Category: Big Australia Adventure (2025)

Morning tea on way to Mt Elizabeth

By the time we reached Mt Elizabeth, the cumulative effect of corrugated roads, confined seating in various modes of transport and long travel days wrecked Gary’s back. The pain was severe and unrelenting for 36 hours. I consulted the Flying Doctor Service, who were very helpful with advice on medication and recovery time. Unfortunately, Gary had to cope with a migraine as well.
We had support from the kind staff and were in a peaceful location. Mal , Kathy, Lyn and John continued their trip, but had a plan to come and help us in a week if we needed it.
The rest was exactly what was needed and after a week, we resumed our trip on the GRR.

From Home Valley to Ellenbrae Station we encountered the toughest road conditions so far.

Ellenbrae Station is famous for its homemade scones, jam and cream. Also, it was our starting point for a day trip to Mitchell Falls .😄

Our guide informed us of the history and geography of the beautiful, but rugged area over which we flew. We are constantly amazed at the resilience and resourcefulness of the pioneers.

After a VERY bumpy 40 minute 4WD trip, we began our hike to the falls. Half way, we had a refreshing swim at the lovely Little Merton Falls .

Then another 4WD trip, another plane flight, another buggy ride and home 😊

What a beautiful place to camp. We were on the Pentecost River with a view of the colourful Cockburn Ranges. Idyllic.

The iconic Pentecost River is a major river crossing on the Gibb River Road. It can be more than 60m wide and can flow swiftly, especially after the Wet season.

Before setting up camp, we detoured to hike to Emma Gorge. The track was very rocky and each step had to be carefully placed to avoid slipping and scraping legs. It took about 4 hours there and back.

We were rewarded with a most beautiful, deep gorge and waterfall with deep red cliffs rising to the sky.

Zebedee Hot Springs

Early the next morning we enjoyed the warm pools a few kilometres down the road.

El Questro Gorge

The six adventurers were reduced to five, as I (Jenny) needed a rest day. Similar to the day before, the hike was challenging. John and Lyn met the challenge and reached El Questro Gorge and waterfall. The others reached the half way point at the boulder – a natural barrier, deterring many from attempting to go further.

Pigeon Hole Lookout Sunset

We began this 660km 4WD track in the Kimberley on 31st May. It is known for its relentless corrugated road, flat tyres, water crossings, stunning scenery and magnificent gorges. The road runs from Kununurra to Derby.

Preparation for the Gibb River Road (GRR), fridge repair – finally, Ord River Diversion Dam , Ivanhoe Crossing and art galleries.

Mal, John, Lyn, Kathy, Jennifer & Gary as we anticipate the rugged 660km (mostly) unsealed 4WD road across the Kimberley WA. We are looking forward to hiking, look outs, sunsets, waterfalls & gorges. Some, more than others, are looking forward to challenging water crossings and demanding 4WD dirt tracks.

Ord River Diversion Dam

Ivanhoe Crossing

Local Art

Overnight stop… illegally parked caravans and motor homes? We were lined up behind a motor home with another car & van behind. Multiple rows of other travellers in the same pattern. Nowhere to escape in an emergency. Different rules in NT 😳

With the bats and production line camping we will not return.

Just a five minute walk from our campsite is the Katherine River. Such a beautiful spot. If you look carefully at the river gums you can see flood debris about 10 metres up in their branches.

A little further up the river are the hot springs. Very pleasant.

We spent an afternoon exploring Cutter Cutter caves – 1,499 hectacres of limestone landscape. The rock formations were beautiful.

The highlight for us was our time spent at Edith Falls. The hike in was challenging as much of the track was steep and rocky, however, the falls are stunning.

We went to the Sunday service at St Paul’s Anglican Church in Katherine. Pleased to say the gospel of Jesus was faithfully preached. Simon Hattrell is the locum and made us welcome. He is 78 and has been even busier in his retirement than when he oversaw his own churches. While the congregation was small (about 30), the church is active in the community.

Our second visit here, which was much busier as last time was during Covid. The termite mounds are larger, the further north we go and the saturated colours in the springs were vibrant blues and greens.