The Long Drive The Grotto to The Bungle Bungle’s

Oct 11

I lazed around at The Grotto until I thought I should be on my way. I dropped in at Kununurra to fill up with water and Diesel a little out of my way but then the garage was a really good one I could park up and sit in their shaded picnic area to go on to the internet. Time was passing by so on I went as I still had 300 Km to go before my night stop at  Bungle Bungle. There were many road improvements to the bridges along the way. The scenery was good, a rocky hill landscape although rather on the dry side.In places the dry grass had been burnt off and all you could see in some places was black stones and small trees making a comeback. I arrived at Turkey Creek for another fill up with Diesel I had to give them my driving license or credit card before I could top up.  Me being me, I gave them $50, I got a peculiar look and the pump stopped at $50 and that was that enough fuel for the time being. I parked up at Spring Creek opposite the entrance to the Purnululu N.P for the night a couple had just arrived back from their day trip from the Bungle Bungle and it took them 2hours to get in to the park with a good 4 wheel drive vehicle they left their caravan in the rest area hoping it would be there when they got back. In some places the road was rather rough by all accounts the woman said she did not think it worth while, particularly as it was So Hot and quite a lot of walking was required.

Oct 12

I was up really early to tackle the 50 km dirt track I started out all in good faith and reached a creek crossing about 10 km in and that took me 45 min at a speed of around 12 km

Entrance to the Bungle Bungle

River crossing on the way to the Bungle Bungle

I could have done it but then it would have taken me about 5hours to get in plus an entrance fee as well as two night’s camping fee’s on a rough dirt patch of ground. So I retreated in great disappointment. My breast were bouncing up and down from my thighs to my chin. I had to think of Plod he did not deserve all that bouncing around. I called in at the Helicopter base on the way out talked to a couple of guys, closed down for the season. Anyway a 10 min flight would have cost me $300. I decided to stop at Leycesters Rest-Ord River for breakfast a reasonable site only a few Km down the road I stayed the rest of the day. I met a really great Spanish couple and they invited me for dinner candles beer and wine we had a fantastic time talking about this and that, such generous people

Vicente andVillanheva

Oct 13

Up early again as it is the best time of day, I left by 5.30am. Stopped off at Halls Creek filled up with Diesel. I asked to fill up with water at the garage; sorry we have a water restriction in town, I would help if I can but I can’t, if you go to the information center they will let you have some. May I have some water please how much do you want just a can full, yes you can I was given the key to the water tap? I asked if there is a water restriction why is everyone watering the lawns, “OH” was the answer, we have to water the gardens. (it was grass) The scenery was fairly flat on the Northern Highway. I stopped at Mary Pool (Mary River) a rather good place to stop I cooked up some lunch and went on my way it was too early to stop for the night and more to the point too hot.

Northern Highway

Northern Highway

Mary Pool (Mary River)

I plodded along looking at the scenery with interest, it was flat and rocky.

Northern Highway

Northern Highway

Fitzroy Crossing on the Bridge

I arrived at Fitzroy Crossing and driving over the Fitzroy River one side we had Aboriginal people swimming and the other side was like a lake.

Fitzroy Crossing on the Bridge

I re-fueled and went to have a look at Gelikie Gorge a 22 km drive on a tarmac road. An hour boat trip down the Gorge was leaving at 3pm, a very fair price, so I opted to go, a bit late in the day as it is dark at 6pm and I had to get to my night place. I had a very relaxing boat trip, the talk was very interesting.

Gelikie Gorge boat trip

Gelike Gorge boat trip

 I decided to go to a RAAF Boab Quarry at Leopold Downs 11 km on a dirt road as my plan was to drive up to Windjana Gorge just off the Gibb River Road. Again the road was not in that good repair 15 to 20 km at the most, and Plod was complaining that his cupboards might become unhinged. My night stop felt a bit creepy at my arrival, but then I knew I would be fine. A large wonderful place to camp if you are with family or friends quite peaceful and interesting.

RAAF Boab Quarry night spot

RAAF Boab Quarry Night Spot