Just returned from a place called
Port Smith Lagoon. It's about 140kms south of
Broome. The surrounding land is owned by the Bidyadanga Community. There is an excellent caravan
park with powered sites, plenty of
water, spotless facilities and a
shop. This is managed by 4 very friendly and experienced people who have an agreement with the community, which allows visitors to explore the surrounding area by boat or 4WD.
The lagoon is about 6 kms long, lined with
mangroves and teaming with fish. If you don't have a boat, you can hire one and will be shown the best
places to fish. At low tide (and they are big tides up that way so care is needed) you can drive onto
the beach and fish from the shore in the protected waters of
the lagoon. THERE ARE NO CROCODILES.
To the north of
the lagoon are some great fishing and picnic spots, accessible by 4WD only. The cliffs are spectacular and the
water pristine. To the south are
creek crossings to some beautiful inlets and if the tides are favourable, lovely drives along deserted beaches, adorned with the most beautiful shells.
In the 10 days we were
camping there, we still hadn't exhausted the many
places to see.
I understand the area is accessible all year round, even in the wet! It's a very good dirt road off the main highway and leads straight to the caravan
park and
lagoon. It's
well sign posted from the highway and about 23kms long.
From a request made by the Bidyadanga Community, there are no maps of the area. But the caravan
park owners are happy to tell you the best spots to visit and how to get there. Contact details ph: 91924983 portsmithcaravanpark@bigpond.com.au
It's
well worth a visit.