Mitchell River Crossing at Dunbar

When we were there in 2010, the Toyota from Koolatah (the property on the north side of the Mitchell) was stuck in the middle of the river waiting for the grader.

It's not far across the main channel but it is about 1200 deep and soft sand.
If you need the station grader to pull you out it will cost $1000, even if it comes down to pull out their vehicle at the same time.

Another option is to head west to Kowanyama, then on to Pormpuraaw. I have only see pictures of this crossing but in 2010 it was wider but more doable than the first option.

The easiest way to go is to continue east to Gamboola and cross there. They have a concrete causeway, then you follow the station tracks (more like decent dirt roads) through King Junction, Killarney and Dixie. You will still hit the PDR at the same point near Dixie Outstation and then on to Musgrave. It's an interesting drive and you won't get much traffic, if any. Plenty of room for bush camps. We got lost going through a deserted gold mine for a while.

My preferred option would be through Kowanyama but it would be advisable to check with Kowanyama and Pormpuraaw Community Offices first,, or go for a drive.

Here's some photos;




I apologise if the third picture doesn't work but click on it and see what happens. It's a good picture if you get to see it.

Hoo roo,
Steve

Strathleven Rd through Fairview to Laura is a more reliable crossing also.

We did it in 2007 with both my 105 cruiser and my FIL's prado both towing campers. He got stuck 3 times and I had to recover him. Ensure you let your tyres right down or don't bother and also that you can extract yourself if need be. Don't forget there are big lizards around there.

If you are coming from the north it is a LONG WAY to go back if you get to the river and can't get across.

At least going north you can drive to the gate, check it out and if too high go via Gamboola.

It now has a concrete causeway across and is do able in a 2wd!

Sorry forgot to add this link: http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2011/11/08/281381_talknorth.html

Thanks everyone for your replies. GREAT pics!! Great to here there is a causeway there now. I guess it's a case of watch the weather and water levels.

This is the crossing at Gamboola we are all talking about

Was at the Dunbar crossing last year. It was a leggo crossing at that time and the sand had been scoured out from under the structure and it was not knownif it was structurally secure. After seeing the same type just north on Richmond and how insecure it looked after being half washed away we decided not to tempt it. Also the road north over the river was washed out to the north. We then went down stream to the Alice Mitchel nat park to cross there, however a large amount of bank had been washed out and there was a vehicle stuck there. So with camper trailers we headed back to Gambolia and the photo earlier looks a hell of a lot different from what it was last July.
These bridges may well be repaired by now but you can't trust anyone as we were told by a roads foreman that the Alice Mitchell crossing was ok and that road trains used it this was wrong.
enjoy your trip.