda weird. Walked over to it and it was all polystyrene covered in the red dirt.

A family was camping up. Top. What an awesome view. The father and son were exploring the rocks. We stopped for a chat as you do.

Tried to spot some crocodiles but none are around. You can go swimming here however you do really need a spotter to locate those crocs.

Willie Creek Pear farm was next on the list. What a great place. You can do tours from here but we didn't this time.

Apparently there is a croc down by the waters edge. Vince wandered down but couldn't see it. I went down and had a good look and failed to see it as well. Maybe it swam away or not, who knows.

I got back and Vince had ordered some chips and a drink each. Hmm nice ginger beer 🍺. With a drink under our belt we thought - let's check out the Pear shop. Was that a good idea or not!!!!

We would have stayed longer but had dinner booked at Cable Beach.

Cable beach is just stunning. As we didn't have Shadow with us we walked down to the water for a paddle and then across to the rocks. We could see where the camel rides started. Watched people getting on and then they walked off in the other direction! Didn't get that elusive camel sunset shot as we had to get to dinner.

There were people in our seats! What, get out that's our table we picked the other day specially for the sunset! Ok, no need to panic, the waitress showed them to another table further back. Nice dinner watching the sunset with a glass of wine from NZ.