Roebuck & Derby

The first day of the great 2020 Roadtrip. The first proper holiday during these Covid-19 times. Booked a few months ago, friend Louise and I decided on our first ever motorhome trip across the Kimberley. The basic plan was to fly Perth to Broome, jump into our Britz Camper and then over the course of two weeks, travel east towards Kununurra and Lake Argyle, then return to Broome for two nights in a Hotel to finish the trip off.

For the majority of it the plan fit pretty well. We collected our 6 berth camper (yes, 6 for the two of us…we got upgraded), drove to Woolworth where Louise had the genius idea of ordering a click & collect ahead of time. Grabbed some extra bits, a quick bite at McDonalds (I know, I know) and then straight out to Roebuck Plains, where we would spend our first night. I had the double bed at the back and Louise opted for the double bed in the front canopy.

After our first night in the campervan was scandal free, so early the next day I took the new drone for a quick spin, then we set off for Derby our next destination and overnight stop. Willare served us well for a quick breakfast.

A first time for me in Derby, we arrived there about 90mins after setting off. We probably didn’t really create a decent plan while in Derby but it wouldn’t have mattered. As the low/wet season approaches, a lot of places close up shop. We visited the Mowanjum Art and Culture Centre, and even though the sign said yes, the enclosed fence said no.

We popped over to see the Prison Boab Tree on our way into Derby itself. BTW for those from the motherland, here it’s pronounced ‘Derbee’ rather than ‘Darby’. The Tree had been used to house actual Aboriginal prisoners inside its trunk as a rest point on their way to Derby for sentencing. This might be a bit of a myth, but depressing if isn’t.

We drove to the North Western end where the jetty was and feasted our eyes on the chocolate brown water and the chocolate mousse beach.

It wasn’t exactly teeming with life. The botanical garden was no more, the tourism office closed, and a quick stop at the old Gaol where aboriginal prisoners were held in outdoor cages and forced into labour was short, so we packed up and decided to head straight to Fitzroy Crossing for our second night. No regrets at all.

Fitzroy Crossing was by far the coolest night we would have on our entire trip. It’s a pretty comfortable area, plenty of shade, decent ablution block, wildlife and a good restaurant. Plots are on a first come first serve basis. We parked next to our very own Boab tree under the watchful eyes of the judgy kangaroo gangs.

Just to clear something up though, before this trip, I’d never used let alone really heard the word ‘ablution’. Now I use it all the time. So, ablution is the act of washing oneself and of course the ablution block will be the wash building. Say it too many times and it does start to sound weird.

Tomorrow we set off for Wyndham on our longest drive of the trip. Below are some photos of the Fitzroy Crossing Campsite and Resort.