Tuesday 15 July 2014 (Day 20)
We are travelling from Broome to Derby
We're off to Derby today. We are still talking about the fun things we did in Broome. Derby brings us close to the western end of the Gibb River Road and we are looking forward to seeing some of the gorges of the Napier Range.
It was a short trip from Broome and we arrived to the Kimberley Caravan Park, the only one of two that accepts children. I've heard of no pets but no kids, really! I guess they must be in a position especially during peak season to afford to keep the rule. For us though our park was clean, tidy, friendly and a delightful place to stay.
After setting up we took a drive around the town, driving across the wharf that has a big history in cattle transporting and exporting. The original stock holding pens and cattle race are still standing having been last used around 1974. The wharf is circular and our drive met keen fishermen and women. The current and tides here (in the Kimberley) are some of the biggest in the world at over 12mtres with a turn time of 5mins.
We saw the prison boab tree which is an enormous hollow tree that was used as a sheltered stop for prisoners and 'blackbirded' aborigines and guards during transfers to areas for processing (if that's what it's called). The prisoners where shackled neck, hands and ankles, not a very comfortable or easy way to walk in what I imagine unforgiving heat.
The raw treatment of the indigenous Australians during these times is quite confronting. During these years the aboriginals where defined a Australian 'flora and fauna' with no recognition of their humanness.
Photos
The Prisoners Boab Tree is hollow where people would sleep
Derby Wharf
The cattle race last used in 1974
Black Cockatoo
Distance 222 km
Time 2 hours 51 Minutes
Map
Link Derby