So we by-passed Broome and headed for our first camp which was Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm. My son, Kyran, had left home at 17 to work there and I’d always wanted to see it. It took another 17 years but we got there. Our campsite was lovely, nestled in amongst the trees, and close to the ocean. We had read that the food served was excellent so decided we would treat ourselves to dinner in their restaurant overlooking the infinity pool and the beach. Unfortunately no-one told us we had to book and a tour bus had beaten us to it. So cheese and biscuits under the awning was it. We did go for breakfast instead but it was disappointing.

We were only able to book in for one night but, if we had been able to stay a few more, we would have booked some tours as they had great reviews. As it was, we had to be out by 10am but at least I now know where Kyran lived and worked for a while when he was young.

We drove from Cygnet Bay to Kooljaman, Cape Leveque on the other side of the peninsula. As we drove off the rough road, we came to a little oasis with a Visitors’ Centre and restaurant overlooking the sea. There was also a camping ground where many of the campers would have had amazing views over the beach. 

After a coffee, we wandered down to the deserted beach, passed the stunning red rocks. The colours of the sea, the sky, the sand and the cliffs were stunning. We didn’t want to leave but we strolled over to the beach on the other side. It was just as beautiful but there were lots of campers swimming and sun bathing.

Reluctantly we left to head south to Pender Bay Escape where we had booked in for the night. Pender Bay is one of the bush camps near Middle Lagoon. It has 4wd access only because the road in is narrow and about 20kms of a combination of sand, rock and corrugations.  Driving in took a couple of hours, partly because of the lack of signs at forks and junctions,  but mainly due to having to pass cars and caravans on the narrow track.  But it was worth it.

Pender Bay Escape is stunning! The campsites have been cleared in the natural bush, most on the top of the cliffs with spectacular views of the beach and sea with the red cliffs around Cygnet Bay in the background. It is very rustic and unspoiled here. They have basic amenities with a washing machine run on solar. Each  camp has its own small campfire and ours was right on the edge of the cliff.

We had the most peaceful evening, cooking dinner and eating by the campfire. A little slice of heaven.