We have unfortunately been held up on our trip around Australia. We were intending going around from here in Roma, Qld, months ago, along the Gibb River Road, down the WA coast then back through the southern states to Qld.
I have been told that a lot of places on the Gibb River Road close down in October for the wet season. Is this correct? We have experienced places closed up north in December but we are leaving for our trip around towards the end of September. Can anyone shed any light on this?
Yes, many will close down by October, as the build up to the wet season and the accompanying heat and humidity mean very few tourists and the chance of rain cutting off all access. Home Valley Station will close on 10 October, El Questro 21 October, I would imagine most other places will close around the same time if not sooner.
We have been along the Gibb River Road in late September, it was very hot, 40 plus for a couple of days. There weren't a lot of tourists which was a plus, but also most places were very dry, many waterfalls had stopped for the season and swimming holes were low on water. The average daily maximum in Wyndham near the start of the Gibb River Road in October is 38.9, combine that with increasingly high humidity and its not going to be very pleasant there, and thats only the average, it could be considerably hotter, and some years there have been early heavy rains in October which could cut the road.
Given that we are now into the hot months that precede the wet season build up across northern Australia, I would suggest a rethink of your plans.
From September on, it is uncomfortably hot in parts north, and - depending on the year - can get very humid too.
Forget the Gibb - hot, dry, dusty, road corrugated at end of season.
You do not say how long you have, but I would suggest that you now head south - along the coast, you will get in ahead of the summer holiday crowds. Visit places like high country, Flinders Ranges, SA Peninsulas. Head across the Nullarbor about Feb (or before Xmas). Spend time in southern WA until it starts to turn wet and cold, then make your way north.
Or you could see out summer in parts south before heading up the centre to reach the Top End around May - it is lovely then. After that head across to WA and work way across and south.
