Day 137. Broome

Staircase to the moon...

This morning we continued cleaning up after our 'the State of Origin' party. It really wasn't a party at all, just some nibblies, drinks and a BBQ dinner outside where I had set up the TV and satellite dish so we could all watch the game 'live' over here in WA. It was a welcome surprise to see NSW actually win a game for a change, but know we need to see if they can make it a series win at Suncorp in a few weeks time. Mmm...

Bec made up a picnic lunch and we then went exploring in Broome. First it was off to 'Town Beach', where we took Scarlett to the 'water park' to play and enjoy the cool yet refreshing water. It turned out to be a little to cold for my girl, so after a short play in the park, we headed off to 'Cable Beach'.

Arriving at Cable Beach was like stepping out at a resort town. The manicured lawns, palm trees, and walking bikinis certainly was fofr a welcome change from what we have so far experienced in Broome and Chinatown. We checked out the local park, the beach, and had a look at the cafe before breaking out our own lunch and enjoyed watching Scarlett play in the playground. Cable Beach is beautiful, and I'm looking fwd to booking in our 'Camel Ride' on the beach tomorrow for some time later in the week (as its very popular).

Before we knew it, we were back in the pajero and heading for the 'Malcolm Douglas Wildlife Park', located on the Broome Hwy, 15km back out of Broome. The huge jaws of an estuarine crocodile met us at the entrance to the park, and Scarlett was in total awe. She couldn't wait to go inside and have a look around.

This park (incl. the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park at Cable Beach) house a total of over 8000 crocodilian reptiles between them; and from what we witnessed today, there are some big and cranky crocodiles to be found here. The park is known for its rescues of  'problem' crocodiles that have made a nuisance of themselves when crossing paths with humans from all over Australia. We certainly met a few today; as not only do this modern day dinosaurs run at you very quickly from the other side of their enclosures as you walk past, but they tend to hide in their ponds and ambush unsuspecting tourists as they 'search' for that elusive hidden monster from the opposite side of mere cyclone fencing - as Bec and Scarlett discovered first hand earlier this afternoon.

We were admiring a number of 'large' crocodiles and feeling brave as we searched for certain dangerous crocodiles, as sign posted on their respective pens, when we came across a certain pen where we spied the large male on the far side of the enclosure. On further inspection we couldn't see the smaller female so we edged closer to the wire and peered into the murky depths of the putrid pond. Suddenly all hell broke loose! The water exploded into a frothing maelstrom of bubbles and white water, as the female launched itself at the fence - straight at an unsuspecting Scarlett. It hit the fence hard, and both Scarlett and Bec screamed. I quickly grabbed Scarlett out of harms way - not that she would've been hit anyway as there was cyclone fencing separating us, and looked at Bec as we silently communicated a hidden sigh of relief.

Bec and I started laughing about the ordeal, but Scarlett was a little shocked by the experience and soon started crying. It took a number of hugs and words of reassurances before she settled down enough to continue walking around the park. The funny thing was that every time we came across another person from that time onwards, Scarlett had to 'warn them' about the crocodile that was hunting her. I don't think she'll be taking the humble crocodile for granted from now on.

During our visit we attended a couple of different tours of the wildlife park that included meeting a 10ft Olive Python, holding a couple of 18 month old 'man eating' salties, feeding Barking Owls and Cassowaries, and finally seeing large numbers of saltwater crocodiles, freshwater crocodiles and alligators being fed. The aggression seen during feeding was amazing, and we were lucky enough to get some fantastic photos. Unfortunately we just don't have enough space to show them all on this blog.

We spent about 4 hours at the park before realising that it was time to go, as we had a date with the moon.

We headed back into Broome to 'Town Beach' to watch a phenomenon known as the 'Staircase to the moon'. We set up our table and chairs, broke out the canapes and nibblies (not to mention the bubbly and beer), and prepared ourselves for a night to remember.

During our wait, we visited the local night markets that were on at the park adjacent to where we had set up. Bec enjoyed the pearls and crafts on display, Scarlett joined a local 'alternative group' playing with hula hoops and similar juggling materials, and I found the food stalls. We were all in heaven!

A distant glow was seen as the moon started to rise above the horizon. We weren't disappointed, as the staircase was in spectacular form as the moon rose higher and higher into the night sky. Camera's were flashing, and all you could hear were the ''ooh's" and "aah's" from the gathered throng of onlookers.

We enjoyed the experience so much that we will be doing it all again tomorrow night. Now that we know what to expect, we'll be prepared and ready for the 'best show on earth'.

The colours of Broome certainly are a breathtaking and rewarding experience...