Tim replied:

John
I took the rail road which is free but you have to get a permit which includes wathcing a 10 minute induction video. The roads aren't too bad, not as good as the GRR but better then the Tanami at the moment, all dirt tho. I think it took about 2 hours from memory.
If you want a good look out, there is a place called Mt Louis off the rail access road, its not signposted and it has a few microwave towers at the top. Its a low range crawl up the graded track and it is breath taking.
Millstream has nothing on Karajini, Millstream is more like a river (100m wide the entire length) where as Karajini is proper water holes. We stayed near the homestead at Mill stream which has flushing toilets and I think hot showers as well?
Karajini was so spectactular, it was on par with the kimberlies.
Tim

Motherhen replied:

We took the Wittenoom - Roebourne road rather than the permit road. It was quite stony and flung lots of small stones at the camper as well as putting a hole in the camper water tank, otherwise no problem. We didn't have the extended mud flaps then, or a stone guard for the camper.

As we headed north from Hamersley Gorge - access from the west side of park, and worth the visit as this rock structure here is different - the signage said something like no trailers past this point as we headed north the the Wittenoom Road. Like good Australians, we and the others we had met at the Gorge went this way, as the alternative would be to go back to Tom Price. The reason seems to be because the road through a cutting is narrow - not good news if you met a large truck at this point.

Millstream is quite different to Karajini and is a beautiful 'oasis'. There are a few camp sites on the edge of the river with no facilities. Toilets at the old homestead, which is worth a visit and a walk around. The adjoining and very different Chichester NP is also very scenic.

All a wonderful part of the world. Enjoy your trip.

RustyHelen replied:

We did Karajini to Roebourne this time last year. Went via Tom Price and Wittenoom and travelled the public road. Good condition just slow through a few spots. If you are looking for roadside camp then Snake Creek was good-- number 470 in Camps 3.
Rusty

Wayne-o (Pilbara WA) replied:

the pilbara iron access road is closed. there is no dramas with the bituman road. i camp at crossing pool, in millstream, but it also was closed when i was there a month ago.
Wayne-o

Member - johnathon W (WA) replied:

Thanks for that everyone I will be staying in Tom Price for a couple of days so I will ask arround about what roads are open and what roads are closed pick the best root which is suggested but am looking forward to the trip up there we have 5 days in the area 2 in Tom Price and 3 in the Karijini NP 2 days in Mill Stream.

Pilbara Wanderer replied:

Hi Johnathon

As mentioned in the last reply, the Pilbara Iron Access Road is temporarily closed due to the fact that we are FINALLY getting the road bitumanised!

If you take off from Tom Price you can go through Wittenoom gorge. This is a very picturesque drive. We did it just last week on our way to Carawine Gorge near Telfer and found it to be in pretty good condition. It only takes an extra 50 - 60km's I think compared to the access road.

Karijini is absolutely beautiful...especially fortescue falls. This is the most popular attraction. If you continue on to the right once reaching the bottom you'll eventually reach "Fern Pool". This is a pretty pool with a wooden deck. Watch out for the local Bungarra...he likes to sneak up on you! You should call into the new Eco Camp there for a coffee. I took my Mum there a few weeks ago and it was rather nice having such luxuries in the middle of nowhere. LOL!

The great thing about Millstream is that there are NO STEPS to climb back up again. We're going there in a few weeks to try to find Gregory's Gorge - just out side of the NP. Looks lovely...perhaps you should try to find it too seeing as you're going that way anyhooo?

Millstream has pit toilets - sometimes rather smelly! There are free gas BBQ's and a table / chairs. There is the old homestead / museum that has facilities too. This is a must visit as there is a nature walk round the pools / creeks. Water will still be very cold but I think.

Hope this has been useful to you! Have a good trip.

Kerry