Road to Mitchell Plateau

oops,
had trouble with the rest of the post.

I am also wondering if there are free camp spots along the GRR or if you have to pay to stay places. Does anyone out there have highlights for places or fav camping spots in this area?

Hi Erekka,

We travelled the GRR May 2004 and had no problems at all with our hired Hilux dual cab (we flew to Broome instead of driving). The road varied from really good to pretty rough, and it had just been graded. We couldn't get up to Mitchell Plateau as the roads were still closed due to wet year. The road up as far as Drysdale River was open and similar to the GRR. Main problem we heard was the river crossing at the turnoff from the Kalumburu road - 1.5 metres at the time.
This year has been drier than last so should be OK.

As for camping, we didn't see too many free camp sites - just the one at the intersection of the GRR and Kalumburu road. Right on the side of the road and very dusty. There were haeps on the Gt Nthn Hwy though. We stayed at El Questro campground, Manning Gorge, Beverley Springs, Bell Gorge and each cost around $9 per person. Rates vary depending on the time of the season.

There is a really good leaflet called the Travellers Guide to GRR and Kalumbura Roads that you get at either Derby or Kununurra tourist info centres. Cost $4 last year.

We had a terrific time and will head back up that way one day.

Rocky & Bullwinkle

Hi erekka,

camping sites - if you're self reliant - Dog & Chain creek, Gibb River (just along Kalumburu t/off), Pentecost River (Eastern side), Durack River all have campsites - I also suspect that many of the tracks which head "bush" off the road (generally near streams) lead to campsites.

enjoy
Terry

G'day erekka,

Old timer(local) told me to treat ALL water up there as if it had crocs - they can travel just about anywhere in the Wet.

That being said - the campsites I chose (except for Dog & Chain Ck., Gibb River - mainly dry) were situated on sites well away from the river bank, although water was in sight - well below me ! I'm pretty paranoid about the big lizards, as I haven't had that much experience with them. Durack River looked croc infested (north of GRR), but the campsites there were well above the river (on eastern bank). Did feel safe enough to swim in the gorges I visited, and Dog & Chain Ck., while not exactly big enough to swim in, was certainly good enugh for immersion in, fellow campers put their chairs in as a good place to sit, away from flies while consuming obligatory stubbies.

I also agree that the road is not particularly challenging in 4wd terms - the most serious 4wd I encountered was on the (optional) "Karinji track" (name ??) from the Pentecost River to Wyndham - sections in low range, lots of bulldust, spectacular views of the Cockburn Range.

Might see you around - thinking of returning there after visiting Cape York, as I reckon its one of the most beautiful paces in Oz, and I live in Tassie !

regards
Terry