Broome to Fitzroy Crossing via Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek

Day 12 8th May

Broome to fitzroy Crossing via Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek

Odometer 19692  Temp 24 -37

First order of the day was filling up and buying some basic supplies for the next two days. There were lots of stray cattle and a baby roo beside the road on the way to Derby, so care was required whilst driving. We reached the Prison Tree, a large Boab by 10am. 

A few photos and we were back on the road again. The beginning of the Gibb River Road is sealed, adequate for one car with both verges on a 30 degree angle. We had only been on the road a short period of time when we saw an oncoming road train who was obviously not in a position to utilize the verge. Mark had to drive outside the white post markers to get past the road train. 

Thankfully the rest of the trip to Windjana Gorge was uneventful. 

The plan was to walk into the Gorge. The first part of the path was flat.

 Then we had to clamber over and through the rocks.

On the other side were the most amazing 90m high walls

My knee was still bothersome so we only walked to the sandbank where there were a number of small fresh water crocodles sunning themselves on the bank. 

I managed to stand 25m from these guys

Amazing views of the gorge

Mark only made it as far as this rock

A panorama of the gorge

If I had been fit I would have followed the course of the Lennard River along the full length of the gorge (7kms 2hrs return)

On the way back to the car we spotted this larger crocodile sunning itself.

We ate lunch at one of the picnic tables before heading out. Lunch was chicken, cheese and salad sandwiches, followed by crème caramel. It was so hot our water was hot. We were back on the road again by 1.30. A few minutes after leaving a Brahman Bull decided to obstruct the road and then a large kangaroo crossed the road approximately 10 metres in front of us as we slowed down for a dried up creek bed. 

Thankfully he didn't stay in the middle of the road for long

I had not anticipated there would be any water crossings as we made our way to Tunnel Creek. So was surprised when we had a 3m water crossing, even if it was 8” deep.We arrived at Tunnel Creek by 2.20. I was determined  get into the tunnel. 

I didn’t anticipate having to climb over huge boulders. 

We had to walk through shallow water before we even entered the cave. 

Not only did we have to clamber over rocks but also squeeze through fairly narrow passages

The water once we managed to get into the cave was only ¾ up my calf. 

There were little fishes and small yabbies in the water. Given the difficulties I had walking and insufficient light from our one torch we only ventured as  far as the entrance.

By 3.30 we were back on the road again. In all my research I had not read anything about problems with the road between Tunnel Creek and the Great Northern Highway. We crossed 8 water crossings and of these four had significant water in them. On the seventh water (60cm deep x 15m across) crossing Mark actually walked the crossing to check the depth before driving across it. 

Of course no unsealed road is complete without road works. It was at this point we had our second encounter with some cattle. We finally made it to Fitzroy Crossing Lodge by 5.20. The lodge is located through town beside the Fitzroy River. Our accommodation was a Safari Tent. 

Beautiful sunset over the Fitzroy River

Having a quiet one after a very long day

We booked dinner for 6.30. After a day hiking we were both ready for a hot shower. Unfortunately we had no hot water so had to be satisfied with a quick wash. Whilst we were at dinner staff moved ALL our belongings (which were many) to another room. Dinner consisted of Pate, Barramundi and steak. We splurged and had desert Chocolate Crème Brulee and Vanilla & Rasberry Panacotta, yum. 

Mileage 516kms
Total mileage 7263kms