Voices From The North

Until next time...

2009-11-12T13:57:00.002+08:00

Well, the 2009 season has drawn to a close, leaving behind so many precious memories and visits from some of the nicest people we will ever meet.

Special thanks goes to all our guests for visiting our unique and incredibly beautiful camp. All of you have made it special for us and we hope to see you again soon.

The clouds have been gathering here and we will wait to see what this year’s wet season brings. The mangoes seem to be growing upside down and the birds are flying backwards – it will definitely be a big wet! Or maybe the staff just need a rest?!

Our 2010 season runs from April 1. We look forward to seeing you then.

From the Faraway Bay team, it’s bye for now!

Simone

Priceless moments and memories

2009-10-30T18:30:00.000+08:00

What a busy season it’s been! So many lovely guests and priceless memories for all of the Faraway Bay team.

The SKAL group – most of them long-time tourism operators from Kununurra – had a ball during their recent stay. The pool got a workout and so did Taffy, soaking up all of the attention, of course. What a complete show-off! Then again, if you could fly into Eagle Lodge with that much grace, why wouldn’t you?!

The crazy Grasshopper softball girls (all 14 of them) gave us plenty of amusement over a couple of action-packed days. The team proved to all of us that Australia has some incredible hidden talent. Watch out Australian Idol if it comes to Kununurra! After seeing Bruce in fine form, Dicko will need to smarten up his act and Timmy’s ‘smart arse’ display would put Kyle Sanderlands to shame. Our very own Marcia was her usual winning self.

Simone

Pete Evans pays a visit

2009-10-22T22:05:00.003+08:00

We’ve had a busy few weeks with one of Australia’s top TV chefs, Pete Evans paying a visit for our first-ever Celebrity Cooking School.

Pete cooked up a storm and entertained an exclusive group of lucky locals from Wyndham and Kununurra. Udo held the audience and a knife in his hand as Pete’s right hand man.

We enjoyed freshly prepared Coral Trout, plenty of Mangrove Jack and Painted Crays, and were privileged to be able to share some of Pete’s best-kept culinary secrets first-hand.

Pete will be back again in mid-September 2010, so keep an eye out for further details.

Simone

Taffy Tales

2009-10-13T09:54:00.001+08:00

There are a lot of storm boys and girls interested in Taffy. It looks like the plastic bung he mistook for an edible morsel hasn’t plugged up his ability to devour the hundreds of fresh fish being fed to him by Sam, Bruce and Tim. He still hasn’t figured out how to fish without the aid of a cast net, but he’s getting there.

Taffy is roaming further afield now and likes to catch up with the boats coming around the heads into the bay.

The caretakers have been informed of our favourite resident and hopefully he’ll be here in all his glory next season. We will keep you posted!

Simone

The Pelican Soars!

2009-09-24T14:23:00.003+08:00

We have made lots of friends in 2009, but none quite like Taffy. Thank goodness!

Our resident pelican is very high maintenance and has kept us all busy, particularly our fabulous chef, Sam. Taffy isn’t fussy, but does insist on fresh fish daily, and prefers whiting and small mullet caught by Sam in the cast net.

Taffy was brought here from Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge on the Gibb (hence the name ‘Taffy’) by a regular at Faraway Bay, Rolf Seiler. Rolf flew him here in style by air. After nearly being consumed by a pack of dingoes at his former home and almost starving to death, Taffy has adjusted well to life at Faraway Bay.

We all love to watch him soaring overhead, showing off his new found strength and fat belly!

Simone

Underwater wonders

2009-09-15T14:12:00.002+08:00

The water is warming up and so is the drag on some of our guests’ lines. Barramundi, huge Mackerel, Fingermark and Coral Trout have all been on the dinner table over the past couple of weeks. It’s hard going!

Pilot Whales and Humpbacks are starting to move through our waters too, which is always an amazing experience for all involved.

Simone

Sights and celebrations

2009-09-07T13:59:00.003+08:00

We’ve just had the pleasure of tasting some superb wines from some great Australian wine producers, who called Faraway Bay their home for a few days.

Robert Hill Smith from Yalumba Wines and a fantastic group of friends certainly kept us on our toes during their stay. Lots of sightseeing and celebrating – everything from great walks and exploring rock art, to celebrating Peter’s 60th Birthday (which is probably still taking place!).

We’ve also been pleased to host Monte Dwyer and his friend Paul from Darwin. They captured on camera the incredible scenery and unique experience of staying at Faraway Bay, as they shot scenes for an upcoming episode of ‘Postcards’ TV. Keep an eye out here on our Blog for details of when it will hit the small screen!

Simone

Sam's back!

2009-08-30T12:18:00.003+08:00

Sambo our chef has been with Faraway Bay on and off for the last three years. He is back with his guitar, a couple of new songs and new recipes. "Running" is his latest song as shown on MTV recently. You can check his new song out on his website www.samsmithmusic.com.au .

One of Sam's dishes that causes a stir is Barramundi in Paperbark. A whole Barramundi is needed. Once laid out on the soaked paperbark Sam adds butter, lime and lemongrass. This is then wrapped in foil and thrown straight onto the coals. He serves this with a Baby Boab and Coriander Salad.

Last but not least, we were lucky to have two women aged in their 80’s stay with us recently. Merle from Perth and Del from Sth Africa showed some of us young ones how to keep living life to the max. Nothing would stop either of them scampering over rocks to view art, scurrying through the bush to identify plants and teaching us a thing or two about life in general. It was a pleasure.

Simone

New fish species

2009-08-21T07:03:00.002+08:00

Steve has been at it again, finding two new species in the area. They are a freshwater cherobin named Francios as well as Empire Gudgeons. We are monitoring their behaviour in a fish tank and will release them once they are properly identified.

Sambo, our chef has been with Faraway Bay on and off for the last three years. He is back with his guitar, a couple of new songs and new recipes. "Running" is his latest song as shown on MTV recently. You can check his new song out on his website www.samsmithmusic.com.au

Simone

A painted ship on an ocean

2009-07-30T15:22:00.002+08:00

July has proved to be a gem. Glassy oceans has given our guests the opportunity to explore this remote coastline and surrounds.

Fishing has been excellent and some guests had the pleasure of travelling out to Leseure Island for a look around at the plethora of shells, turtles and unique crystal clear lagoons. A mummified shark was found along with baby turtle shells.

Graeme Edwards and his lovely wife Noelene blessed us with their presence at the camp. Graeme, a double amputee, finally got to see rock art, something that has been on his wish list throughout his full life.

Bruce and Liuda, from Cairns had a break from catching all the Barramundi in Cape York to catch a few for us over in this neck of the woods.

We were also able to showcase some of our freshly shucked oysters to Glyn and Pam Owen who are Oyster Farmers from Coffin Bay.

Idyllic Kimberly days, restful, peaceful, plentiful...

Simone

Faraway Food

2009-07-22T10:41:00.006+08:00

We are overjoyed that Mirra has returned to the bay to cook now that Gary Fishwick has left us.

We were all putting too much weight on with Gaz around and his amazing culinary skills. He has returned to his lovely wife Amy and their exceptionally cute 8 month old Kyuss. We will miss him.

But just when we thought we would lose a couple of kilos Mirra has started baking her irresistible muffins. She has the title here of being the Muffin Queen - and no one can refuse! One of her secret recipes is Orange and Chocolate Muffins. I managed to snaffle the recipe - but don't tell Mirra! And don’t lose this recipe - it is worth its weight in gold!

Bring a whole orange to the boil twice to remove bitterness from skin.

Mix 2 eggs, 230ml milk, 175ml vegetable oil and 3 tablespoons of maple syrup. Add whole orange and blend.

Mix in 3 ½ cups of self raising flour, 1 cup sugar and a teaspoon of cinnamon and a BIG handful of choc chips.

Place a piece of thinly sliced orange dipped in sugar on each muffin before baking.

Bake at 200C until risen and golden brown.

Then enjoy!

Simone

Olive Comes to Visit

2009-07-15T09:59:00.004+08:00

An exciting visitor who's decided to visit Eagle Lodge is a rather large Olive Python. He gave Lucy, one of our guests, a hurry along at sunset nibbles as she came down the stairs. After making sure it was indeed a python and not the often mistaken King Brown, all guests enjoyed holding the friendly fella, which made for some great photos.

There are two sub species of Olive Pythons in Australia. The Pilbara Python can reach up to 6.5m in length and our resident Olive measures up to 4.5m. Dentists would love these guys as they have approximately 120 teeth. This beautiful creature only eats a few times a year. The lip area around their mouth has infra red heat pits which detect warm-blooded prey. After massive feasts they have the potential problem of poisoning themselves if the temperature is not sufficiently warm enough for digestion. If the prey is consumed when it’s too cold the animal will decompose too slowly causing poisoning of the blood.

Anyway, we're pleased he came to visit and that he provided everyone with another Kimberley wilderness nature lesson!

Simone

A mix of weather, guests and animals!

2009-07-08T07:42:00.001+08:00

It’s been wonderful having such an eclectic mix of personalities at the camp recently…not to mention an exciting array of animals as well.

Steve’s mum (Patsy) sighted the elusive Brush-Tailed Phascogale. The name is derived from the meaning pouched weasel and is a carnivorous Australian marsupial. These shy animals are active at dawn and dusk, the males are a little too active in their lifespan, which is only one year due to the frenzied mating they do in their short existence. They are here for a good time not a long time!

The Air Adventure Australia group visited in mid June. This group were travelling around Australia on a photography trip, learning new skills from Ewen Bell a well known photographer. Visit the web site for some great shots of Faraway Bay www.ewenbell.com .

The Burke Family brought in 4 of their adventurous children Sam, Jack, Lilly and Lucy. Steve sent them on a mission to find the turtles that had been sighted by another couple a week or so ago at the billabong. Mission accomplished, they sighted 2 long necked turtles, however, we will need a better look at them to identify exactly which species they are.

Simone

Faraway Bay by Jim Western

2009-06-02T16:48:00.003+08:00

Well its lonesome today, not being at the great place, called Faraway Bay, where the foods on call and the sun shines all day. We drink, laugh and play 24 hours a day, just the greatest place to stay at Faraway Bay.

Now Bruce and Robyn the owners are just a couple of swags, they make you feel like family, the best a loving couple can, nothing’s to much trouble, anything you want, Bruce will do just about anything for another 2 bob. (Just joking Bruce)

Now let’s talk about the staff, the most important thing. They will all bend over backwards, to get you anything.

Good lord, who could ever forget Tim, who is now a great friend, he loves his job taking you fishing, drinking, and helping to your every need, but warning girls, Tim gave us all a scare, so please don’t leave your undies lying around anywhere, because it won’t be very long before Tim has got them on. (photo’s will prove this)

All this and more at Faraway Bay!

Now young Kyle the bush camp chef, had a lot of brown stuff running down his leg, because one of the guests was a big famous chef (Peter Evan’s).

Kyle could hardly control himself, his hands were all shaking and he was nearly out of breath.

When thank god the big famous chef, finally told Kyle he couldn’t have done much better himself.

So with tears in his eyes and his face all red, Kyle the bush camp chef, said he will promise to cook his very, very best.

Now Kyle has a special friend called Gloria, who helped him through the day, together they would knock up a storm, for you to fest all day, and when it was all done, and everyone was having fun, together they would just slip off into the sun, its time they had a little bit of fun.

Now we can’t forget Pam who held out her hand, and opened up her heart, just as bright as the sun.

Without Pam it would have only been half the fun.

She dotes on family and friends, because I can tell, Pam made us feel as welcome as well.

So god bless you Pam and keep you well, and make sure you stay at the great place, Faraway Bay.

Now there is also another who is just like a brother, his name was Steve or Macca, boy was he a real cracker.

All over the Bay he would lead you astray, so you could live life his way, even if it was for just a few days.

And while you were sleeping, Steve’s around the kitchen, with his very best mate Simone.

Together they prepare, for you to get through the next day (in the big frying pan!)

At the great place we all call Faraway Bay.

They will take you on hikes, or just about anything you like.

Together they help guide you to million year old art.

They show and tell you things in the bush, you just don’t learn, by sitting on your arse.

Now all the men guest’s love to fish, Steve, Craig, Peter and Ken, all say they caught the biggest fish of all, but it turned out not to be true, there was another called Astrid (who wore the pink pants), she said she could pull a bigger fish than all, so she dropped in a rod, pulled out the biggest cod, and made all the men guest’s cry, then they all headed to the bar, for a well earned beer and a good yarn.

Now if you ever get a chance to go on a break, then this is the place to go.

No phones, no bells, no noise at all, just boats and mates galore, so go on just hop on a plane and let it roar, all the way for the best time of all, the great place called Faraway Bay.

PS – To Steve, beat you didn’t think you would find a diamond in the bush (Simone), best wishes to all, Jim and Sandra Western.

Kimberley Moon

2009-05-22T05:54:00.003+08:00

Wow…what a great couple of weeks we have had out here at Faraway Bay. Chris Taylor has wooed us yet again over 4 days in May for the Kimberley Cooking School, with his culinary delights and quick wit, not to mention having the company of his gorgeous partner Julie jeering him along as only a loving wife can. His dishes complimented the guests staying with us at the time - adventurous, daring and spontaneous! Lots of great fish were caught by our guests, including Nanegai, Spanish Flag, Threadfin Salmon and Mangrove Jack. One wonderful dish that we reminis over is Sashimi Mangrove Jack with Pomegranite and Ruby Grape Fruit Dressing.

Stephen Scourfield also blessed us with his presence. A professional, fulltime writer and photographer for 30 years. Stephen is Travel Editor of The West Australian, writing and photographing internationally, on countries and cultures.

Gloria our camp assistant extrordinaire has been kept busy cleaning up after her partner in crime, resident chef Kyle and also a quoll who appears to want to have a wash in the shower with her when she least expects it! Cheeky quoll!!

The East Kimberley and Kununurra has enjoyed another success Ord Valley Muster and Kimberley Moon Experience concert. The Faraway Bay team had its own Kimberley Moon experience on the Diamond Lass. Pammy, Bruce, Robyn, Gloria, Chris, Julie and Kyle, along with the guests enjoyed drinks and nibblies while watching a moon in all it’s glory. The team were amazed by the orange glow as it rose up over the sandstone escarpment that hugs Faraway Bay .

Simone

Wildlife Abounds!

2009-05-15T07:14:00.001+08:00

A magnificent pair of Wedge Tailed Eagles has been soaring around the Bay, quite unusual as they are usually spotted up near the airstrip and only rarely seen. Always a great sight due to them being a good indicator of a healthy environment. Steve's been kept busy with the large number of small, harmless Spotted Pythons. Unusual to see so many of them around as well...another good indicator of a robust eco-system.
We are in the process of compiling updated reptile, bird, mammal and marine lists for your interest and will post these as soon as they are completed.
Until next time....
Simone

Seared Wild Lemon Pepper Crusted Threadfin Salmon

2009-05-12T07:20:00.000+08:00

Kyle our resident chef has arrived fresh faced and bushy tailed. He has flown up from ther beautiful Jervis Bay area. His speciality is fish, so he is a happy camper with an array of species to cook up. One of his signature dishes being served up at the moment is;
Seared Wild Lemon Pepper Crusted Threadfin Salmon served with a soy wasabi ponzu dipping sauce.

Kyle has falling in love with Faraway Bay. "FAB has completely opened my eyes as a chef. The produce from local farmers and fresh seafood caught by our guests is a real bonus! Where to start.... from the sounds of Dingoes howling in the distance as we sit down for a sunset drinks, to the candlelit dinners and great company, it's only the start of thousands of reasons why I have fallen in love with Faraway ".

Simone

2009 season is underway

2009-05-04T11:32:00.003+08:00

We're all really happy to be back at Faraway Bay after the wet season. It's so amazing to be in this special place at this time of year, when everything is so green and lush. The camp's been open a month now and we're all settling in.

Already a lot has been happening. Bruce's long time mates Syd, Boney and Johnny have been not only stirring up the camp but the water as well!! Plenty of fish being caught, the highlight being the very large Fingermark off the point. As sweet as!