Mc Gowan's Island Caravan Park

Submitted: Friday, Jun 26, 2009 at 15:39

ThreadID: 70174 Views:4527 Replies:4 FollowUps:3

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Iain2

G'Day All,

I have just returned from a few weeks in the Kimberley and thought I would pass on some information about a caravan park in an out of the way paradise.

We stayed at McGowan's Island Caravan Park which is about 25km north of Kalumburu on the coast. After travelling the Kalumburu Road, and the Mitchell Falls Road it was definitely a welcome sight.

On entry we were surprised to see green lawns, palms and camping spots right on the beach (no swimming due to crocs though). Ablution block was very good and the whole place was idyllic for a quiet rest and recovery, so much so that we ended up staying 2 days longer than we originally planned.

The fishing was pretty good too and we managed to snag some red snapper and jewfish from the park charter boat.

Not sure if many people know about it but if you are up that way it is well worth a stay.

I would also have to say that it is the pick of the parks I saw in the area.

Happy tracks.

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Reply By: Graham & Ann - Friday, Jun 26, 2009 at 18:58

Friday, Jun 26, 2009 at 18:58

Someone's been busy, we saw it back in 2005 after the cyclone went thru, McGowan's Island camp was pretty well wiped out, the traditional owners had gone off and left it in tatters, some campers had patched up a shower block and got a bit of water running again but that was it, very basic camping then.

Did you venture out to Frenchy's Hooneymoon Bay camp area? he was busy repairing the place himself back then.

cya
Graham

AnswerID: 371997

Follow Up By: Austravel - Sunday, Jun 28, 2009 at 15:19

Sunday, Jun 28, 2009 at 15:19

We saw it in 2006 and where told that while the cyclone did a lot of damage the majority was done by the Honeymoon crew. Was told by the then manager that there was a major war between the two groups. We staid for quite a few days after visiting Honeymoon bay as well. Was surprised at the number of people ripping off the system. Didn't pay the fee to enter Kalumburu nor pay the camping fee at McGowan's Island. One guy said if they turn up I'll pay. Wonder if that's the same technique he uses at caravan parks, I guess not. In 2006 it really was a rubbish dump, one quote was it's like Wooribinda on the coast, only relevant if you live in CQ. Yes a bit sad but it was the truth. So glad that someone has taken it over and let's hope it benefits both parties.

We also did the right thing and took no booze, what a joke that was. The locals who partied there one night had stakes of booze and dope. If it was our thing it would have been very easy to get some. Though have been told it's a bit better now with the intervention, hope that's actually right.

If so I'll definitely add it to the list for a future trip. Had said I'd never return as compared to any similar spots in Qld it was a bit hair raising (in town) and very depressing. Spoke to the mission and they where at their wits end to try and help. Their biggest grip seemed to be the the government's politicly correct changes that happened in over the past decade. Turned a reasonably functioning community into a place full of despair with no work ethic.

Anyhow the news is great to hear.

FollowupID: 639461

Reply By: Iain2 - Friday, Jun 26, 2009 at 19:32

Friday, Jun 26, 2009 at 19:32

G'Day Graham,

Yes, the whole place was flattened by Cyclone Ingrid but a lot of work has been put into it since then.

A bloke called Paul Lindfield is now managing the place and he has transformed it, although the improvements are still continuing.

As I said, they have established a beautiful grassed area, and planted lots of palms, pandanus etc. which provide really good shady campsites.

A new ablutions block has also been built with good shower and toilet facilities, and the water is pumped from a bore which produces exceptionally good quality drinking water.

They also have a new office, eftpos, phone etc. and will be selling ice shortly.

I don't have any photos of the overall campground, only video so I can't post a photo but it is an absolute oasis compared to the bush on the way up there.

The campground actually has a number of beaches and coves, plus rocks to fish off.

I did visit Honeymoon Bay, and it was very rough. They actually had campers drive down the road to McGowan's to have a shower and use the toilets so I went for a visit. Probably best if I don't tell you what I thought when I arrived.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, I plan to take my wife back to Mc Gowan's in the next 12 months, and would expect the place to be even better after talking to Paul about his plans.

Hope this is useful.

Iain

AnswerID: 372007

Reply By: Bob - Saturday, Jun 27, 2009 at 21:36

Saturday, Jun 27, 2009 at 21:36

Thanks Iain for your timely report. We are leaving for the Kimberly's on Tuesday and plan to visit Mitchell Falls and Kalumburu. How was the track in, we are driving a 2.8 Gu Patrol and towing a Tvan and ready for anything.

Cheers
Bob

AnswerID: 372136

Reply By: Iain2 - Saturday, Jun 27, 2009 at 23:46

Saturday, Jun 27, 2009 at 23:46

G'Day Bob,

I was at Mitchell Falls on the 10th and the road in was fairly rough, mainly corrugations and some rock sticking up. I have a 100 series Landcruiser and although it was rough, it handled it ok. It's really just a matter of driving to the conditions and your Patrol should handle the track, no worries.

The track is windy in sections so you don't get much of a chance to get up speed to ride over the corrugations so you have to take it a little slow. It's also a little slippery around some bends (sand) so it pays to drive a little cautiously. There is one bend in particular, not far in, where we and everybody we spoke to went for a "drift". OK if there are no cars coming but you need to watch it.

Overall, not really that bad and the trip in is definitely worth it. There was plenty of water flowing over Mitchell Falls and Mertens Falls when we were there and I would expect it will be still flowing but check with Tourist Info when you get to Kununurra.

Regarding the road to Kalumburu, it is pretty good except for the last 50 k (similar to Mitchell Falls track). The grader went through about a week ago so no problems, just a couple of sections with corrugations. Again, no worries for your Patrol.

Just one final tip. Before you go onto the Mitchell Falls track, let some pressure out of your tyres to soften the ride.

Let me know if you need any more information.

Regards

Iain

AnswerID: 372144