Any alcohol alowed Kalumburu

Hope it's changed since we were there in 2006. Permits were definitely optional as no one checked. We paid ours but many told us they didn't bother. As to was the booze control. We made sure we had none, what a joke that was. Everyone in camp was drinking and many locals were drunk or drugged. One of the ministers told us alcohol and drugs were rampant in the town.

I'd still do the right thing as at any time a crack down could occur and better to lead by example. However it wasn't enforced when we were there. In fact the guy running the camp at McGowan's told us he always took a pallet up each time he went.

The reality is the whole area is a rubbish tip. Some will no doubt disagree but the reality is both McGowan's and honeymoon bay are an experience. Ok I'm glad I checked them out but I'd never go back, ever! The town ship itself is very depressing. In 2006 it was a third world town. In fact it was much worse as there was no hope and addiction and abuse was rampant. Spoke at length with one of the local nurses. I couldn't believe the stories she told, actually pretty sad to believe many of the problems occurred in this country.

If you want art try and buy it there. We tried but the girl didn't turn up when she said she would. Turned out the art prices for her art in the council were over a ten times cheaper than in Broome. Tells you even good Aussies in Broome were ripping off the locals. eg a painting in Broome very similar to one in the Kalumbaru council was over $1000 compared to just over $100. Guess whose an A.H.

Another hint. Take food with you. When we were there the shops opening times were a problem. Turns out the owners were trying to enforce employee start times. So the shops only opened when all staff turned up for work. The ideas was the locals would get bleep off at their own. Plus food was very, very, very dear and fresh food was very, very, very poor quality. I have no idea how locals afforded the food and most of it was rubbish quality.

So to answer your question, don't' take booze even if you can get away with it. Pay your permit and give thanks that you got the long straw when you were born, I certainly did.

Hi Motherhen,

You're right but only because it's not policed. You can't take any booze there.

As much as people on this forum and others whinge about it. Those are the laws. If you break it you're a petty criminal and pretty damn arrogant. No arguments, it's a fact if you don't like it don't break the law. Doesn't matter if you don't agree with it, no different than don't rob a bank, don't speed, don't sell drugs, don't............. (none of this directed at you Motherhen). Even if you don't like it they own the land and those are the rules of entry.

Heard all the arguments and used some myself when I was younger. I guess some grow up some don't. How about this, we are all a product of our parents and up bringing, most don't and can't change. Now put you self in the shoes of those people. That's your up bringing, there's minimal education, bad role models, it's where your family lives. You're doomed from the start. Lucky for those that do the wrong thing they are simply following poor self control, bad judgement, low tolerance and low IQ. Sadly it's the case that solving this problem will be almost impossible and those that flaunt the laws trying to solve it don't help.

Sure the locals don't abide by the law. Does that mean if you see someone speeding you'll do so as well. How about if you see someone in your suburb kicking a dog, well you might as well also. How about a little restraint and try and show you're an adult.

Yea I know on my high horse. We've all seen those that flaunt the law because they believe they can. Just remember they are probably the same ones we complain about for; running the generator at all hours, leaving rubbish everywhere, dropping the toilet cassette on the ground etc, etc. We all meet them and bitch about them, please don't give them support by ageeing with them breaking the booze laws etc.

I agree with what you are saying Austravel. For this reason we always got the necessary permits where ever we travelled, which sometimes took a bit of organisation to fit our time frames. We were probably the only ones at the campsite at Kalumburu without alcohol, but then again we don't normally carry any. We were told by the campsite operators that it was OK to have it for our own use, but big time fines for 'supplying' the locals. We also respected their fishing rules, and threw back the biggest and best fish I'd ever caught.

Motherhen

Bet the photos of that beaut fish live on M/H. We opted not to head on to Kalumbaru from Mitchell in 2006 due to all the poor reports we'd received on the place. Plenty of years left to get there.

Cheers Mick.

The progeny of those big fish will be there for you to catch Mick. We threw back many - what a day of fishing fun.

It is only 100 kms further from the Mitchell Plateau turn off. We made the final decision when we were close. Most decisions are made when we get to the turn in the road. So glad we did; we spent a glorious three days at McGowans. It is very different to the rest of the Kimberley. Father Anscar at the Mission (soon to retire i believe) gives the liveliest talk at the mission tour. His collection of artifacts from historic cultures around the world is amazing. This is also a not to be missed event.

Kalumburu - another unique Australian experience.

Motherhen