Duncan Road

Martin, its been a long time since i travelled this road (track).It is a station road realy that runs down on the eastern side of lake argyle.It was 2 lane in places ,and cattle trucks used it regularly .There is numerous creek crossings ,some deep at the wet time of year.I would have no hesitations at using it towing and from my memories of it very nice country down past Rosewood Station down to Wave Hill.I trvelled this road in a 8ton truck servicing gensets and we had no probs getting through at the dry season.
Hope this helps

darryl

Hi
We did this road ten years ago in a falcon but it was dry.You can do it in any vehicle in the dry if you take it very easy.The creeks were very deep so would not try it after rain.
Dave

Martin,
Itravelled that road in Sept. and you will have no problems as it is fairly good gravel road but the section from Nicholson to Halls Creek(180km) is fairly desolate and boring so I would take the more direct route on the bitumen to Kununurra and spend more time on the Gibb River Rd.There is a lot to see on the G.R.R. and if you have the time the diversion to Mitchell Falls and Kalumburu is well worth it.If not make sure you visit Bell gorge a nd Diamond gorgewith camping at both spots.You will need at least 2 days in Diamond gorge.Remember leave some time for in and around Broome but take note that all accomodation is usually booked out at that tme of year.
Keep planning as that's half the enjoyment--good luck

We travelled the GRR earlier this year. We enjoyed Bell gorge the most (try for one of the 'private' camp sites rather than the shared camping at silent grove although you have to get there pretty early for the private sites). Barnett River Gorge has free camping spots which are good for an overnighter or a few nights. The gorge isn't much though, although there is a pool near the camp area that is good for cooling off. Geckie gorge is also a lovely spot for a picnic and a swim and relax - no camping though. We went to Michell Falls and i would highly highly recommend making the effort to go up here. We stayed at Drysdale River station on the way up and back and it is fantastic! There's a shady beer garden and a great bush bar where you are guaranteed to meet some great people. The camp site at Mitchell falls was free this year and wonderfully set up with clean loos and lots of space. We could have spent weeks up here. The ranger was extremely knowledgable and after the effort to get there via the worst roads we encountered (!!) its worth allowing quite a bit of time to relax. There is a great pool down the track towards mitchell falls just a few hundred meters from the camp site where you can soak to cool off in the arvo. One of the best places we went and well worth the deviation off the GRR.

Squizzy,
Yes I am almost sure that the only public access to Diamond Gorge is through Mornington Station.I think the people running the camp grounds have changed since I was there so I am not sure about fees but it should still be well worth a visit.They did supply canoes at a small fee which was great to go up the gorge and the swimming is safe---no salties

Martin,

The Duncan Hwy is an easy drive on mostly graded cattle train type road. The Negris River crossing gets washed out most years so you have to be sure it's open before going through. We went through in the last week of May this year and the crossing had just been fixed. The Duncan comes under three jurisdictions (NT, WestKimberley Shire, Halls Creek Shire). All were totally unhelpful in that they all offer conflicting info. HC Shire insisted it was closed (it may have been a week or so earlier).

On balance, you would be unwise to miss the scenery from HC to Kununurra on the Grt Nthn Hwy (plus the Bungles), so I would give it a miss.

JohnS

Thanks for all the info everyone we will take it all into consideration when planning the trip. One last question do you have to book the camp sites along the GRR or is it just pot luck.