Google search today says the Halls Creek caravan park is "permanently closed". There is mention of a change of ownership.
We were hoping to base ourselves there in August, while we went to the Purnululu national park as the Bungle Bungle caravan park is also permanently closed, and has been for some time.
The alternative is to base at Kununarra....four and a half hours away.
Also, the drive from Kununarra to Fitzroy Crossing is 647 kms...6hr 48 mins if you can't stay at Halls Creek.
We aren't set up for free camping.
Anyone got any information?
Collo.
Peter_n_Margaret said
07:50 PM Jan 14, 2025
I suggest that you need 3 days + to see Purnululu NP, so look for a new plan?
Maybe skip it until you are set up differently rather than spoil it completely?
Cheers,
Peter
Mein said
03:45 AM Jan 15, 2025
Give the Kimberley Hotel a ring. They'll know what's going on. (08) 9168 6101.
Collo said
08:26 AM Jan 15, 2025
Thanks Peter....we intend to stay two nights at the Savannah Lodge within the park.
Collo.
Bookleaf said
11:26 AM Jan 15, 2025
The following is from the lodge web site
"Access to the park by road is via Spring Creek Track, from the Great Northern Highway approximately 250km south of Kununurra, through Mabel Downs cattle station to the tracks end at the Purnululu National Park Visitor Centre. The track is 53 km long and is usable only in the dry season (about April 1 to December 31), and only by 4WD high clearance vehicles and off-road trailers. Safely navigating it takes approximately three hours. It is a scenic drive with lots of creek crossings and winding through the ranges. "
When they say "off-road trailer", they mean just that, a trailer. The track (and it IS a track), is not graded, EVER, and is BLO...DY rough. I would not take any van down there, even my off-road van, let alone the one shown in your ID photo. I took a bus/truck ride down this track some years ago when the park was open. NEVER would I take my MUX down there.
Their website lists the possibility of staying at a caravan park a few KM down the bitumen from the track turn-off. I stayed there some years ago and it seemed OK.
Maybe this is an option for you.
Collo said
11:44 AM Jan 15, 2025
TBookleaf wrote:
The following is from the lodge web site
"Access to the park by road is via Spring Creek Track, from the Great Northern Highway approximately 250km south of Kununurra, through Mabel Downs cattle station to the tracks end at the Purnululu National Park Visitor Centre. The track is 53 km long and is usable only in the dry season (about April 1 to December 31), and only by 4WD high clearance vehicles and off-road trailers. Safely navigating it takes approximately three hours. It is a scenic drive with lots of creek crossings and winding through the ranges. "
When they say "off-road trailer", they mean just that, a trailer. The track (and it IS a track), is not graded, EVER, and is BLO...DY rough. I would not take any van down there, even my off-road van, let alone the one shown in your ID photo. I took a bus/truck ride down this track some years ago when the park was open. NEVER would I take my MUX down there.
Their website lists the possibility of staying at a caravan park a few KM down the bitumen from the track turn-off. I stayed there some years ago and it seemed OK.
Maybe this is an option for you.
Thanks Bookleaf. Weren't intending to take our van to the lodge, rather leave it at the Halls Creek van park and drive back. Wether that is a safety concern, I'm not sure.
Collo.
Meredith said
01:30 PM Jan 15, 2025
Another choice is the Warnum Roadhouse caravan park which is about 200km past Kununurra, powered site and amenities, its a fairly basic roadhouse caravan park but I would be happier staying there than the Halls Creek caravan park even if it was open.
jade007 said
02:30 PM Jan 15, 2025
There is a spot called Carolines Pool east of Halls gap off the Duncan Road. Fabulous spot.....-18.226703°, 127.759543°.......https://www.google.com/search?q=caroline+pool+wa&rlz=1C1ONGR_en-GBAU1140AU1140&oq=caroline+pool+wa&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCDY5ODJqMGo3qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
-- Edited by jade007 on Wednesday 15th of January 2025 02:33:19 PM
Collo said
02:40 PM Jan 15, 2025
Meredith wrote:
Another choice is the Warnum Roadhouse caravan park which is about 200km past Kununurra, powered site and amenities, its a fairly basic roadhouse caravan park but I would be happier staying there than the Halls Creek caravan park even if it was open.
Thanks Meredith, that sounds like our best option. I called the local pub at Halls Creek, and they said one of the park owners died. They were unsure if it would reopen.
Peter_n_Margaret said
02:44 PM Jan 15, 2025
Bookleaf wrote:
When they say "off-road trailer", they mean just that, a trailer. The track (and it IS a track), is not graded, EVER, and is BLO...DY rough. I would not take any van down there, even my off-road van, let alone the one shown in your ID photo. I took a bus/truck ride down this track some years ago when the park was open. NEVER would I take my MUX down there.
All in the eye of the beholder. :)
Hundreds of vehicles go in there every year towing vans. The "rules" limit vans to single axle.
The key to driving in and out without damage is to drive at a speed appropriate to your vehicles and the road on the day. The same applies to every vehicle on every road, every day.
Cheers,
Peter
jontee said
04:54 PM Jan 16, 2025
At Halls Creek there was a caravan park at the rear of the PUB . Don't know if this is what you are referring to .
Jontee.
Greg 1 said
04:15 PM Jan 17, 2025
As stated by others, the road into the Bungles is extremely rough.
You would be very foolish to tow a van in there in my opinion.
Some of the creek crossings, whilst dry are quite steep and sharp and a big van may well get hooked up in those unless it had a lot of ground clearance.
There were some offroad camper trailers in there but that I think would be the limit.
The road is so rough that I was doing 20kph for much of it with the tyres let down.
It was rare to get up to 60kph. I watched my 2 way aerial unscrew itself which had never happened before or since.
You could get a 2 wheel drive in there provided it had the ground clearance but 52ks took us 2.5 hours each way.
At the interpretive ctr they sold a sticker which read " I survived the road into the Bungles" which I found amusing but highly appropriate.
Warren-Pat_01 said
05:49 PM Jan 21, 2025
I'm backing Greg.
We flew over the Bungles by helicopter about 8 years ago & it was truly amazing. Can't remember where departed from - might have been Victoria Creek. It was only a small place - the pilot was ready to fly, all we had to do was pay. However Pat decided that we should have a look at the Cathedral Cave & that meant driving in.
The road was one issue, the AAPT buses was another! They apparently own the "road" as they don't slow down for anyone. Meeting one in a dry rocky creek crossing with no spare room is not something you want to do for excitement! Well we walked into Cathedral Cave - in my way of thinking, the chopper ride was far better.
Peter_n_Margaret said
06:27 PM Jan 21, 2025
Cathedral Gorge (not cave) is just one of a dozen or more features worth seeing if you drive in. You can also do the chopper flight directly from Purnululu NP which means more time over the area instead of paying to fly to and from some distant take-off point.
Choose what suits you best, but you can not see most features from the air.
Cheers,
Peter
Gaylehere said
07:12 PM Jan 22, 2025
We were in that area 8 years ago as well. Our motorhome didn't like rough roads so I thought I wasn't going to see the Bungle Bungles. Anyways we arrived at Warnum Roadhouse and there were helicopter flights from there with HeliSpirit and we did the 45 minute fly over. One of the highlights of our WA trip. Enjoy your trip. Cheers.
Pradokakadudavid said
10:02 PM Jan 25, 2025
And I wonder why they are closed as no one is going there anymore!!!!!!
jacks said
10:15 PM Jan 25, 2025
You just have to look at who is managing these northern places.
The Belmont Bear said
02:16 PM Jan 27, 2025
We stayed there in 2023 there was an old gentleman running the park which was pretty run down. Most of the sites were over grown and it looked like the amentities block, BBQ area etc hadnt seen any maintenance for years. We had to drive around until we found a decent site which wasnt really that big a deal as there would have been lucky to have been 2 or 3 vans in the whole place. I follow a Utube channel called One Pack Wanderers when they got to Halls Creek last year they said that the caravan park was no longer open because the old guy who had run it had passed away. They ended up camping at a free camp out near the site of the original Halls Creek town maybe you could watch that epidsode to see what if anything was out there..We had an interesting night we walked to the pub for a meal which isn't that far from the CP getting there in the daylight was OK walking home after dark was a little more uncomfortable especially after one of the security people offered to escort us back. The pub is behind a high wire fence including the carpark area, security breath test everyone before they let you in. They told me that the owners had been forced to electrify the fences because of the number of break ins they had been getting ...
BB
-- Edited by The Belmont Bear on Monday 27th of January 2025 02:17:57 PM
2oldducks said
10:52 PM Mar 14, 2025
I spoke with the Kununurra visitor centre as we will be there at end of May. They told me that there may still be water in creeks with hidden boulders. They discouraged me from driving in as travelling with elderly mother and 2.5-3hr drive too rough. Based on their knowledge and the experience of other nomads, I definitely wouldn't risk the van. I was going to suggest Warum-Turkey Creek Roadhouse as an alternative and possibly safer option. Unfortunately, we have to stay in motel at Halls Creek. We will be doing flight over Bungle Bungles as mum cannot manage the walks. I have checked out flights and they either leave from Kununurra (majority I think) or Warmun. Kununurra flight goes over Ord River, Argyle mine then onto Bungle Bungles. There's an option to fly and walk in Cathedral Gorge and/or Emma, but it's not cheap if on a budget. The flight/helicopter combo is very expensive option. Hope this may help.
I also contacted Kimberly Hotel Halls Creek about safety issues. They said that while there have been safety issues in the past, it has improved recently over past couple of years and less car theft occurring.
I was hoping someone who has done the Helicopter ride could please tell me if it's way better than flying over as much better view as few hundred bucks more?
Kebbin said
10:07 AM Mar 15, 2025
If I were you and your user name suggests that two ladies mum and daughter travelling and staying in that area that you should ring and talk to a Policeman at Halls Creek Police Station (08) 9168 9777.
The areas you are talking about are out of control at times especially Vehicle theft and they are good at it. If they know (thieves) who owns the vehicle then it's gone because they know you won't be chasing them.
Just my two bobs worth.
Peter_n_Margaret said
10:40 AM Mar 15, 2025
2oldducks wrote:
I was hoping someone who has done the Helicopter ride could please tell me if it's way better than flying over as much better view as few hundred bucks more?
Much better because it is lower and slower.
Chopper pics from 1999.
We were in a Kawasaki Bell with the doors removed.
Cheers,
Peter
-- Edited by Peter_n_Margaret on Saturday 15th of March 2025 10:40:56 AM
I was hoping someone who has done the Helicopter ride could please tell me if it's way better than flying over as much better view as few hundred bucks more?
Much better because it is lower and slower.
Chopper pics from 1999.
We were in a Kawasaki Bell with the doors removed.
Cheers,
Peter
-- Edited by Peter_n_Margaret on Saturday 15th of March 2025 10:40:56 AM
Looks fabulous - thank you
2oldducks said
02:28 AM Mar 16, 2025
Kebbin wrote:
If I were you and your user name suggests that two ladies mum and daughter travelling and staying in that area that you should ring and talk to a Policeman at Halls Creek Police Station (08) 9168 9777. The areas you are talking about are out of control at times especially Vehicle theft and they are good at it. If they know (thieves) who owns the vehicle then it's gone because they know you won't be chasing them.
Just my two bobs worth.
hahaha I'm in sprint training now... great advice, I was a bit worried we would be sitting ducks as we will probably stand out once in town. I'll give the Policeman a call. We are a little up the creek without a paddle, as cannot free camp and 9-10hrs to Derby is too long. Bungle Bungles accommodation is very expensive and still have 2-3hr drive in and then long haul to Derby or Broome.
Google search today says the Halls Creek caravan park is "permanently closed". There is mention of a change of ownership.
We were hoping to base ourselves there in August, while we went to the Purnululu national park as the Bungle Bungle caravan park is also permanently closed, and has been for some time.
The alternative is to base at Kununarra....four and a half hours away.
Also, the drive from Kununarra to Fitzroy Crossing is 647 kms...6hr 48 mins if you can't stay at Halls Creek.
We aren't set up for free camping.
Anyone got any information?
Collo.
Maybe skip it until you are set up differently rather than spoil it completely?
Cheers,
Peter
Give the Kimberley Hotel a ring. They'll know what's going on. (08) 9168 6101.
Thanks Peter....we intend to stay two nights at the Savannah Lodge within the park.
Collo.
"Access to the park by road is via Spring Creek Track, from the Great Northern Highway approximately 250km south of Kununurra, through Mabel Downs cattle station to the tracks end at the Purnululu National Park Visitor Centre. The track is 53 km long and is usable only in the dry season (about April 1 to December 31), and only by 4WD high clearance vehicles and off-road trailers. Safely navigating it takes approximately three hours. It is a scenic drive with lots of creek crossings and winding through the ranges. "
When they say "off-road trailer", they mean just that, a trailer. The track (and it IS a track), is not graded, EVER, and is BLO...DY rough. I would not take any van down there, even my off-road van, let alone the one shown in your ID photo. I took a bus/truck ride down this track some years ago when the park was open. NEVER would I take my MUX down there.
Their website lists the possibility of staying at a caravan park a few KM down the bitumen from the track turn-off. I stayed there some years ago and it seemed OK.
Maybe this is an option for you.
Thanks Bookleaf. Weren't intending to take our van to the lodge, rather leave it at the Halls Creek van park and drive back. Wether that is a safety concern, I'm not sure.
Collo.
There is a spot called Carolines Pool east of Halls gap off the Duncan Road. Fabulous spot.....-18.226703°, 127.759543°.......https://www.google.com/search?q=caroline+pool+wa&rlz=1C1ONGR_en-GBAU1140AU1140&oq=caroline+pool+wa&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCDY5ODJqMGo3qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
-- Edited by jade007 on Wednesday 15th of January 2025 02:33:19 PM
Thanks Meredith, that sounds like our best option. I called the local pub at Halls Creek, and they said one of the park owners died. They were unsure if it would reopen.
All in the eye of the beholder. :)
Hundreds of vehicles go in there every year towing vans. The "rules" limit vans to single axle.
The key to driving in and out without damage is to drive at a speed appropriate to your vehicles and the road on the day. The same applies to every vehicle on every road, every day.
Cheers,
Peter
We flew over the Bungles by helicopter about 8 years ago & it was truly amazing. Can't remember where departed from - might have been Victoria Creek. It was only a small place - the pilot was ready to fly, all we had to do was pay. However Pat decided that we should have a look at the Cathedral Cave & that meant driving in.
The road was one issue, the AAPT buses was another! They apparently own the "road" as they don't slow down for anyone. Meeting one in a dry rocky creek crossing with no spare room is not something you want to do for excitement! Well we walked into Cathedral Cave - in my way of thinking, the chopper ride was far better.
Choose what suits you best, but you can not see most features from the air.
Cheers,
Peter
And I wonder why they are closed as no one is going there anymore!!!!!!
You just have to look at who is managing these northern places.
We stayed there in 2023 there was an old gentleman running the park which was pretty run down. Most of the sites were over grown and it looked like the amentities block, BBQ area etc hadnt seen any maintenance for years. We had to drive around until we found a decent site which wasnt really that big a deal as there would have been lucky to have been 2 or 3 vans in the whole place. I follow a Utube channel called One Pack Wanderers when they got to Halls Creek last year they said that the caravan park was no longer open because the old guy who had run it had passed away. They ended up camping at a free camp out near the site of the original Halls Creek town maybe you could watch that epidsode to see what if anything was out there..We had an interesting night we walked to the pub for a meal which isn't that far from the CP getting there in the daylight was OK walking home after dark was a little more uncomfortable especially after one of the security people offered to escort us back. The pub is behind a high wire fence including the carpark area, security breath test everyone before they let you in. They told me that the owners had been forced to electrify the fences because of the number of break ins they had been getting ...
BB
-- Edited by The Belmont Bear on Monday 27th of January 2025 02:17:57 PM
I spoke with the Kununurra visitor centre as we will be there at end of May. They told me that there may still be water in creeks with hidden boulders. They discouraged me from driving in as travelling with elderly mother and 2.5-3hr drive too rough. Based on their knowledge and the experience of other nomads, I definitely wouldn't risk the van. I was going to suggest Warum-Turkey Creek Roadhouse as an alternative and possibly safer option. Unfortunately, we have to stay in motel at Halls Creek. We will be doing flight over Bungle Bungles as mum cannot manage the walks. I have checked out flights and they either leave from Kununurra (majority I think) or Warmun. Kununurra flight goes over Ord River, Argyle mine then onto Bungle Bungles. There's an option to fly and walk in Cathedral Gorge and/or Emma, but it's not cheap if on a budget. The flight/helicopter combo is very expensive option. Hope this may help.
I also contacted Kimberly Hotel Halls Creek about safety issues. They said that while there have been safety issues in the past, it has improved recently over past couple of years and less car theft occurring.
I was hoping someone who has done the Helicopter ride could please tell me if it's way better than flying over as much better view as few hundred bucks more?
The areas you are talking about are out of control at times especially Vehicle theft and they are good at it. If they know (thieves) who owns the vehicle then it's gone because they know you won't be chasing them.
Just my two bobs worth.
Much better because it is lower and slower.
Chopper pics from 1999.
We were in a Kawasaki Bell with the doors removed.
Cheers,
Peter
-- Edited by Peter_n_Margaret on Saturday 15th of March 2025 10:40:56 AM
Looks fabulous - thank you
hahaha I'm in sprint training now... great advice, I was a bit worried we would be sitting ducks as we will probably stand out once in town. I'll give the Policeman a call. We are a little up the creek without a paddle, as cannot free camp and 9-10hrs to Derby is too long. Bungle Bungles accommodation is very expensive and still have 2-3hr drive in and then long haul to Derby or Broome.