Rudall River NP - Appetite whetter

I've just been looking at few of the members photos and saw a couple covering west of Rudall River NP. This is great country.

In the west of the park (perhaps just outside the park) is Hanging Rock (see phot on rig page - a good camp but no cover) followed by the area known as Meeting Gorge.

Beyond that you are well and truly on your own as you follow a sometimes indistinct track out a further 60km to Christie Crossing on Balfour Downs.

Apart from the oasis of Desert Queen pools, we found the best campsite with water was Tjingkulatjarra water hole ("Jarra" for short). Nearby are several other good spots along the river but Jarra is the pick - shaded, small enough for just one group of maximum four vehicles, good drinking water (my opinion), lots of birdlife - but no wood for fires.

The track west is easily found near Jarra and is a fairly easy run across mostly open country. But there are 3 very sandy dry river crossings which have trapped the unwary (yep me). Past meeting Gorge is Tchukardine water hole. This may be dry. Add your notes to the glass jar recording various visitors. You can camp here under low shade trees. Immediately west of here you hit a km or so of large sharp rock. At various points the track becomes very indistinct and you will a one place be pushing down 180cm high scrub for perhaps the best part of 2-3km.

This track also takes you around beautiful Mericambee Hills and across the still intact rabbit fence.CHristie Crossing is on the Oakover River which may have some water. (good camp spots) But good water is available from the nearby bore.

Met only one group during the 4-5 days we were west of Jarrah. There were groups each day from Jarrah through to Desert Queen in June/July 2007. Several were taking side trips off the CSR.

We enter from the Talawanna along the disused SW/NE track. Over grown but interesting and alone - no corrugations. Many camels.

Ahh enough. I'll just sit here in Jervis Bay a little longer.

Cheers
Chris