Kimberleys Tanami Gregory Nat Pk

Have seen the popular tourist attractions of Kimberleys inc Wallcott inlet Does any one have any other interesting attractions - 4wd tracks to see in these areas Visiting n/yr
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Reply By: Member - John Baas (WA) - Tuesday, Sep 08, 2009 at 15:45

Tuesday, Sep 08, 2009 at 15:45
Hi Tuck, we have just returned from a trip to Gregory NP. It is a sensational 4WD experience (more about the driving than the scenics but the scenery is still good) but imo is more challenging than the notes contained in the links below. I destroyed 3 tyres.

Also the East Baines xing referred to is difficult because of potential droppoffs - it is otherwise shallow at the moment (about 20cm). The Herbert xing is not referred to in the notes but is trickier - get your partner to spot the way out for you.

http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/parks/find/pdf/gregory_fs.pdf


http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/parks/find/pdf/gregory4wd.pdf

Cheers
AnswerID: 382391

Follow Up By: tuck - Wednesday, Sep 09, 2009 at 14:29

Wednesday, Sep 09, 2009 at 14:29
Thanks guys this is the type of trips we like
How long approx in time the Carson River track
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FollowupID: 650069

Follow Up By: tuck - Wednesday, Sep 09, 2009 at 14:31

Wednesday, Sep 09, 2009 at 14:31
oops sorry wrong one sounds great definitely on list did you find any other out opf way places
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FollowupID: 650070

Reply By: Peter_n_Margaret - Tuesday, Sep 08, 2009 at 18:07

Tuesday, Sep 08, 2009 at 18:07
If you are game AND IF you can get a permit (quite difficult) try the Carson River Track from Home Valley via Oombulgurri Community to Carson River homestead and Kalumburu.
Not to be done alone.
Walcott is (say) 100km per day (with sight seeing). Carson Track (southern end) is 30km per day.
We have driven each end, but not the middle bit.
Some pics in the link below.

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 Motorhome
AnswerID: 382405

Follow Up By: Member - Kroozer (WA) - Wednesday, Sep 09, 2009 at 01:58

Wednesday, Sep 09, 2009 at 01:58
Hi, what year did you do that track? I have only done half, but the old man went through and pushed a new track through a year later around 1998 or so. Also mustered in some of that country in 2001, and actually graded alot of the track again so we could get the 6x6 wheeler ex army Blitz in. We had it easy when mustering as we only pushed in so far then waited for grader to go ahead. But when the old man went through and pusehd a new track just with a couple of Tojos it was as you as you say very rough, only 6kms a day then they managed. I imagine it would have more regular use since though, community people travelling from Oombie to Kalumburu, and vice versa. Still some magic and untouched country to be seen. Not for the unexperienced or ill equipped though.
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Follow Up By: Peter_n_Margaret - Wednesday, Sep 09, 2009 at 08:37

Wednesday, Sep 09, 2009 at 08:37
Hi Kroozer.
We have driven the northern bit to KGF and the loop to Striker section a couple of times, most recently in 2007. It is getting harder after each wet season with no maintenence. Striker were taking semis in there a few years ago. Would be unlikely now without a bulldozer first.
Drove Home Valley to Oombi in 2007. It would be 5 times more difficult than the other end. There is no traffic north of Oombi to speak of. Lovejoy jump-up is a stopper about 25k north of Oombi. I estimated 2 days work to get up it in 2007. One vehicle did get thru that early year and 2 the year before (police & customs). We came back from Oombi by barge.

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 Motorhome
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Follow Up By: tuck - Wednesday, Sep 09, 2009 at 14:33

Wednesday, Sep 09, 2009 at 14:33
Sounds great how long time wise
Any other tracks further down GRR
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Follow Up By: Peter_n_Margaret - Wednesday, Sep 09, 2009 at 16:23

Wednesday, Sep 09, 2009 at 16:23
Tuck, the 85k from Home Valley to Oombi took our 3 vehicles 3 days (and we did not actually have any "trouble" or do any serious damage). We got a barge back to Wyndham.

The drive from Kalumburu to King George Falls could be done in a day fairly easily, but you need another day to walk to the falls and back. Then you need a day to explore the Striker area and another day or more for the secret spots I won't be mentioning here.
Then there is the area south of Carson Homestead - several more days.

Getting permission is VERY difficult however, especially since Carson Station has been leased out and you need permission from them as well as KAC.

Further south down the GRR there is the track to Karunjie (Pentecost Downs). The best bet there is to talk to Nick Bradley at Home Valley (this area is owned by the Northern Land Council, as is Home Valley and Durack River).

Further south again there is the Tablelands track between Bedford Downs and Tablelands Stations. Not driven that......yet.

Last year we spent our time in the Kimberley exploring by small boat. A whole NEW world awaits by that method.

Cheers,
Peter
OKA Motorhome
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FollowupID: 650097

Reply By: Member - joc45 (WA) - Tuesday, Sep 08, 2009 at 18:13

Tuesday, Sep 08, 2009 at 18:13
I know you mentioned it, but I'll confirm the Walcott track via Bachsten Ck is a pretty challenging track, with some fantastic scenery on the way. Been a while since I've done it, so I must get back there.
Gerry

AnswerID: 382407

Reply By: vk1dx - Tuesday, Sep 08, 2009 at 23:26

Tuesday, Sep 08, 2009 at 23:26
Just did the Karunji Track.

A 132Km loop up and around the Cockburn Range just north of El Questro. It starts and ends on the Gibb River Road. Magnificent shots of the Cockburn Range. Daytime only and best with the sun pasing through noon to get the sun behind you and give you the best outlines of the range. Sunup and sundown would be excellent but I suggest you don't attemp it at night as its too easy to lose the track especially the Swamp Shortcut.

Its a private track and you should drop in to Emma Gorge or El Questro to get the okay. Took us 6 hours to do it. Its where parts of Australia and the new QANTAS ad were filmed. They have cheat sheets to follow. Not one other car for the whole 6 hours. Excellent!!!! No caravans though and you may need quite a bit of ground clearance so no home 6x4 trailers. Off road stuff only.

Phil

AnswerID: 382444

Follow Up By: vk1dx - Tuesday, Sep 08, 2009 at 23:27

Tuesday, Sep 08, 2009 at 23:27
Meant to add dry weather only.
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Follow Up By: Member - John Baas (WA) - Wednesday, Sep 09, 2009 at 00:08

Wednesday, Sep 09, 2009 at 00:08
We did it as well - the Marsh Shortcut was fantastic. Stop in at Diggers Rest - quirky place.

Cheers.
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FollowupID: 649986

Follow Up By: Member - Kroozer (WA) - Wednesday, Sep 09, 2009 at 01:50

Wednesday, Sep 09, 2009 at 01:50
Ah Home Sweet Home. Love hearing about people enjoying my part of the world. Got many a story for that part of the world.
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FollowupID: 649990

Follow Up By: vk1dx - Wednesday, Sep 09, 2009 at 08:32

Wednesday, Sep 09, 2009 at 08:32
Stop it Kroozer. Yes its a great place. Pity we didn't know about the other tracks out of Home Valley that we could have done as well.

The GRR was a disappointment though. Its like a flat highway. But at least you can have a tiny bit of fun with a couple of the creeks.Well!!! You have to wash the windscreen somehow. To the purists - Only a few inches in them and no one around. Safety first.

But this is the problem. Same as when I surfed. Tell everyone and its "ruined". But we love to share the beauty of where we live. !!!!!!!!!

Enjoy it mate and we will be back.

Phil
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FollowupID: 650011

Follow Up By: Peter_n_Margaret - Wednesday, Sep 09, 2009 at 08:45

Wednesday, Sep 09, 2009 at 08:45
The track between the Pentercost crossing and Diggers Rest is actually the old main road and is therefore a public road.
The old owners of El Questro would have you think that it is private. Not sure if it is sold yet, be interesting to see the attitude of the new owners.

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 Motorhome
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FollowupID: 650013

Follow Up By: vk1dx - Wednesday, Sep 09, 2009 at 09:04

Wednesday, Sep 09, 2009 at 09:04
I didn't want to say it was public on this open forum and appreciate your input. Thanks

Having looked into the history of the track we were quite sure that in fact what you said was true. However at the time it was a lot easier just to go with the flow and seek the okay. Mind you I was a little sneaky how I did it. We were at Emma Gorge and I asked for anything they had on the track. The girls in their enthusiasm to share it gave me a leaflet, and when I said something like" Oh and its okay to go there today is it?" They said "Yes" and I took that yes to be my okay.Well!!! They though I was asking if the road was drivable. Nope. Wrong.

So off we went. And Yes it was one of the highlights of the trip. Even ran into a helicopter and rider doing a round up. We stopped, said Hi and moved on after they passed.

Excellent drive.

Phil
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Follow Up By: tuck - Wednesday, Sep 09, 2009 at 14:14

Wednesday, Sep 09, 2009 at 14:14
Thanks guys for the info will definitely follow this one up
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FollowupID: 650064

Follow Up By: tuck - Wednesday, Sep 09, 2009 at 14:35

Wednesday, Sep 09, 2009 at 14:35
Sounds great is on the list
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FollowupID: 650072

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