Darwin- Broome-Pilbara

Submitted: Tuesday, Apr 04, 2023 at 23:43
ThreadID: 145509 Views:2269 Replies:8 FollowUps:15
This Thread has been Archived
Hi
Have started some research for our trip in July aiming for Exmouth area as destination, where we can swim without being killed by something at every turn ( coming from Darwin). We have a 4wd and swag and are experienced campers.
Havent been past Broome down the coast here so we are so excited :}

Would really like some feedback on this. We have locked in accom and some campsites etc so thy cant be moved. We are happy to camp and or accom mix in areas which are safer etc.

FREE 4 NIGHTS once leaving Broome on our way to Karinjini - what about Marble Bar 2n and then to down to Newman for 2 n either camp. 4wd in Rock pools etc.

We have then locked in 4-5 n Karinjini

FREE NIGHT-
after coming out of Karinjini and heading towards Exmouth next day? any reason to stay in TP or should we head to Onslow for a night? I dont know what to do with this night.

5n Exmouth locked in accom

FREE 1night- maybe 1 or two nights in Coral Bay or cape range np?

3n around Gnaraloo- locked in campsites

FREE 3 NIGHTS- where to go! Probably coming home via Great Central Road depending on weather.

Thanks all..
Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator

Reply By: John Baas - Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 at 02:10

Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 at 02:10
If you're into the birds, Star Finch is good at King Lake, Tom Price, and Mt Nameless, TP, is good for Rufous Grasswren, if you're fit.

Also Spinifexbird and Rufous-crowned Emu Wren if the spini has had a good season.

Grey Honeyeater if you're really lucky.

Cheers.
AnswerID: 643259

Reply By: Athol W1 - Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 at 08:32

Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 at 08:32
4ofus

As you appear to be travelling from Darwin have you considered as to how you are going to get past Fitzroy Crossing, as the bridge has been badly damaged by the last cyclone and currently there is a weight limit on the only ferry which also has a limit of 6 vehicles per day.

You may have to go via the Great Central Rd and then head north just to get to Exmouth.

Regards
Athol
AnswerID: 643262

Follow Up By: Member - rocco2010 - Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 at 09:14

Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 at 09:14
As reported a bit down the page, a new temporary crossing over the Fitzroy opened on Monday.
It also closed on Monday after the river rose again following rain.
It’s reported that a second temporary crossing is in the works.
Should be ok by July I would reckon.
Or take the Gibb River Road.
Cheers.
0
FollowupID: 922896

Follow Up By: 4ofus - Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 at 10:11

Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 at 10:11
Hi- yes- we are aware of all the road issues. I have seen all the updates of the lower level crossing atm and whats being done so all good.
We have three scenarios of getting to and from Exmouth .
0
FollowupID: 922898

Reply By: Member - rocco2010 - Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 at 09:27

Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 at 09:27
Gidday

The drive from Great Northern Highway down Boreline Road through Shay Gap to Marble Bar and then on to Nullagine and Newman is one of my favourite Pilbara routes.

Definitely recommend that part of the itinerary.

There has been a lot of rain up there so the country should be looking good.

Enjoy the trip.
AnswerID: 643263

Follow Up By: 4ofus - Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 at 10:18

Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 at 10:18
Hi- thanks - great feedback.
Is the road between MB and Newman sealed?

Any good campspots along that route ?
0
FollowupID: 922900

Follow Up By: Member - rocco2010 - Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 at 11:00

Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 at 11:00
Heading south to Newman from Marble Bar the permanent bitumen starts just north of Roy Hill mine.

Around Marble Bar peoplecamp at Dooleena Gorge and Coppins Gap and there are good bush spots at the Meentheena Veterans Retreat.

Further east Carawine Gorge is a special place but might be out of our way if you on a tight schedule.

Not camped around Newman but our hosts David and Michelle explored around there last year and found a few good spots which they detailed in their blog.

In answer to your question below Newman IS a mining town. With all that entails.

The mine tour is worthwhile and it has rained pretty heavily there is the last week or so so I reckon there will be water in the bigger waterholes.

Getting envious talking about it. I'd happily head up there again this year but have a few other things on the plate.

1
FollowupID: 922902

Reply By: 4ofus - Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 at 10:24

Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 at 10:24
Whats newman like for a stay . I understand its a mining town- but we are thinking of doing the mine tour- but have been to quite a few others.

Was wondering if there is still a bit if water in the rock pools by July.

Im also gatherinw that the permits from Bhp are easy to get.
AnswerID: 643264

Follow Up By: ExplorOz - David & Michelle - Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 at 17:48

Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 at 17:48
Here's our blogs from our trip there in July last year that others in this post mentioned if you're interested:-

Kalgan Pool & Newman Waterhole Circuit

Also - Hickman Crater & Punda

And Pilbara to NW Coast

Michelle
David (DM) & Michelle (MM)
---------------------------------
Travelling fulltime in 2024

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  My Position  Send Message
Moderator

1
FollowupID: 922906

Reply By: Peter_n_Margaret - Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 at 11:55

Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 at 11:55
"where we can swim without being killed by something at every turn ( coming from Darwin). "
Crocs are at least as far south as Onslow and have been seen in Shark Bay. I once met a copper who had personally shot 4 crocs on Cable Beach. They don't want to frighten the tourists though. :)

If you go via Marble Bar, head south down the bore line road that leaves the highway 40km east of Pardoo roadhouse. Nice drive.
Carawine Gorge is worth the diversion.
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome
AnswerID: 643265

Follow Up By: 4ofus - Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 at 12:25

Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 at 12:25
Thanks - great tip re Carawine.

I know re the crocs. We will be super vigilant. I have seen some while while swimming up the Cape. :)
0
FollowupID: 922903

Follow Up By: Peter_n_Margaret - Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 at 12:37

Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 at 12:37
We don't swim in croc country, nor would we sleep on the ground.
Seen too many "close calls".
But that is just us.
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome
1
FollowupID: 922904

Follow Up By: 4ofus - Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 at 18:06

Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 at 18:06
Thanks. Yes- we have lived in croc country for a long time and well versed in crocs and what not to do where. .


0
FollowupID: 922907

Follow Up By: 4ofus - Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 at 21:39

Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 at 21:39
Whats the issue with a tent or swag please?
0
FollowupID: 922910

Follow Up By: Peter_n_Margaret - Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 at 23:15

Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 at 23:15
See the foot prints? That was a very large croc that wandered through in the night.
The locals actually told people that it was safe to swim here.

Same place, different occasion.

This is a different one...
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/apr/25/crocodile-attacks-man-dragging-him-from-tent-in-northern-territory
And brand new news tonight...https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-04-05/sleeping-man-bitten-crocodile-newell-beach-qld-wildlife-officers/102192532
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome
1
FollowupID: 922911

Follow Up By: 4ofus - Thursday, Apr 06, 2023 at 00:03

Thursday, Apr 06, 2023 at 00:03
I know but who in their right mind camps 15 m from the edge of the Daly River. Its infested with crocodiles.
In my experience living in Darwin and camping up there, you camp well away from waterholes . well away. You dont even walk near edges.
None of the National park camp sites ie places like Kakadu have camps near billabongs.

There was a case of a tourist in FNQ who was cleaning his fish or setting crab pots by the water each day. Not smart guess what happened to him.

At my local beach we have crocs going past all the time. They are around, we see them quite often in the wet. Each year they pull out over 350 crocs from Darwin Harbour. :}

Anyway, this isnt a post about crocs :} Id love tips on the Pilbara.
0
FollowupID: 922913

Follow Up By: Peter_n_Margaret - Thursday, Apr 06, 2023 at 08:16

Thursday, Apr 06, 2023 at 08:16
I have seen tracks at that place above, that went between our camper and a family in a tent and then continued 200m back into the scrub behind us. The problem is that you have no idea what the campers before you might have done or left behind.

" None of the National park camp sites ie places like Kakadu have camps near billabongs."
That is simply not true. There are many. This is in Kakadu. We spent 2 nights here in a camp site less than 10m from the water and saw many large crocs.

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome
1
FollowupID: 922916

Reply By: Bob Y. - Qld - Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 at 18:35

Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 at 18:35
We had a couple of nights at the Whaleback Village, which was still under construction, in June, 2018. Not sure what the deal is now, but at that time they had room for maybe 20-30 vans, campers or swag type vehicles. Amenities were very good & washing machines were either free or very cheap.
I managed to get a senior’s discount for my companions as well, by flashing a few silver chest hairs!
Don’t think there was much other tourist accommodation, except for Capricorn Roadhouse, a few kms out of town.

Bob

Seen it all, Done it all.
Can't remember most of it.

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  My Position  Send Message

AnswerID: 643268

Follow Up By: Member - rocco2010 - Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 at 19:23

Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 at 19:23
Bob

I think that's closed to tourists now.

In 2021 I stayed a night or two here Newman caravan park .

It's at the site of a former FIFO camp and is a bit of a giant car park but options in Newman are limited.

If you only need a few nights to shower, do the laundry and stock the larder and fridge it's OK.

As I said elsewhere, Newman is a mining town, albeit an interesting one. Not a resort.

Cheers


2
FollowupID: 922908

Follow Up By: Bob Y. - Qld - Thursday, Apr 06, 2023 at 05:36

Thursday, Apr 06, 2023 at 05:36
Thanks Rocco, thought that may have been the case from something I’d read a while back.

Will keep the other option in mind, if we ever get back there?

Bob

Seen it all, Done it all.
Can't remember most of it.

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  My Position  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 922915

Reply By: 4ofus - Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 at 21:37

Wednesday, Apr 05, 2023 at 21:37
I saw some accom at a place called Mia Mia which looked fancy enough after quite a few nights of camping I like a real bed ! As long as its a decent place, its just a base to explore some area around there.

AnswerID: 643270

Follow Up By: Joe Fury - Thursday, Apr 06, 2023 at 00:28

Thursday, Apr 06, 2023 at 00:28
G'day Explorers.

I can't say much about things outside of Newman and surrounds, that's because I actually live here, and not elsewhere, though I do venture out to most of the local waterholes, if and when I feel like it.

So here goes, accommodation as such for the traveller is fairly limited, there is a caravan park which to my knowledge is basic but expensive, not actually sure on the day/night fees but $50 rings a bell and I believe bookings need to be done online.

Whaleback Village no longer caters for tourists, it's a full on BHP employee accommodation set up as is the Kalgans Rest village, I can't say for sure if the visitor centre still allows caravanners to park up overnight in the carpark, there is a new manager at the Newman Visitor Centre.

The Oasis, no longer caters for travellers/caravanners nor does the Capricorn Roadhouse which is/has removed all the Donga style accommodation and everything associated with it once being a place to stay.

I find it rather odd when people refer to Newman as being a 'Mining' town, maybe it was back when Mount Newman Mining was the driving force in the early days of Iron Ore mining at Mount Whaleback, but that was close to 50 years ago.

Newman is a mining/resources support base, the reality is it is a welfare town, but that's my opinion.

I was out and about earlier this week just to see how things fared after the recent rains, the Fortescue River is running it was a 'banker' but now it's flowing, Ophthalmia Dam access is closed, Kalgan Creek had a major flow but did not over top the Marble Bar road crossing.

The road into Kalgan Pool is very wet/boggy, I did not venture in too far as it was raining at the time.

Safe travels : Joe
5
FollowupID: 922914

Reply By: Member - Moya - Thursday, Apr 06, 2023 at 17:18

Thursday, Apr 06, 2023 at 17:18
We were in those areas last year.

Camped at the Muccan Pool on the way to Marble Bar. It's just a free camp where you can have a swim and a fire. We went along the East Pilbara Diversion and enjoyed the drive. Shays gap is worth a look. You have to access it from the South side of the range.

We also camped at Doolena George but there wasn't much water there so wasn't the best. Coongan Pool across the road looked better.

When at Marble Bar the Jasper rocks are impressive and the old WW2 air base is interesting if that's your thing. Not much info there but you get the Idea.

We then headed to Carwine George and that was a great camp. Then drove Skulls Sping road and swam at Running Waters and that was in my top 3 places in WA. So remote and so so amazing. Well worth the extra drive. You can camp there also but cannot fit a van but you would be right with a swag.

In Newman we stayed at the council run van park which is just a old camp location which looks like a car park and had 1 central room that has a few tables and chairs in it.

If it were me I would spend more time before Newman and just do the tour as you are driving through.

After Karijini go to the Ningaloo Station (road can be very corrugated) if you can get into South Lefroy or Winderabandi they are great camps. If you do go here drive the dunes to the Norwegian Whaling Station as it's a great beach and if you like snorkeling it is great there around the structures. Then you could drive across Yardi Creek at lowtide up to Cape Range NP then onto Exmouth.

Coral bay is ok if you like lots of people everywhere but it was just too busy for us.

Your schedule may be too tight to do some of these things as there are big distances in-between but may give you something to think about.
Regards Carl

AnswerID: 643273

Sponsored Links