Middle Lagoon and Barn Hill, WA

I wanna go ta Willie Creek too . Where is it ? I will be in Broom and the Kimberley in May , but by June will be down south of the CSR .
Willie .

Norm,
We stayed at Barn Hill in 8/05 and at the time they said they were fully booked for nexst year (this year now).
There are plently of spots without power or trees but these are not as good as those under the trees.
I think the 60 minute programme last year has influenced the demand.
A magic spot though and very friendly.

Pedro

Norm,

I haven't stayed out at Willie Creek, just went to the Pearl Farm. Its a bumpy road and I wouldn't want to be travelling back into Broome every day. Personally, as there is a lot to do in Broome, I would just stay there. I guess it all depends on how much time you have too.

I also didn't stay at Middle Lagoon or Barn Hill, but there was a lot of camp ground talk about both places, so I'd reckon you would need to book.

Just google "Middle Lagoon" and you'll get all your answers. I heard comments from some who thought Middle Lagoon was better than Cape Leveque.

As for Cape Leveque, after bouncing your way in, be sure you are there for a few days to make the long trip worth while.

What I didn't know about CL was that the camping area is on the west side good for sunsets but not a swimming beach (too tidal). On the east side, there are beach huts on the sand right on the swimming beach!



They are extra $ but worth it - the only downside is that the toilet/shower block is shared (ie separate cubicles but no separate m/f). Might be fine for free wheeling Europeans, could be a bit awkward for self concious Aussies.

If you need extra days, theres a good chance of organising that when you are there. They seem to have spots come available every day; just get in to the office early.

I thought the cost of food and souvenirs was reasonable too given where they are.

Norm, Dont know about middle lagoon, but I would definately try to book Barn Hil! as they will be very busy this year due to 80mile beach banning dogs. A lot of oldies we spoke to last Aug/sept at 80 mile said they would be wintering at Barn Hill this year!
We heard whilst in Broome that there is another camp on the peninsular further than middle lagoon I think but didnt go so cant really help there.( the road in put me off as it was very bad! I did a recce on my dirt bike for about 30ks)and we only had standard caravan then.
You will love the Kimberley.
Brian

Hi Norm,
Have spent some time in the areas you mention and you are on the right track about booking in advance especiallyif travelling with someone else at that time.I personaly would spend more time at Middle Lagoon than C.Leveque and you will find Peter very helpfull.The management at C.L. has changed afew times and I hope they are better than when I was there last(money,money,money!! ).Idon't believe there is any camping at Willie Creek but is well worth a visit to the pearl farm.There is limited free camping further past Willie Creek at Barred Creek(many sandflies) and at Quondong but withyoor itenary I would just drive through for a visit and end up at Prices Point and then return to Broome.If you get stuck for accomadation in Broome go to the rifle club and see Dave who will fit you in.Heading down the coast I would prefer staying at 80 mile beach--a bigpark with excellent facilities and most times you should get in without a booking but give them a ring from Broome.Barne Hill is a much smaller park and very basic but nice people.There are a lot of other spots that you will discover yourself but hope this helps.

Hello Norm,

We were over at Middle Lagoon in August, as previously mentioned Peter was really helpful & the place was fantastic. We camped (CT's) above the beach with magnificent sunset/ocean views but no shade, if you want shade you will be a couple of hundred metres back from the beach. We did a day trip to CL & found it to be really touristy & were glad we opted for Middle Lagoon instead, quite rustic but lovely all the same, I can email you pics if you would like.

We did book but there was plenty of room when we were there talk to Peter for advice Ph (08) 9192 4002.

Regards

Brian B

Thanks for you help guys. As always, very helpful.
Norm C

Hi Norm

Middle Lagoon is just fantastic. Spent 5 days there in june 2005, would have stayed longer but we had booked at CL so had to move on. I would give middle lagoon a call and see if you can book one of the secluded camp sites. They are away from the main camping area, therefore away from the facilities, but we had one called "smiths 1" and it was just set back from the beach, had a shelter and even a cold running tap! There are others that are more secluded than the one we had but we were happy. Make sure you go on a mud crabing adventure...kids had a ball and the mud crabs were huge.

CL is a very beautiful place too...way more "touristy" therefore busier. We had a beach shelter and they were well worth the extra $$ as the main camp site is up on the hill and away from the water. We did book about 8 months in advance though for that one and they told me it was the last one available!

The Kimberley is a unique part of our country and I fell in love with it. Different time, different circumstances I reckon the "bush woman" in me would up and move there permanently!!

Enjoy your travels

Jen

Hi Norm,

Just to wet the appatite,





Kind regards

Hi Norm,

Just to wet the appetite,





Kind regards

Re Middle Lagoon, there are also several other Aboriginal run and owned camp sites in the same general area. Strongly recommended (they are further up the road from where we live).

No free camping close to Broome, but a fair bit once north of the town.

But do be aware that caravan parks in the town are booked out almost years ahead from May- Sept.

Rerference in another posting to camping at the Rifle Club - I thin the writer meant 'Pistol Club' . It's on Port Drive about 4 km out of town.
Collyn Rivers