My brother and I are putting final plans to our first Gibb river road trip starting from Brisbane via Mt Isa, Alice and Darwin, then to Broome via Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing.
On leaving Broome (around mid May), we head for the Gibb River road with many stop-overs as far as Mount Barnett Roadhouse at this stage.
Thanks to the many comments and pics found in GNF and Google maps with pics, this leg is the most inviting.
However, there doesnt seem to be a lot of jump out at me places from the roadhouse to El Questro. Am I wrong? Any comments welcome.
The road cuts through King Leopold Range, Philips Range, Barnett Range, Gibb Range, Mosquito Hills, Pentecost Range and ****burn Range.
Wildlife concentrates around the densely vegetated waterholes, creeks and many gorges. See prolific birdlife, unique flora and the many families of boab trees. Widjana gorge is fantastic allow at least a full day.
However you do the Gibb River Rd, it's an Outback 4WD adventure never to be forgotten.
Mount Elizabeth station might interest you - check them out. Friends of ours worked part of a season out in their remote bush camp - Bachsten Camp - and I recollect the station did offer some tours to travellers. Not sure of the current situation.
Apart from that, there isn't a stand out place until you get to Home Valley, which should not be missed. Camp at their "bush" camp at the Pentecost River (up high enough above the river level to be safe!) - just the best vistas of the ****burn Range, especially at dusk. At low tide you can watch the big crocs sunning themselves on the mud flats below. I don't know what station tracks and sights might be accessible now.
Are you intending to go north from the Gibb to Kalumburu or the Mitchell Plateau?
Op has made a very interesting observation in his planning. Funnily enough after 9 years running the Roadhouse at Mt Barnett the same coments came from probably 75% of our customers......believe me that was a lot of customers.
However what you choose to stop and see will still be impressive ..... Yes Home Valley would be a better option at the top end and if you love scones Ellenbrae Station is a nice quiet stopover....
Enjoy your trip
__________________
I Remember It ...............All Too Well
Wherever the four winds blow. I'm restless, I'm ready
Mount Elizabeth station might interest you - check them out. Friends of ours worked part of a season out in their remote bush camp - Bachsten Camp - and I recollect the station did offer some tours to travellers. Not sure of the current situation.
I am not sure of the current situation either, but Bachsten Camp was owned by Rick and Ann Jane. They are very special people.
Peter Lacy and his wife Pat own Mt Elizabeth Station and Ann is Peter's sister.
Last I heard though, the station was on the market and I am unsure if it has sold or not.
There is a great deal of stunning Goin Goin and Wandjina art on the property and the drive to the camp and Walcott Inlet goes through some fascinating country. Not caravan territory though.
Cheers,
Peter
-- Edited by Peter_n_Margaret on Thursday 11th of February 2016 11:57:23 PM
We are leaving Perth having spent 3months on the coast roads and National parks travelling from Adelaide. In May we will be on the Gibb River Road . Look for a Spinifex & a Kokoda regards Ron & Barb