Comment: The Kimberley - Winter Travel Feature

Not that much distance to Mt Barnett.
No drama as long as you are aware of the closure.

Neville at Over The Ranges Tyre and Mechanical just west of the Mt Barnett roadhouse will see you right for any tyre problems and he does basic mechanical repairs too.
I had him patch a couple of tyres that I staked going through some creek bed on the track into one of the many gorges. I had the gear with me but he has one of those air powered tyre machines and I am getting lazy as well as old....lol

Cheers
Pop

That is helpful information, Pop.

Yes, why not take advantage of the quick, easy power-assisted tyre repair equipment? - Back on the road in quick time!

I agree, OBJ, not a problem for those who are aware and plan adequately, as the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) District Officer Glenn Hall alluded. "So if people aren't prepared that will be a concern for us."

Perhaps this website isn't an effective site to post such information. Is it read by vulnerable tourists?

The article doesn't seem to be just journos making a mountain out of a mole hill. The article notes:
The closure of the roadhouse has concerned the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES). District Officer Glenn Hall said people could be caught short if they were relying on the Imintji roadhouse for fuel. "If you're driving from Derby, the next petrol supply [is] at Mt Barnett, so we're looking at over 300km," he said.


Peter L28

Thanks Pop, I was not aware of that tyre service. If you have any more details, please message me so I can include them in my website article on fuel and distances on the Gibb River Road.

When ever one plans a trip one should make allowances for places to be either closed or run out of fuel, and be able to reach the next place if needed. Big deal about a few dollars.

Just like what happened at Eucla when we were heading east. Computer broke = no fuel. There were lots waiting, and with empty tanks. They should have fueled up before but maybe waited because they thought it was cheaper at Eucla. Mugs.

This may not be possible for trips such as the Simpson and Canning. The Kimberley has plenty of fuel. So apart from losing a coffee (I drink tea) and a chat what is the loss. I can't see it. A loss of a store but not a disaster.

Didn't Billiluna close - look at it now - a good shop. Out of the ruins . . . .

Note also that it is reported that Mt. Barnett Roadhouse is closed until the Anzac Day long weekend.
Cheers, Mark.

Hi MH,

Not being a member (yeah I know (:=(() I can't use the private message facility.
If you Google Over The Range Tyre & Mechanical Service and click on the TrueLocal tag he has all his contact details, services he offers and location, which according to the site is 280 k's from Derby, after Imintji and before Mt Barnett. Nice guy, very helpful, just keep any dogs you may have with you inside your vehicle. Neville's OK but apparently his dog doesn't play well with other dogs.
From memory I think he said he was based at Mt Barnett before setting up where he is now in his own yard.

Cheers
Pop

Thanks Pop. I'm sure the more detailed information will help others who may need his services.

At Drysdale River Station, 63 kilometres north of the Gibb River Road, on the Kalumburu Road run a busy workshop where every breakage is different, and they get tyres in by the truckload.

To re-assure travellers, we had no tyre problems on the Gibb River, Kalumburu and Mitchell Falls roads. Reduced tyre pressures and reduced speeds gave us safe travelling.

Motherhen,

Neville from Over the Range was at Imintji before setting up away from there a couple of years ago, for personal reasons.

mother hen be aware drysdale do tyres ONLY at the slightest mention of anything else they almost rudly point you in the direction of out of there

That's disappointing get outmore. They had a tradie on duty when we were there, and we met someone else in our travels who had done the job for a season, all cheerfully and solving a great variety of problems.

I had issues with a rear wheel carrier and was told on no uncertain terms zero assistance was available

I just checked their website get outmore, and they only show

Tyre repairs (normally available until September)

:(

Agreed - that store had modest value for fully provisioned and seasoned outback travelers but it provided great hospitality for those traveling 'light'.....and the only place outback where I've seen a waiter take drinks and snacks on a tray out to clients in a shady garden ! Hope they get it sorted............