Article Comment: Mitchell Plateau

Lach,

Your timing is possibly a bit optimistic but it depends on the wet season. The first time I did it the GRR didn't open until late May but that was a very wet year. The latest a cyclone has hit mainland Australia I think was Anzac day (25th April) and that was Larry which didn't bother anything west of Darwin. The official end of the season I understand is 30/4. It can be very wet with or without cyclones though. As for the roads - again this is a coin toss depending largely on when the wet ends, how bad it impacted the roads, and when men and machinery can get to them. As a rule of thumb I reckon the GRR is generally ok, the Kalumburu Rd a little more challenging and then the Mitchell Plateau is a distant third. But it depends on whether you are towing and how well you are set up. Again travelling so early in the season there probably won't be much in the way of help if you get hung up but the offset is you won't have to share many campgrounds either. The falls will probably be spectacular and it is a magic spot. Personally I would leave it until later, particularly when travelling alone but perhaps I am a wuss !!

Ken

Locky, I agree with Ken in that it may be a bit optimistic in the April. Drysdale Station is the font of knowledge when it comes to road conditions and openings/closures up that way. The crossing at King Edward River may also be a barrier that early in the season.

The road in is hit and miss. If you time it well (or fluke it as I have done) and travel just after the grader, it's a great run in. If not, it can be a corrugated hell best taken slowly.

Not sure on the camp-fire rules in at Mitchell at the present time but if still permitted, you'll need to pick up firewood along the way and within the designated areas that are clearly signposted along the way.

We also stayed at King Edward River camp ground on the way in and found it fantastic place to stay with lots to see and do around the area and great swimming holes to escape the heat.

We had some issues along the way but take it easy and you'll be fine.






Regards Mick

Lachlan,

Can I suggest you "subscribe" to Birgit Bradtke's website at Outback Australia Travel Guide. You can download her free travel guide and receive occasional newsletters about all manner of issues including current track/road conditions etc. I found it very helpful when researching our trip to the Kimberleys.

As stated, April would most likely be optimistic to travel. We were up there in June & did the Mitchell Plateau, towing a camper trailer. The road in was fairly ordinary which made it very slow going, but no worse than other parts of the Gibb and/or Kalumburu Road up to Honeymoon Bay. We drove to the conditions with no damage to car or camper. After a few nights at Mitchell Falls, we met the grader about half way & for the last 40 odd k's the road was a veritable highway, so as stated, timing with the grader makes a huge difference.

Enjoy. Mitchell Falls etc is a great place to visit.

The Kalumburu road is generally the last in the Kimberley to be open each year so you’d generally expect it open some time during May after the grader has done the rest of the Gibb. We’ve never had any issues during our 4 visits on the Mitchell Falls Track, you simply need to take things slow. Keep in mind the new permit requirements for your visit that way as well. Hike in early in the morning to the falls to avoid the heat, and the chopper ride back is worth it if you can afford it. Just need to book the chopper when you arrive at the campground. Have a sensational trip!

New set of rules and costs for permits coming this year. The tour operators with helicopters in the camp area are out of control.

Sorry can 't get a link up but try swek.wa.gov.au and go to their road conditions page.From memory the parks don't open until the end of April and last year the roads were not open until June or July.
Absolute bucket list trip but the roads are bad especially the last 10-15 km to the falls.Would really consider leaving any vans/traliers at Drysdale River Station.

Thanks for all the info folks. I will be keeping an eager eye on the road and weather reports tho based on what most of you have said i may be in for some disappointment. I am still hoppeful however that some of the roads are cleared in time. If roads are closed Plans might also change to a run to alice down the Tanami

Eather way adventure will be found

Cheers
Lach

Give either Broome or Derby visitor centres in the west or Kununurra visitor centre in the east a call early April, they all have the lastest news on every station and track in the Gibb.
PS, its still pretty dam hot in the day and night that time of year.
Cheers