Broome

Before continuing to Broome we stopped at the Prison Tree in Derby. Although some of the aboriginal people held were considered to have stolen stock others were  “Blackbirded” ie they were captured,chained and held at the Prison Tree before being taken off to work as pearlers. Nearby is the 120 m long trough that watered 500 bullocks at one time. We think the stock would have been taken up the Gibb River Road to Wyndham. The old yards are still there, not far from the Prison Tree at Derby. There is also a “bath” built by some soldiers for the troops refreshment but of course, the officers got to use it before the other ranks each day.

Prison Tree, Derby

Alex at the end of the trough.

We’ve been told that you have to queue from early morning to get a site at a Broome caravan park but we were lucky, though we couldn’t be picky & the site we were allocated was VERY DIFFICULT to get into. Luckily we had a helpful neighbour and Alex managed to shoehorn the Camper in. The bay looks stunning.

Beautifully cooked salmon and salad for dinner, polished off the Annie’s Lane and now it’s time for a cider. If we don’t have one each our stocktaking will be way out of kilter!

We have booked in here for 3 nights but will see how it goes. If we want to stay longer we have to tell them the morning before and there is no guarantee of the same site. I can tell you it will be on this site or not at all!