Kimberley in Mid April

Submitted: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 13:55
ThreadID: 57841 Views:1803 Replies:7 FollowUps:5
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Hi Everyone,

Is mid April too early to be in the Kimberley? Are all roads open and dry? Rivers too high?

I've had to put off the planned family trip for this year and the next available time will be next April but we are deterined to get there.

TIA.....Leroy
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Reply By: Member - Mick O (VIC) - Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 14:04

Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 14:04
Really depends on the season. Take 2006 for example with 7 cyclones in a row coming ashore around Hedland and north, most of the Kimberley didn't open until June and even then there was still a power of water about.

Best bet is to keep an eye on the weather systems in that region for a month or two prior then check the various Main roads sites, the road conditions page on this site or make a few phone calls to the various stations in the area that serve tourists like Drysdale.

Gibb is usually open earlier than the Kalumbaru and Mitchell Plateau Roads.

Cheers, Mick.
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trip would doubtless be attended with much hardship.''
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AnswerID: 305068

Reply By: tukka - Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 15:09

Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 15:09
Yeah Wet season varies from year to year. All depends on what parts you wanna see , and places you wanna go. But myself i would say that it would be too early to really see everything, plus will be pretty hot still. But you might get to see some of the colour that is displayed during the wet and also there will be plenty of water around to take a dip. Might even get to see some waterfalls.
It really depends on what you want to get out of the trip.
AnswerID: 305082

Reply By: Member - Chris R (NSW) - Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 18:33

Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 18:33
I aimed at April in 2007. But had to 'wait' until early May for GRR to open. It closed again a couple of weeks later due to more rain.

On the good side, rivers were deep, great sense of adventure as solo travellers, very few other travellers. plenty of campsites and we normally got prime sites, often we were alone at the various points of interest. Didn't need to book to get private camp site at El Questro (which was a must see).

It was hot though and the mid May rain stopped us for several days near Imintji. Mozzies and flies were thick. Heard of others visiting in winter without flies - but they miss all the good points above.

Cheers
Chris
AnswerID: 305115

Reply By: Member - Davoe (Yalgoo) - Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 18:56

Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 18:56
Yes I was up there in late Aril 03 (weakwet) and the mitchell falls was just opened and bells gorge still closed (everything else open). Was the best time to be there with the gibb freshly graded but that was luck
AnswerID: 305121

Reply By: David and Justine Olsen's 4WD Tag-Alongs - Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 19:51

Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 19:51
Risky- best to put it off to mid to late May at earliest to save possible disappointment

AnswerID: 305147

Reply By: DIO - Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 10:03

Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 10:03
April next year - I don't think the weather will be the problem - more likely fuel prices. Who can imagine diesel $3.50 + per litre - or thereabouts !!
AnswerID: 305243

Follow Up By: Leroy - Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 10:06

Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 10:06
Yes I saw the price of oil this morning also. I would of prefered this season but due to circumstance can't pull it off. I suppose I could leave my partner home? ;)

Leroy
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FollowupID: 571235

Reply By: Leroy - Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 10:12

Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 10:12
Thanks everyone for your replies. I can't put it off becasue the ski season down here is a busy time for us and my partner just started a new job in the industry.

I was thinking I could juggle the itinery a bit so that from Tanimi we go up to the Bungle Bungles first and then Broome, Cape Leveque etc then Gibb river rd.

Leroy
AnswerID: 305245

Follow Up By: Member - Davoe (Yalgoo) - Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 13:41

Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 13:41
depending on the wet it is do able - just dont get your heart set on seeing everything such as mitchell falls etc andbe prepared to make modifications to travel plans
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FollowupID: 571268

Follow Up By: Leroy - Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 15:33

Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 15:33
I think just being flexible is the name of the game. i just don't want to be stranded for a week in the rain trying to entertain 2 kids 8-))

Leroy
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FollowupID: 571282

Follow Up By: Member - Davoe (Yalgoo) - Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 16:04

Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 16:04
rain will have almost certainly have well stopped at that time its just the trouble with rivers too high to cross such as King Edward and areas with roads in Blacksoil not yet dry enough
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FollowupID: 571293

Follow Up By: Member - Chris R (NSW) - Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 19:17

Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 19:17
Just as an aside, the Tanami also had its share of rain in April 2007. We found one stretch of 150metres at 50-70cm not far from Granites - road base was fine.

Cheers

Chris
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FollowupID: 571335

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