Most people are horrified when I say that Broome is my least favourite place in Western Australia.  I don’t know why I don’t like it. I was first there in 1989 when our car had broken down and we were without our own transport. Everything seemed so disjointed. When John and I stayed there at the beginning and end of our Kimberley Wild trip, I enjoyed myself but still couldn’t see why people fell in love with the town. This time, we could only book in for one night as Broome was very busy but I was determined to see it through different eyes and get the Broome Bug.

As we drove into town to get fuel and supplies, we had trouble finding parking due to roadworks. It seemed like the whole of the town centre was blocked off by fences and machinery.  It wasn’t a good start. We drove around in circles trying to find somewhere to stop, eventually parking (probably illegally) in front of some accommodation.  The shops were busy, the precinct was busy and I couldn’t wait to get out of there. We had booked a night (all we could get) at the RAC Cable Beach Caravan Park as we had arranged to meet friends, Leonie and Jim, there.

We much prefer free camps but the caravan site was very nice with lots of amenities including a pool and a cafe. Although I hate camping right next to other people, I was relieved to get three or four loads of washing done. The bonus of staying there (other than the laundry) was having Happy Hour with Jim, Leonie and their friends. Our house in Dongara settled that day so we toasted that with champagne – even though we are now homeless.

Neither John nor I slept well that night. The noise of traffic and the reticulation kept us awake. So, although I had a lovely visit, I’m still not Broome’s biggest fan.