Exploring the remote Kimberley by air - Drysdale Escarpment (Video)

A couple of years back we were fortunate enough to spend a bit of time up in the remote Kimberley camped on the banks of the Drysdale River in country that was once Carson River Station. The land is now administered by the Kalumburu committee who issue permits to camp in the area.




It was truly an amazing experience to be camped in the shadow of the rugged Drysdale Escarpment. We took the opportunity to explore the surrounding countryside by boat, quad, vehicle, foot and fortunately for us, a helicopter. Local identity and bush pilot Butch Maher of Fitzroy Helicopters has an intimate knowledge of the area and while the principle mission of the day was to scout routes and cache supplies for a walk into the Carson Plateau, we also got an opportunity to see some of the amazing country from the air including the rarely visited Solea (horshoe) Falls. We also explored the Carson Escarpment and river in the vicinity of “Old Theda” Station where Butch grew up.

I’ve been a bit slack finishing these gaps in my travel journals but no more excuses. Here’s the first offering, a brief overview of our flights above the Drysdale River and the Drysdale River National Park (Carson Escarpment).

For anyone heading up that way this year, enquire about permits with Kalumburu. The camps in past the old Carson River Homestead and Bulldust Yard are worth the energy expended to visit.


Cheers Mick


This second video is one I hurriedly put together 2 years back and covers our exploration of the gorge opposite our camp in search of Bradshaw (Gwion) art.