As we bid farewell to the vibrant landscapes of the Top End, we journeyed southward toward our next adventure. Little Roper Stock Camp, renowned for its legendary Johnny Cakes, was a stop we eagerly anticipated. Owned by Des and Telka, this charming rustic farm nestled in Mataranka offers the perfect base to explore Mataranka and Bitter Thermal Springs. After a restful night at a free campsite steeped in history as a WWII Stirling Mill site, we awoke early, motivated by the promise of a delicious breakfast. At 7am each morning, the hosts light a fire and serve billy tea alongside their freshly baked Johnny Cakes, available for just $2 each, complemented by unlimited tea and an array of delectable spreads. This was the perfect way to start the day, Glen and I chatting with other travellers (including seeing our friends the Denises again) while Oliver and Lily played on the hay bales and ran around the farm meeting the animals including the friendly dogs, calves, piglets, buffalo and chooks. We hardly saw the kids as they spent hours playing with their friends on the hay bales and making things out of sticks, such as bows and arrows. After breakfast, it was time for the reptile show. The kids learnt about the different reptiles Des had collected over the years and thoroughly enjoyed holding blue tongued lizards, snakes, turtles and the gentle 3-metre-long Olive Python named Parrot.

Back on the main road, we embarked on our journey towards Purnululu National Park, renowned for the breathtaking Bungle Bungle Range. We had heard from friends that the road leading into the park was both lengthy and quite rugged, so we opted to free camp just outside the entrance, leaving our caravan behind to explore the park in one adventurous day. As we settled into camp, slightly off the main highway alongside a few other caravans, the children gathered firewood with the hope of assembling a cozy campfire. Lily and I whipped up some damper, which we relished as dessert, accompanied by butter and jam.

After one last, refreshing swim in the inviting, warm waters at Mesa Campground’s beach, we reluctantly bid farewell to Cape Range National Park. We’ve unanimously decided that the enchanting Ningaloo Coast has become our favourite destination on the trip thus far. After a quick pit stop in Exmouth for groceries and to collect Oliver’s prize for the Easter colouring competition, we set our sights on our next destination—Bullara Station Stay. Bullara, a lively, working cattle station, offers visitors a genuine taste of the rugged Australian outback. Known for its rustic charm, we were lucky enough to arrive just in time for their famed burger night!