Bucket List ... Almost Missed

Dementia on our Adventure

At the very start of our Holway Round Adventure, we decided that our one big splurge would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the Horizontal Falls.  We carefully chose the date to ensure the tides would be just perfect.  Monday, 5th August was tattooed on our foreheads, figuratively speaking, as the pivotal anchor point destination for us over the next four months.  However, somewhere along the bumps, the 5th turned into the 6th.  Picture the scene when my mobile rings at 6.30 am and the voice at the other end says, “Seaplane Adventures here, we’re at the gate or your caravan park, where are you?” 

Where the bloody hell were we?  Still in bed, that’s where!   Clearly, a humungous brain fart on our part.  As I explained our epic error, the nice man, clearly mustering every ounce of patience, said he had to pick up another couple from nearby, but would return for us in10 minutes sharp, reminding me that “the seaplane waits for no one” just as the brochure clearly stated.

Word of the Week - F%^& (deployed liberally)

Well, over the next few minutes Steve and I enacted that infamous opening scene from Four Weddings and a Funeral.    Hugh Grant would have been impressed, for sure.  After flinging a few random things in a bag, we hoofed it to the gate, only to endure the embarrassing walk of shame to the only two spare seats at the back of the minibus, feeling like two very naughty teenagers.  

Horizontal Falls – A Waterfall Like No Other

Upon reaching Derby Airport, our heart rates had settled, and we'd become bosom buddies with the people with whom we were about to share the most thrilling 24 hours of our life with.  It started with a jaw dropping 35-minute flight to Horizontal Falls in a sea plane.

Sir David Attenborough describes Horizontal Falls as one of the greatest natural wonders of the world – and who can argue with him?  Horizontal Falls consist of is two closely set narrow gorges just 300 metres apart.  When the tides do their tidal dance (up to 13 metres), the water builds up on one side of these gaps faster than it can flow through creating a remarkable sideways waterfall.

Not only did we enjoy magnificent aerial views, but we also experienced the thrill of zooming through the wide gap in a jet boat about a dozen times over three tides during our stay. 

Between our adventures around the Falls, we learned about the geology, wildlife, and tidal phenomena from highly knowledgeable marine biologists. We went fishing and even jumped into a cage to watch the Tawny Nurse and Lemon Sharks. The talented chef on our floating hotel treated us to the most delicious food, and as we admired the night sky, thanking our lucky stars for the incredible experience, dolphins and garfish performed their own spectacular display.

Views from the floating pontoon hotel

Dolphins splashing around the pontoon at night

Words and pictures just don't do justice to the awe-inspiring experience at Horizontal Falls. If the opportunity ever arises for you, seize it without hesitation; the memories will be etched in your memory forever.

Land, Sea or Tree?

Actually, it's none of those. To get to and from Horizontal Falls the sea plane flies over the scenic King Sound.  From the ground, all you can see is murky water, tangled mangroves and shimmering mudflats.  However, from the air, a canvas of abstract patterns resembling trees unfold.  At first glance, it appears to be an extraordinary piece of human artistry, but it soon becomes clear that the true creator is Mother Nature herself.

King Sound

Broome Time

The last time we were in Broome, was 13 years ago and Steve didn’t waste any time reacquainting himself with the town's renowned watering holes.  The views over Roebuck Bay were as delicious as Matso’s cold Ginger Beer.

A crafty beer or two at Roebuck Bay

The sky, sea and sand colours of Broome are insanely beautiful

In Broome, we stayed at Cable Beach Caravan Park, which was a far cry from the upscale Cable Beach Resort next to us, but hey, we experienced the same million-dollar sunset as our fancy neighbours.  One of Cable Beach’s famous touristy activities is a sunset camel ride.  It’s like Australia’s version of donkey rides at Weston-Super-Mare.  Watching these camels amble along the beach, I was puzzled by the absence of camel droppings.  It was then I spotted the camel poo picker-upper (probably a back-packer from Weston-Super-Mare).

Could this be my next career move?  Picking up the poo of others is a big part of HR, so I'm well-qualified for the job 😆

Eighty Mile Beach is a Big Fat Lie

Our time in Broome whizzed by all too quickly, yet the journey continued southward to Eighty Mile Beach, which, contrary to its name, stretches an impressive 137 miles, making it Australia's longest continuous beach. 

With an endless horizon, our days were filled with shell collecting, leisurely strolls (I even broke into a brief jog), fishing, and plenty of good conversation.

Somebody's unique tribute to Australia's Olympians on 80 Mile Beach (love how they didn't forget Tasmania)

Had fun finding Cake Urchins and Sea Dollars

Critter of the Week – Shovelnose Shark

Basking in the warm sunshine, we had fun watching a guy struggle to reel in what he believed to be a large fish. In the end, it was a stunning, protected Shovelnose Shark. Even though they taste great, he made the responsible choice and released it back into the water (probably because of the small crowd that gathered to watch) 😉

Not to be outdone, good old Steveo the Fisho managed to bring home supper with a Blue Nosed Thread Fin Salmon.  With a squirt of lime juice, salt n pepper, we had ourselves a beautiful ceviche.

Steve's 80 Mile Smile 😍