We are going to travel from Broome to Ellendale Lake and Fitzroy Crossing. Has anyone stayed at either Willare Roadhouse or Derby. I realise its a short drive to either as a stoppover, but we have reason to do so. Any information on Willare Roadhouse or Derby as a stoppover would be appreciated.
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Avan Ovation M7 with Fiat Ducato 3 Lire diesel engine, 2 x 160watt rooftop solar panels, 3 x 100a/h batteries, self contained with separate toilet [SOG NO CHEMICALS], and shower, 100 litre fresh water tank and 100 litre grey water tank
We found Derby (the caravan park) an interesting place to stop & see the sights including the Horizontal Waterfall via the North West Bush Pilots.
While it's not as good as the very expensive sea plane & boat excursion, the flight we did lacked nothing in scenery & history. The plane was a little cramped with five of us in it!
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Warren
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If you don't get it done today, there's always tomorrow!
We have stopped at the West Kimberley Lodge and Caravan Park in Derby, its a nice small park, adults only, no children. It is only small and gets full easily so you would want to book ahead for it if you wanted to stop there. The other caravan park in Derby, the Kimberley Entrance, is much bigger and looked ok, but haven't stopped there.
Be aware that the Broome to Derby road is extensively damaged from recent flooding. Edges/Shoulders are rutted and some places gouged out and missing. Some sections are severely pot holed. Observe the road signs and probably take further cautions.
Broome to Derby is 220klm and West Kimberley CP is old and small @ $45pn. (Adult Retreat).
Make sure you go to the Jetty on sun set and probably try barra & chips.
Willare Bridge Roadhouse & Caravan Park has some adverse comments on Wiki Camps. Too far away from Derby. Derby to Fitzroy Crossing check Camp site 477 The Boab Rest Area. Sealed area and plenty of shade.
The flight I mentioned over the Horizontal Falls did 4-5 passes over the falls so everyone aboard had good views. The Buccaneers Archipelago was great to see from the air, as were the mud flats surrounding Derby at a lower tide.
We saw an interesting sight at the AO only CP in Derby. One neighbour had a 100 series Toyota LC & the back held a full sized washing machine (lying on its back) which he pulled out & did a load of washing. Now I don't mind people carrying small machines in their vans but I thought this took the cake! And using it in the park too!
Obviously they only travelled on smooth bitumen as I would have thought that a rougher road would have given the machine a good shake out. Would this be worth saving the occasional $3-5 to do a load of washing?
On this subject (washing machines), we saw another on the Carpentaria Highway - the full sized machine was strapped on the back of their single axled caravan, along with 40L of water (for the washing, of course) that they pinched from tanks supplied for thirsty or needy travellers - weights?? Does ATM mean All That you can Muster?
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Warren
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If you don't get it done today, there's always tomorrow!
