Fitzroy Crossing - Broome

Geikie Gorge

'Staircase to the Moon'

We arrived at Geikie Gorge and bought tickets for the boat tour - fortunately we brought our hats because we were told there was no shade on the boat. Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek and Geikie Gorge were once part of a western 'great barrier reef' in the Devonian era, 350 million years ago. The boat tours were run by DEC rangers - our guide seemed over the tourist season.  It was an interesting and beautiful area but difficult to enjoy when we were all being sizzled on the alumunium punt. Thankfully it only went for an hour - we did get a good freshie sighting. Back at the caravan park we packed up and headed for Broome a lazy 395km. We were all so keen to get there we pretty much drove straight through. On arrival we drove to Cable Beach foreshore and were so excited to feel the sea breeze - and air temperture at least 10 degrees cooler. We booked in at the Cable Beach caravan park and got a great site in the shade near the pool. We were excited about going out tonight to see the 'Staircase to the Moon' which is a natural phenomenon caused by the full moon reflecting on the mudflats of Roebuck Bay at Low Tide and creating an illusion of stairs. This event occurs March to October and tonight was going to be our only chance to see it. The best place to view it was from The Mangrove Resort Hotel so we thought we would just go there earlier and have some dinner.  The bistro was booked out but they did have take-away packs. We had to wait till 8.30pm - the kids were really tired but managed to hold it together. It was great to see and the moon was really orange but I don't think we got the full effect as it was a little cloudy. It was difficult to get a good photo.