DAY 96 - FITZROY CROSSING – HALLS CREEK

3 June 2008

DAY 96 Pilbara – Kimberley Trip

FITZROY CROSSING – HALLS CREEK

Set out this morning towards the east. Time to say goodbye to the Kimberley and the west still in singlets and shorts.

As we retraced the road to Halls Creek, lined with small termite mounds along the way, I reflected on our trip along the Gibb that is still considered one of the great drives to do in Australia. It was everything I expected and much more but hubby was somewhat disappointed. His disappointment was based on the observation that it doesn’t feel remote due to the amount of traffic on the Gibb and the so called season has only just started. Gibb River Road is like Pitt Street. Busy! However, it does feel remote because of lack of communication and services.

Both ends of the Gibb are very picturesque. In the south the Napier and King Leopold Ranges provide a dramatic backdrop as you travel. In the north Cockburn and Carr Boyd Ranges ( near Kununurra not the on the Gibb) provide a fascinating backdrop. The rivers and creeks and particularly Pentecost River add another dimension to the area. Water – lots of water but soil quite dry. Whilst in the middle section of the Gibb it is a flat plateau but plenty of water. Landscape changes keep the trip interesting. The gorges are all different – unique. Even though one feels ‘gorged out’ you can still appreciate the next gorge you get to. The challenge is getting to them. You need to be reasonably fit, sure footed and able to handle heights to see some of them. I felt that we got the real feel of the Kimberley during our stays at the stations. In a way the stations were some of the highlights of visiting the Kimberley. Going out to the stations and the tracks on them was what made the trip

On the way to Halls Creek we noticed that the cattle were on the move. The road train transport of cattle had finally started. We encountered no road trains on the Gibb as they were still mustering. The mustering around Fitzroy Crossing must be complete as the road trains are on the move.

In Hall we topped up with fuel and backtracked again 16km to the Tanami Track turnoff. Finally we are on our way to fulfil a dream we have both had – to do the Tanami Track.