Wooramel to Windjana

Wooramel River Retreat

Wooramel River Retreat is 775 kilometres north of Perth on Wooramel Station.

The Retreat, on the northern bank of the dry Wooramel River, is a very popular spot. Our particular spot, under a red river gum, was also the home for a number of pink and grey galahs that protested loudly at our invasion of their territory.

: The popular Wooramal River Retreat is on the northern bank of the ephemeral river.

It was surprisingly cold, however, we had a good fire.

Wooramel to Gascoyne Junction

As I drove out to the Highway the next morning I counted 80 vehicles camped at the River Retreat.

Twenty six kilometres north of Wooramel, we turned off the North West Coastal Highway onto the Alternative Route to Gascoyne Junction. It is a big, wide, open road with lots of bends and numerous grids. The ‘Alternative’ refers to not having to go to Carnarvon – a saving of 94 kilometres.

: The first fine of the trip.

Kennedy Ranges

After refuelling at Gascoyne Junction mid-morning we drove over the relatively new (2017) Killili Bridge and headed north along Ullawarra Road to the Kennedy Range gorges.

: The Gascoyne River at the Gascoyne Junction crossing.

There was time to visit only Honeycomb Gorge. A visit to Draper and Temple Gorges would have to wait.

: The approach to Drapers, Honeycomb and Temple Gorges on the eastern side of the Kennedy Ranges.

: Entrance to Honeycomb Gorge.

: At Honeycomb Gorge.

: Sue and Margot at Honeycomb Gorge.

: At Honeycomb Gorge.

: Easy to see how Honeycomb Gorge got its name.

: Eroded battlement on the eastern side of the Kennedy Ranges.

After leaving the gorges it was becoming clear that it would be difficult to make Millstream by dark. Our overnight stop would be somewhere near Nanutarra without actually stopping at that overpriced, sorry excuse for a roadhouse. I had planned our fuel stops to avoid purchasing any outrageously expensive fuel at that rip off location. However, the way events were developing that trap-for-the-unwary-traveller was looming as the most likely destination. A beautiful spot ruined by avarice.

We still had a long way to go through unknown country, including the Moogooree Track.

: Wooramel to Cave Creek via Gascoyne Junction, Mt Sandiman and Lyndon.

Moogooree Track

We stopped to chat briefly with the people at Mt Sandiman before tackling the Moogooree Track. Interesting without being too challenging.

: The ‘no nonsense’ warning sign at Mt Sandiman station. The target audience here is those attempting to cross the Kennedy Range but the warnings and recommendations apply equally well to the Moogooree Track.

From Moogooree through to Williambury and onto Lyndon the track improved greatly. The Towera Road out to the North West Coastal Highway is a beautiful, high speed drive – wide, open and soft. The sun was low in the sky as we approached the bitumen but we were making good time. Then Jeff announced over the radio that he had a flat.

Cave Creek

Eventually we got onto the Highway and headed north east to —– somewhere to be decided. As we crossed Cave Creek, about 40 kilometres short of Nanutarra, I decided that the track off to the left would take us to a suitable campsite. Just big enough for four vehicles – our home for the night among some snappy gums.

Cave Creek to Port Smith

Knowing that today would be a ‘big day’ to get to Port Smith (1000 km) so we would be back on schedule – we had to meet Helen and Scott and Nick, and Carrie at Port Smith and Sandy at Windjana – we were up and away early.

: Cave Creek to Port Smith along North West Coastal Highway and Great Northern Highway.

Refuelled at Port Hedland. Drive, drive, drive.

: Waiting for an ore train when leaving Hedland.

Port Smith Caravan Park is 20 kilometres in from North West Coastal Highway on a red dirt road. It was dark by the time we arrived. We caught up with Nick and Carrie, and Scott and Helen who had arrived earlier.

Port Smith to Derby

Next morning we checked out the tidal flats before heading off towards Derby.

The drive to the Kimberley was deliberately planned to be fast paced. While one could spend a lifetime sightseeing the Pilbara and Gascoyne, our aim on this trip was to spend time in the Kimberley savannah and therefore we had little time for more than a cursory look at features south of our main destination.

One item that piqued my curiosity was the line of concrete bases that could be seen to the left of the highway as we drove across the Roebuck Plains. I found a safe spot to pull over.

: When the telegraph line was the only means of telecommunications with the outside world it was vital to keep it operating. To prevent the telegraph poles from rotting in the frequently flooded Roebuck Plains they were mounted between two sections of railway set in concrete.

Not intending to go into Broome, we refuelled at Roebuck Plains Roadhouse.

Highway 1 to Willare is in disgraceful condition. Long overdue roadworks are being carried out but it will be some time before the strip of bitumen is deserving of the title ‘Australia’s National Highway’.

: Port Smith to Windjana along Great Northern Highway, Derby Highway and the Gibb River Road.

Derby

Before heading out along the Gibb River Road to Windjana it was time to visit Derby.

While refuelling I had a long talk with a researcher from Murdoch University who was part of a team studying sawfish in the Fitzroy River. Acoustic tags have been placed on sawfish and listening stations that monitor these tags have been attached to moorings throughout the river. More about this fascinating Project here.

: Derby has some of the highest tides in the world. The pier is under repair.

: This hollow, ancient boab tree was used by the Police as an overnight holding cell.

: This and many other signs are at the start of the Gibb River Road, Derby.

: Advisory sign at the Derby end of the Gibb River Road.

Windjana

On arrival at Windjana it was a toss up whether to walk the Gorge or drive to Tunnel Creek. There being just enough daylight left in the day, Tunnel Creek won out. I decided to stay in camp and while relaxing under some shade I noticed a vehicle being driven around the campground, as if the driver was looking for someone. Shortly after there was a call over the UHF for Micaela and Jeff. I answered it. It was Sandy. She had just arrived from Broome and been driving around looking for our camp.

: Walking through Tunnel Creek.

The ‘tourists’ were late in getting back to camp. It was quite a cool night at Windjana. Especially for Greg.

Gibb River Road-Mitchell Plateau

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