Port Smith Lagoon - on foot - suggestions?
Submitted by Jaso on Tue, 2009-04-28 12:56
Heading to Port Smith Lagoon in late May.. will be on my own and only 2wd vehicle (heard the road in is ok for 2wd).
I've read that the lagoon is accessible by foot when the tide is out.. but wondering what the options are when the tide is up? I looked at google earth and it's a fair hike to the beach if forced to walk around the lagoon.
Any suggestions for options?
UncutTriggerInWA
Posts: 2692
Date Joined: 05/09/08
Port Smith Lagoon
I found this post. Hope it helps.......
"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
It's well worth a visit."
Cheers, Vince
http://vinceholt.spaces.live.com/
------------------------------
Work Smart - Fish Often
Vince.
Work smart and fish often.
Member and die-hard supporter of the mighty West Coast Eagles.
Pete D
Posts: 1681
Date Joined: 07/06/07
Nice
Looked like a great place Jaso. Spent 3 nights there (2004) but with a heavily pregant wife...so no fishing.
Barn Hill just down the road is worth a visit aswell - arvo beer and lawn bowls!!!
Some good pics here of both places;
http://www.travellingoz.com.au/our-trip/wa-central/4-western-australia-central/40-26-eighty-mile
Hope to get back up there in the coming years to explorer some more.
Cheers Pete
Nauti Buoy
Posts: 595
Date Joined: 20/04/09
Great spot
Stayed there a few years back, if you start walking out as the tide heads out you can get across to the southern side of where the creek flows into the ocean. I casted small minnow lures (Halco and Nilsie's) plenty of little Golden Trev's and queenie to make things fun on light gear. As the tide turns and starts moving in work back toward the caravan park the fish start working into the channel so cast in there.
The grey nomads have happy hour around 5oclock so go and have a few sherbets with them and they will dish out the latest info ie Mud crabs etc
Good Luck
Jaso
Posts: 48
Date Joined: 23/03/09
Thanks
Looks like a great place to explore. Can't wait!