Vansittart Bay and Jar Island

What draws people to Vansittart Bay and Jar Island? Apart from the pristine white beaches, the glassy aqua waters and the jagged sandstones that teeter on the water’s edge? The discovery of rock paintings dating back 40,000 years, the grave of a DC3 WWII aircraft and shards of exotic, ethnic pottery…Vansittart Bay is surrounded by the glistening aqua waters of the Timor Sea. Picturesque as it is, it’s the cultural, historical and natural importance that is the big pull. It is an aboriginal site of traditional camping sites, home of a giant sea spirit who made the water salty for the other marine animals as well as a watering hole for the northern quoll and water goanna. The bay is also a haven for yachties, finding shelter from rough seas, and, because of its bounty of anthropological and historical wonders nearby, is a frequent stop-off for the Kimberley cruise ships touring the area. You will find the skeleton of a DC3 WWII aircraft on Vansittart Bay and this has become a very popular stop for most Kimberley cruises. During World War II, the plane was on its way from Perth but had to crash land onto the saltpan after it veered off course and ran out of fuel. It was on a mercy mission, evacuating four Dutch citizens from the island of Java and it was fortunate that all on board lived to tell the tale. They were later rescued by a Qantas Flying Boat, leaving behind the DC3 to its fate. It is a great place for photos and, because I know that no one died I really enjoy stopping in there when on a cruise.