An eerie encounter on picturesque Jar Island.

In the southern part of Van Sittart Bay, nestles tiny Jar Island.   A fantastic place to visit, with some secluded white sand coves, and bizarre rocky cliffs.  We made landfall at one such cove on our cruise.  Some very interesting Bradshaw aboriginal paintings here.

I wandered off to beachcomb, and take in the scenery, as it was a fascinating place. Whilst strolling down  to the other end of the beach, I became separated briefly from the main party who were still examining the aboriginal drawings.

It was an idyllic scene, a typically warm tropical Kimberley day.  Suddenly I had a sense that I was not alone.  You know that feeling you get - hard to describe - when you feel that someone or something is watching you. Very odd.
I turned around, and looked at the nearest cliff.  To my great astonishment, a giant face peered at me.
Soon realised it was a natural formation, eroded over the centuries into the surface of the sandstone rock.  Can you too, see this rather sad looking rocky figure in my photograph ?  As I am a cartoonist by profession, I felt it merited a small sketch. This is also shown here.

Sunset dinner on Veranda beach, Kimberleys.

 

Picture a deserted beach, fine white sand. Add chairs, champagne, good food and a Kimberley sunset. There you have the recipe for a magical cruise experience. Just mix together, and don't stir for an hour or two.

 

I'm sitting on a deck chair on remote Veranda Beach, waiting for our five star dinner to begin. The sun is making its final fiery descent down to a golden Indian ocean out to the West.   I am uncertain as to whether you will find the term "Veranda" beach on any map.  However it seems appropriate, as a veranda is surely a place to relax and contemplate. This we are doing with great enjoyment as you can imagine ! 

It has been a memorable cruise on Oceanic Discoverer. A mixture of exploring remote places, but being pampered at the same time.  I could get used to this.   But there are more surprises in store for us yet, before we get to our final port of Darwin.  Keep tuned !

 

  



Ancient rocks and strange drawings on Bigge Island.

Arose at the crack of a tropical dawn this morning.  Getting up early not one of my strong points. However we have an exciting day ahead, with "Bigge" Island on the itinerary. Bigge Island is rectangular in shape, about 22km long by 11km wide. A spectacular place with rugged terrain, rising to a high point of 143 metres at Savage Hill.

With Oceanic Discoverer anchored offshore, we landed at tranquil Wary Bay, a white sand beach with interesting rocks and imposing sandstone cliffs. Turtle tracks in the sand. The early morning start was definitely worth the effort.

 Our party found an amazing aboriginal art gallery in the cleft of a cliff.  A series of sandy caves in the overhang of the cliff-face revealed old drawings from ancient artists. The inscriptions proved to be different in subject matter compared to other locations we've visited.  I could make out what appeared to be an impression of an old sailing ship.

The old vessel in the rock painting appears to be a two masted pearling lugger, or possibly a whaling ship. Perhaps shipwreck survivors or sailors landed here centuries ago looking for water ? 

I trekked with the other passengers to the top of a nearby bluff. Magnificent views, the only sound to be heard, the clicking of countless cameras recording the scene. Definitely one of the highlights of our cruise as we enjoyed our "big" day out on Bigge Island.