Gibb River Road, Kimberley – Wednesday 11th July, 2012
We were both up early this morning after a couple of pleasant days in and around Kununurra staying at the Kimberley Hotel in the centre of town. I know it’s a camping holiday, but a little luxury never hurt anyone. The highlight at most of the hotels we stayed at was a good hot shower!
After hooking-up the trailer to the Toyota and doing a few last minute vehicle checks, it was straight over to the bakery to purchase a few delights and then head down to Lake Kununurra and sit on the shore to feed our faces….and of course admiring the wildlife and views.
Leaving Kununurra, we headed west on the Great Northern Hwy to the Gibb River Road Turn-off to make our way eventually to Broome. The Gibb River Road is a real shocker in places and this in part is due to the amount of traffic using the dirt road at the moment. After all it is the tourist season and there are visitors from all over spending time in the Kimberley region. We finished the day with around 350km covered and made camp just south-west of the Hann River crossing.
Hann River Crossing, Gibb River Road, WA
Gibb River Road to Talbot Ranges, Tablelands Track – Thursday 12th July 2012
The original plan was to travel the length of the Gibb River Road, though having done the run a few times over the past few years and the amount of traffic currently using the road; we decided to take a detour via the Mornington Road and Tablelands Track.
We called in at the Mt Barnett Roadhouse for a coffee and a bit of a chat with the locals and then had calls at Calvins and Adcock Gorges along the way. Both are beautiful spots and worth a visit.
Can you find the dog in this pic?, Mt Barnett Roadhouse, Gibb River Rd, WA
Mt Barnett Roadhouse, Gibb River Road, Kimberley, WA
At the turn-off to Mt House Station we took the Mornington Road south and then onto the Tablelands track, making camp at the foot of the Talbot Ranges.
Camped near Tablelands Track,Talbots Range, Kimberley, WA
Tableland Track to Windjana Gorge – Friday 13th to Sunday 15th July 2012
We spent a couple of leisurely days making our way via Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing to Windjana Gorge. Windjana has always been one of our favourite stops in the Kimberley and has such mystical feel about the place.
Windjana Gorge, Kimberley, WA
Windjana Gorge, Kimberley, WA
Julie at Windjana Gorge, Kimberley, WA
Julie with new found friends (Freshwater Johnstone Crocs), Windjana Gorge, Kimberley, WA
Having had morning tea at Windjana, it was time to move onto Broome. We arrived at around 2.00pm and checked into the Mecure-Continental for the second stay of our trip. After unhooking the trailer and hitting the showers, we walked into Broome’s China Town for a Chinese meal. As per usual the King prawns and other associated seafood was up to the Kimberley standard…we both waddled back to the hotel feeling sorry for ourselves having eaten too much.
Please remember to have a look at our photographs page as there are a few more pics to see. Keep safe and stay tuned for the next update in a few days’ time
Greg and Julie
x
Hey Grego
Just back from holiday and catching up with the blogs. Looks like you are having a great time. It monsoon weather back here so I suggest you stay put for as long as poss. Will have a glass of Chateaux Staines (on Thames) red and toast your good health. Keep smiling. Dave
Hey Dave, We still have a couple of weeks before arriving back in Perth and then a few days with the family before heading back to the UK. Hopefully things will have improved by then or I’ll bring back a few warm rays with me…….ever the optimist, there will be sunny days ahead
Cheers Greg
Don’t be so pessimistic! It’s supposed to be up to 32C by next week