Camping in Kimberley

Ian

Stayed at the secluded campsites at ElQuestro and never saw our neighbours. Ours was shady, by the Pentecost River but dusty. True, spots like Zebedee Springs were very busy round lunchtime.

Windjana Gorge campsite was open and sunny. Amenities were good.

Manning Gorge had a good write up in Ron and Viv Moon's book but we were sadly disappointed. Stinking pit toiets that were overused, no drinking water onsite (drive to Mt Barnett Roadhouse), unfinished shower block and the whole campsite was a dustbowl. Most disappointing place we stayed.

Jacks Waterhole was OK. Amenities were basic and some distance from campsites by the water. Dusty again (but that's the GRR)

These experiences are 2 years old now so things may have changed.

Ian,

We're intending to do the GRR for the first time May-Jun next year so don't speak from personal experience but one place that got a good wrap in a mag awhile back and I've only heard good things about since is Beverley Springs Station. Apparently they have some real out-of-the-way bush campsites near good fishing and swimming spots. We'll be including it on in our itinery.

:o) MelissaPetrol 4.5L GU Patrol &
Camprite TL8 offroad camper
http://members.westnet.com.au/flatdog

We did the GRR in 2000 and thought it was great. We stayed at Jacks Waterhole and Mt Barnet Station and enjoyed them both.
Sounds like it's going to be crowded there next year, we're planning a return trip around July as well. We'll probably try some different places this time.
We might see you there???

Cocka,
Thanks for your offer. I would be pleased to get a copy of your notes.
My address is ian@worldexpeditions.com.au

Other places you have missed but are good value are;

Old Mornington Station - go south at Mt House turn off. Good facilities, use as a base camp to to Dimond Gorge andSir Johns Gorge (swimming OK). Suggest 2 nights here.
Drysdale Stn (on the Kalumburu Rd) has good facilities and diesel. Will be busy.
Bush camping is the luck of the draw due to the number of people, but there are several good ones on the eastern half of the GRR, plus he Gibb River itself just a few k's north of the GRR up the Kalumburu road.
Bells Gorge has good facilities and great swimming (long walk)

Call the Kununurra and Derby Visitor centres once you are in the area, they have all the latest info for tourists.

Save your dollars for one of the air tours outa Derby. The seaplane/speedboat adventure out of Derby to the Horizontal Waterfalls is right up there as one of life's great experiences (fabulous scenery plus high adrenalin). About $250 per person.

See yoos in Derby. I live opposite the west end of the caravan park.

Don't overload your vehicle and keep the speed down on the GRR.

Have fun!

JohnS

Toured the GRR in July August this year lots of excellent spots on the road.

Windjanna is excellent although the swimming is not great
Bell creek is up there with the best gorges around don't miss it
camp spot was basic but the swimming and scenery at the falls is great.
I still reckon the manning gorge campsite is one of the best, The swimming at the camp ground is very kid friendly and a reasonable walk to a great wterfall
King edward river crossing is good swimming and has toilets as a bonus.
Mitchell river falls campsite is alright but not as good swimming as King edward.
We enjoyed our stay at ellenbrae station - basic facilities -there is swimming but loved speaking with the station people , a real kimberley experience.
I have been in this area 4 times now and every other time ive bypassed El questro because of people saying it is expensive, commercialized etc etc but can i say we were to stay 2 days and ended up staying a week .
The camp ground has lots of people but i never found it obtrusive, we were camped in probably the shadiest spot on the trip right next to the river and yes we had hot showers 200metres down the road - i loved it and will plan to go again.

we have three under teenage kids and they loved it and so did the other two families similar to ours that we were travelling with. i wouldn't miss it.
the scenery at el questro is first rate as well. We did not finf ELQ any more expensive than anywhere else we stayed ,and with better facilities

Hope you have as much fun as we did

Now about tyres and tyre pressure !

regards/hope this helps

Big John