Blogs from Kimberley, Western Australia, Australia, Oceania - page 2

Wolfe Creek Crater National Park - Fitzroy Crossing - Geikie Gorge National Park - Tunnel Creek - Windjana Gorge - Derby From Wolfe Creek Crater we backtracked to Halls Creek to top up with fuel before continuing on to Fitzroy Crossing. Along the Tanami Road there are wrecks of a few cars that didn't make it and Kevin thought he may be able to scrounge a bolt for the camper - he got two. Fitzroy Crossing is a strange place, but it is also the best place to be based for a visit to Geikie Gorge. We have stayed here before so were aware of the local issues, but were warned when we checked into the caravan park to lock up our valuables - and especially any alcohol. We stayed for two nights to allow us ... read more

DAY FOUR Today we made our way back to the Gibb River Road before stopping at Galvans Gorge. We had a lovey swim there. We then continued past Mount Barnett and on to the Kalamburu Road where we headed north. Later that afternoon we arrive at Drysdale River Station, which runs 9000 head of cattle across more than 1 million acres. We had a lovely lunch and then checked into our motel style cabins for the night. The telephone box was fashioned out of an upright freezer. Oyster Bay is $30 per bottle from the bar. Cheaper than restaurants in the city. DAY FIVE Our breakfast this morning was the best so far. We left at 7:45 and continued on the Kalumburu Road before turning off to the Mitchell Plateau. After crossing the King Edward River ... read more

With nearly eight weeks on the road, our trip is half way through and so much more to see. Having said good bye to El Questro our next stop was Kununurra. However, a short detour north to see Wyndam was a must. How sad and tired it looked. Even the pub has gone into receivership and there is little activity except at the port. Such a shame as there is much history attached to Whyndam and hopefully it will not end up a ghost town. We did have a taste of a Barra burger which was just delicious and so our trip to Whyndam was not in vein. Kununurra Having left Whyndam and feeling a little dismayed we continued on to Kununurra. What a beautiful town. Lush, tropical and green. This of course is due to ... read more

Having now travelled most of the world, I thought it was time to visit one of the iconic regions in my own backyard that has so far eluded me, the Kimberley region of northern West Australia. While independent travel is normally our strong preference, Joan and I opted to join a tour group due a) the requirement for a 4WD vehicle and b) the hassle of trying to line up scarce accommodation at different stops each night. So we joined up with a 9 day APT tour, called 'El Questro, Gorges & Purnululu'. As it turned out, it was a good call - the tour comprised 18 pax, all of similar age to ourselves, with no whingers, no loudmouths (except me!) and a good compatability between all. Further, the bus was comfortable, the accommodation and food ... read more

Warmun isn't easy to find on a map, but you may know it by the name Turkey Creek. Warmun is of course the Gija Aboriginal Community, north east of Halls Creek. The journey north from Fitzroy crossing was most interesting. The landscape changed continuously, moving from the vast plains to rugged rolling rocky hills and ranges. There are also many reminders of the hazards of the outback with evidence of floods ripping up flood ways, bush/grass fires, and in fact we drove past some that were still burning, fortunately some distance from the road. Its years since we have driven a main highway with so many one way bridges, and most crossed dry sandy river beds. However, in the wet season these same rivers can carry huge water flows. We noted a lot of work has ... read more