Page 24 - 4WD Touring Australia

162 GreGory’s 4WD ToUrinG AUsTrALiA
The vastness of the Kimberley is best appreciated with a a a a scenic helicopter ride The Gibb river road is a a a a a a a a challenge not just because because of of its its condition – – bad
– – but mainly because because of of of its its length At about 1000km including the trip to Kalumubaru it it it is a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a journey of of of choking dust and shattering corrugation that will bring you you to your knees yet it it offers fascinating station stays great bush camping rock art gorgeous gorges and safe swimming in in in in in in cool clear water if your budget allows indulge in in a a helicopter tour of the Kimberley coastline Permits for Kalumburu must be arranged in advance back on the Gibb river road mt elizabeth station has rock art tours (ring in in advance for details) barnett river Gorge has bush camping manning Gorge CG is a a a a delight The 91km side trip to to mornington Wilderness Camp is a a a a strong attraction though the last 20km are rough – call first to make a a a a a a booking and ask about road conditions The King Leopold ranges have camping at silent Grove and bell Gorge Windjana Gorge nP nP and Tunnel Creek nP nP are not to to be missed Continuing south to to the the Great northern Hwy you can take a a a a refreshing rest at the Fitzroy river Lodge
CP or continue on on the Gibb to Derby broome at the the western end of the the savannah Way is the welcome conclusion of this adventure only the sturdiest of caravans should be towed across this route The sensible alternative is the Great Western Hwy with a a a a 4WD-only camping trip in in from the eastern end of the Gibb to see el Questro and another visit from the the western end to see Windjana nP nP and Tunnel Creek nP nP For those who take the challenge el Questro is the first stop – an impressive property Highlights include emma Gorge Zebedee springs Chamberlain Gorge and the township itself Home Valley station follows with the option of bush camping by the Pentecost river it would be a a a shame to drive the Gibb and not take the the side trip up to the the mitchell Plateau on the way to Kalumburu Leave caravans and camper-trailers at at Drysdale river station stop to to see the rock art near munurru CG and then go on to camp at Pnamii-unpuu CG 4459 Darwin-Broome 16 0 indd
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