Our new WILLOW BOAB 20' 6" Family Van

The exciting day had come. :)

After a month and a bit of delays due to COVID, we're up 4:30am this morning to head to Perth to meet Michael from CAMERON Caravans who was delivering our new Van. After seeing the features and the layout on #Trip in A Van we had found what we were looking for in a van, something compact enough to get into those secluded camp sites yet big enough to fit our family of 5 in. The #WILLOW BOAB ticked all those boxes.

Now to get ready for the first shake down trip.

Sold

Today is a sad day for us as a travelling Family. We have made the not so easy decision to sell our beloved Camprite TX6 after nearly 5 years travelling across W.A. We have explored all sorts of bloody beautiful spots and created so many memories with this trailer along the way. This W.A made off-road Camper Trailer has done every thing we had asked of it and more.

Im sure it will serve the new owners well as it has done our family.

New additions & New camping gear  - Exciting things to come .....

Safe Travels

BOWEN05

Gibb River Road 2018

The Gibb River Road,
Renowned as one of Australia's toughest roads and one that's shouldn't be missed. Weeks leading up to this day there were many late nights spent in the shed getting our set up ready for this remote trip. Fitting our new canopy, solar and battery, switch panel, draw system, freezer and drop slide, the service and so on. I think we're ready.
Day one of our 5 week trip.
We set off heading East from Geraldton again as there would be less traffic this way and we enjoyed this route last year when we did our Karijini trip and this would allow us to stop in and explore some interesting places on our way up to Derby where we would be starting our GRR trip.

We made it a little further on the first day than we had planned but we knew the first two days were going to be very big days on the road and we found this great little road side camp approx 73 kms NNE from Meekatharra.

After an average nights sleep (first few are always unsettled) we were up early, brekky and on the road towards Newman. After a quick stop over in Newman at the local hardware shop and Woolies we turned onto the Marble Bar road and what turned out to be quite relaxing drive. We pulled into Marble Bar late in the arvo so after brief tour around town we turned back onto a gravel road towards a secret WWII Air base called Corunna Downs Air Field, a place I had heard very little about until researching it and discovered this is a part of W.A's history that I thought we just had to experience.. Nothing like flying (pardon the pun) down a dusty runway just on dark trying to find a campsite before the sun totally disappeared.

Old Hospital

Run way

The next morning we're up early again as not to waste an opportunity like this we took off following the tracks in and around the whole base stopping at some of the old ruins to explore, ponder what it would of been like back in the day and snapping some photos. There is not much left unfortunately but there is a good map showing where things were and this gives you your bearings to explore from. Heading back towards Marble Bar for a look around the "Hottest Town In Australia” there are some great old buildings that house the tourist centre and the local law enforcement. The zebra rock was on our itinerary but after a short walk we all decided that pluggers weren't the right footwear to be hiking through the bush and we will have to come back another time ..

Back on the road again heading out of town and it's not long before we're off the blacktop and back on the dirt 😃 heading for an old mining town of Shay Gap. This is another great drive and you see some awesome country. We briefly stopped at the old town site but there is literaly nothing left but the cleared ground that is slowly being reclaimed by nature. So continuing North we are now on the Bore Line road. Suprisingly we saw a few work vehicles travelling on the road but other than that we were the only ones on it .. Bloody awesome.
We pulled up just before we hit the Great Northern Hwy again and added some air to the tyres as we're back on the black top and our destination was Eightymile beach caravan park for the night. But those that  travel will know plans change.. we called in, drove around but it was still very early in the afternoon so we decided to continue onto Broome. Turned out it was a bit longer of a drive than I thought and we didn't get into Broome till around 7:00pm that night.

our Broome camp

Our home for the next few nights. Cable Beach Caravan park -a Big park, friendly staff and very accommodating, clean amenities, great camp kitchen.
Lots to do while in Broome but our time was limited and we’ll be back one day.
Malcolm Douglas Crocodile park - awesome and great experience, Broome Museum - loved it so much history, Drove on Cable beach and dipped our toes in the water, self guided walking tour around the town including Streeters jetty. While in the luxury of the caravan park I also replaced a dead A/C fan motor in the Navara as we weren't about to tackle the GRR with out one. Part of the reason our plans changed. All rested up and relaxed, fridges and pantry restocked and ready for the most epic trip yet. The iconic Gibb River Road.

Streeters Jetty

Not the real one but hey !

our Broome Sunset 

We enjoyed out time here and will be back one day. From Broome its a short burst on the blacktop to Derby a place we didn't have time check out this time around but definitely a place we need to come back to (need to witness the worlds largest tides and local history) but this time its just to top the tank up with diesel and fill the 2 jerry cans  and grab some cash for GRR and check out the massive BOAB tree.

We were heading west to east or south to north and first impressions after about 30mins on the dirt was this isn't too bad, as luck would have it we followed the graders along a lot of the Gibb. Our first nights camp was Windjana Gorge campground. Fantastic campground, firepits, flushing toilets and limited hot showers and lots of space.

The gorge itself is a relativly easy walk and has some great shaded parts. We saw our first wild freshwater crocodiles on this walk and a very busy bower bird collecting items for his display and a Wallaby that we nearly ran into on the track. The rock formation is pretty spectacular on sunset ..

The next day we left our Camprite TX6 at Windjana and headed up the road to Tunnel Creek for the day. The kids were super excited about this one and we had heard there were three Freshies in the creek inside the tunnel. We all had our headlamps with fresh batteries and a new torch for back up as we had been advised it was a necessity. The walk involved some wadding through creek crossings one we had to help Christopher through as it was a little deep for him to wade.
This is a special place and holds some significance to the early custodians of this land and it truely is a stunning part of this area. No we weren't aloud to catch the Cherabin in the creek 😞

Windjana Campground

end of the line at Windjana

at the other end

funny buggers

The next morning we rose early, made lunch for the day had brekky and packed up camp to get on the road early. This was something we had tried to endeavour to do, to see as much as possible on this trip with limited time up our sleeves.
The relativly short travel day saw us carry out our first few decent river crossings, two were up past the side steps on our Navara but it was great fun for the boys n me. We arrived at Silent Grove Campground around lunch time and the camp ground was nearly empty so we had the pick of the sites and chose to set up camp right next to an iconic Boab tree. Good facilities with flushing toilets and limited hot showers
After setting up camp and having lunch we were off to Bell Gorge a short drive and a bit of a walk, for an afternoon swim and to relax by the waterfall. The walk was a bit tricky as the track was rocky and sometimes unstable but very doable if you take your time ..  something our boys didn't understand, too excited i think !
The water was very fresh at the bottom of the waterfall but worth the trip. I swam for a bit but it was to cold for the others 🥶 .. there were plenty of other people there enjoying the swim.
The afternoon was spent looking around the natural spring at the campsite and enjoying a few drinks watching the sunset on the boab trees in our camp " Kimberly time "

Up early again, pack up and back across the creek crossings rejoining the Gibb River road. We weren't pushing ourselves too hard as the GRR is a harsh environment and demands great attention while driving it. We did want to maximise our time here though and this is some awesome country to travel through. A little hidden oasis is Galvins George approx 13 km south of Mt Barnett Roadhouse. We decided to pull in here for a short break from driving and it was absolutely beautiful spot. Pity it was a little chilly for us to swim that morning. My advice leave it till later on in the day and go for a swim here.

Next stop, Mt Barnett roadhouse it's the booking point for the Manning Gorge campground which would be our home for the next few nights. So after paying camping fees grabbing a few things from the shop (yep ice-creams) and topping up with diesel we took the short drive to the camp ground.
A big campground with plenty of space and some good facilities including hot showers at the entrance .  We chose a great little camp site some distance from the toilets and showers but it didn't fuss us at all, however we did see lots of others driving to n from. After setting up camp we headed for a swim at the water hole right in front of the camp ground. We would end up spending a fair amount of time down here its an awesome spot. The next morning we made a relatively early start on the track to Manning Gorge, I'm not sure I can describe this and give you an accurate picture of the beauty of this place but it will be embedded in all our memories for ever. Waterfalls, Swimming, sun bathing, relaxing, rugged beauty, wildlife.

That night we sat around the campfire enjoying a few beverages and talking about out trip so far and all the fantastic spots we had experienced and chowing down of a campfire hot pot. “ Kimberly Time 

"

Mt Barnett Road house

Manning gorge camp 

Jump DAD

After a few nights we packed up the Camprite TX6 coupled it back to the Navara made sure the camp site was clean, it's getting quicker and easier to set up and pack up now as every one knows what needs to be done and every one chips in to help out. Our journey today was to head to Drysdale river homestead. This is not on the Gibb River Road but it's on the Kalamburu Road and our destination was Mitchell Falls.
Some great rivers crossed and we arrived at Drysdale River Homestead around lunch time again. After paying for our campsite, setting up our Camprite Tx6 it was decided that we should have lunch in the shaded gardens at the licensed bar and yes of course wet the whistle and tackle one of there legendary “Kimberly Beef Burgers” YUM !

Haircut for DAD  

The next Day was going to be a big day driving, we were going to tackle to Mitchell Falls road with out Camprite TX6 off road camper in tow. So after fuelling our recently added ARB long rang tank to the brim @ $2.05 L for diesel we were off. Now the road so far was nothing we hadn't encountered before but this next 20km of the Kalambura road heading West was in my opinion the worst corrugated bit of gravel we have ever driven (to date) and what they say about lowering your tyre pressures is all true. If it were not for us having the correct tyre pressures I think it would off rattled everything to pieces. We soon came across a grader and the road improved till we turned onto the Mitchell Falls road. That was also pretty bad but drive to the conditions and you’ll get there in one piece. It’s surprising how many people flew past us and I can only imagine the damage they were doing to their vehicles.. Recovery out here would be Expensive not only that you would miss a lot of the awesome country your drivng through.
Shortly after turning onto the Mitchell falls road we stopped at a not very well sign posted spot that holds considerable cultural significance to the traditional custodians of this land. Sorry No photos of this area out of respect for their ancestors.

We rolled into the Mitchell Falls Camp ground considerably later than normal but it was a tough day and an achievement in itself. So after a short explore and a swim in the creek not far from camp we sat back and enjoyed a few beverages that evening around a campfire. The camp grounds had some facilities like drop toilets, non potable water and fire pits but you need to collect your wood on the way in (sign posted). The next morning were up early making lunches, filling our Camel backs with water and food for the walk into Mitchells falls which if you don't take any side tracks is 8.6km round trip. This was not us but as we had spoken with the ranger lady on the way in and she was awesome and gave us some hidden spots to visit not marked on the maps. The Walk was good with some difficult sections and lots of spots to sit and rest.. as we have three very energetic young boys we were doing this walk slowly and Parkour become the trend from this point on in our trip.. the Waterfalls are amazing and definetely worth the drive and the walk in. Something everyone must see once in there life. I know now why this area is so popular with visitors from all over the world and were blessed that we could experience it.
Later on that day we relaxed and washed away the sweat fro the days hiking at a an awesome spot called Little Mertins pool. The boys didnt want to go back to camp..

Mitchell Falls camp

at the start of the walk to the falls

quick rest stop

Top of Mitchell Falls

Mitchell falls all 4 levels

Hidden waterfall and artwork

still smiling. What a day !

The next morning we were a little sore from the walk so it was not as early start to the day as we wanted but all well worth the trip. We started our journey out from Mitchell falls with the intention of stopping in to see the other cultural significant sights on the way out and then pulling into a camp at one of the river side camps along the Kalamburu Road we had seen on the way in but when we arrived at the said campsite it looked more like a caravan park than a remote riverside camp, so we kept on traveling towards Ellenbrae Station stay. When you turn off the Gibb into Ellenbrae station driveway and roll up to the Cafe and gardens, it's like you just discovered a hidden garden of eden in the Kimberly and I might add with the BEST Scones in WA.. YUM ! after our little treat we paid for our campsite for the night and headed back to the campground. This is one of the best campgrounds along the Gibb in my opinion. Ticked all the boxes for me (and mum) and we were so blown away we went back to book a second night. Awesome facilities and the campground with newly added open air hot showers and bath, flushing toilets and wash basins. The next day I had a few things to attend to on the D40 Navara and the new canopy setup so after all the duties were done we got directions from the camp manager to find the secret little hidden water hole where we all spent the afternoon swimming, sun bathing, jumping off the rocks and just having fun in the river.

Flashest Outback dunny with open air showers & bath

Ellenbrae Camp

 The next morning we rolled out of Ellenbrae Staion back onto the Gibb River Road and headed for Home Valley Station. As we crested the Pentacost Range our mobiles start binging and vibrating off the scale as this is the only spot with good mobile reception on the Gibb. So after a quick phone call with the family to advise we're all ok and loving it we coasted down to the Home Valley Station Turnoff, through the big boab tree gates to the office, Bar, Restaurant and tourist booking centre.We paid for a few nights checked out things and then picked a nice shady tree to camp under not too far from the playground. after setting up camp we were off to the pool to relax, swim and enjoy a few beverages from Dustys Bar by the Pool.

Mobile reception. bing, bing, bing, bing ,bing hahaha

Pentecost river in the background

Hv8 Camp

The following day was just a Down day where the boys could do what they wanted (playing and swimming) which gave mum and myself time  to catch up on some washing, maintenance and also a little relaxing.. We had a lovely couple from NSW pull up next to us with their three children and our boys had found some new friends.

Young & Old 

time to relax

The next morning we were off to El Questo station for a day trip to explore some of the tourist attractions they had to offer. First off was a swim in the hot springs at Zebadee springs (get in early) then we had morning tea at the caravan park shop to get the maps etc of the attractions. Due to this being a day trip we couldn't do everything so we all choose what we wanted to see, second up we tackled the technically challenging Saddelback Ridge lookout 4WD track and the Navara D40 handled it easy. Thirdly we trekked the El Questro Gorge. To get there we crossed the deepest river crossing of the trip the water just covering the top of the roobar on the Navara and the tide mark was 2/3rd up the side of the door. Good vehicle prep is highly recommended before attempting this one. From the car park it is only a matter of metres till you're into it, a 7.2 km challenging hike in some of the most beautiful rainforest like gorge you will come across up in the Kimberly’s. Just past the half way point there is challenging large boulder in your way that you have to swim up to and scale just to continue, this was all just so bloody exciting for the boys and a tad scary for us (M&D). Just past that you need to scale a near vertical rock wall on the side of a waterfall and then when you get to the end of the hike there is an awesome waterhole with waterfall to swim in.
They say to allow up to 5 hours for this walk but its definetely worth every bit of hard work to get there. We were done for the day .. it was getting late in the afternoon and we had a dinner booking at Dusty’s Bar n Gill back at HV8, so we hit the Gibb River Road again where we came across a car with a blown tyre and in this part of the country you pull up to help out where you can. Turned out Laura and her girls had been into town to get some shopping and then blown a tyre on their way back to HV8. I quickly changed the flat and lowered all the tyres to a better pressure for gravel driving them we were off again to enjoy some well earned refreshments and a meal at Dusty’s.

Start the day off with a swim in the hot springs

Made it to the top - 851 ft ASL

The next day we headed off on the hunt to find that fishing spot that held the allusive Barramundi, and after an unsuccessful first attempt we moved up river to find a spot that had all the signs of possible good habitat .. I was as keen as ever but was showing the boys how to use hard bodies lures. After about 5 mins Daniel’s like “dad i got a fish” and i'm like “what ever” then it broke the surface and my jaw hit the ground. OMFG it’s a barra, he wheeled it in on the bank and I grabbed it and dragged it up the back. Very proud dad moment but pissed they he beat me to catch one .. that was it the hunt was on so to speak with the other boys .. we returned home with a very nice 65cm salt water Barra for tea. YUM ! later that evening we all went went to the Bar to have some drinks with Jason, Laura (helped her with blown tyre) and their three girls to say thanks for our help. How the bush works pretty much.

our first Pentecost crossing, Going Fishing!

Fish here. its a good spot  

oh Shit !

65cm Salty

Fresh Barra for tea, Thanks Daniel

Pack up day and yep not as early as we would normally after a late night but our plan today Emma Gorge and then onto Kununurra Ivanhoe Village caravan park. Not long down the road and we arrived at Emma Gorge carpark. we grab our gear and head off on the trail. it was still cool and it's not a very challenging or long walk to the first pool. This one is nice but you continue on the trail and finally you get to Emma gorge. It's a spectacular pool and waterfall with a thermal spring flowing in from the RH side. The water was very fresh that morning so a quick swim in the crystal clear waters and then a thaw in the thermal waters finally drying off in the sun. The walk out was a little more sobering as it was our last gorge and last walk on the Gibb River Road for our 2018 adventure. Back on the blacktop, we pull up under the well photographed GRR sign thats customary at the finish of the trip .. GRR concured and ticked off my bucket list.. we still have a fair bit to go on our trip so off to Kununurra we headed.

Leaving Hv8 Station.  Awesome spot.

GRR 2018 Done n Dusted 

Ivanhoe village Kununurra Camp

chill out time 

While in Kununurra there were a few things on our to do list. First thing we needed to do is restock the fridge & Freezer as they were both empty, then replacing the hand brake cable that was damaged at El Questro when we were on the decline at Saddle back ridge (yeh I was driving) and of course we had to check out the massive Lake Argyle Ord River dam & the old homestead,  try our luck once more to catch another Barra (they were there we saw plenty) but with no hook ups this time and both William and Christopher were not happy hey..
One afternoon after driving around for a while checking out the sites it seemed like a good idea to visit one of W.A's only operational Rum Distilleries the HOOCHERY. Yeh ok i was pretty happy to do so. Kids may have learnt something, we did the distillery tour and I got to taste & blend some rums Cathy didn't want to 😁 and also grabbed a few bottles of the good stuff on the way out.

Taste test & blending. Was hard but some one had to do it 

kid in Rum Store 😁

On top of the Dam Wall

Time to try our luck again with the elusive Barra.

Back to camp for a leisurely afternoon

Our time in Kununurra had come to an end. What we didn't see this time round will tick off next time we're here. So after filling the fridges with local produce and picking up last minute supplies we were off heading for Purnululu National park (Bungle Bungles) to check out this magnificent part of the country. There are only very limited facilities here, drop toilets and non potable water so you will need to be some what self sufficient.
Heads up this was equally the roughest road we encountered on this trip... took us nearly five hours  from the black top to camp ground.

O'l mate overlooking us set up camp 

This place is soooo BIG

we made it

a well earned rest

This was one of our biggest days hiking in & out of the gorges and the boys did a fantastic job. The camel backs are definitely the go as they carry their own water, food & first aid supplies while having both hands free to climb, hang on oh yes pick up rocks and other interesting little things 🤦 ..

This trip was on my Bucket list and I can say its something we'll all remember for the rest of our lives every one enjoyed the whole trip & just the stunning beauty & ruggedness of this place .. Not sure if words do it justice and we took 100's more photos but this blog took long enough to do.

Sitting here at the table compiling this blog for you guys and I get this deep feeling of pride in our country & somewhat unfulfilled destiny to explore more of this great land of ours. The excitement & family bonding that happens whilst traveling is why we do what we do.

Till next time stay safe on the roads & GET out there and explore this bloody lovely country

update on our camp locations in WA ..