Back in 95 and 96, two trips brought us to discover this vast state, somehow a country on
its own separated by deserts from the rest of Australia. WA is the largest state of Australia,
packed with lots of natural wonders and great beaches.
The first stops were Broome, the so called Pearl of the North and Derby, the gateway to the Kimberley.
This region, covering some 420.000 square Kms , contains some of Australia's most unique natural wonders.
Just before reaching Derby, you will see Boab Prison Tree and a little further, the adventure
starts when getting onto the famous Gibb River Road, once built as a beef road for large road trains
between Derby and Wyndham. There were plans to seal this road which would really be a shame.
The best period to travel the North is said to be between May and November, this however depending on the Wet.
The
first highlights are Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek National Parks.
Tunnel
Creek offers the possibility to explore a creek flowing through a natural
750 meters long
tunnel
beneath Napier Range. Wading through the cold water gives you a break from
the outside heat,
but
ensure you take along a good torch for this fascinating experience.
Windjana
Gorge is a 3.5 Kms long gorge, formed by the Lennard River, rising about
90 meters high from
the
river bed level. You may see crowds of Corellas, Fruit bats or even Freshies
in this canyon
which
is the remaining of an ancient reef. Plan your hike through the gorge either
early morning
or
late afternoon as it gets really hot during day.
Geikie
Gorge National Park, located some 15 Kms from Fitzroy Crossing, is usually
open from April to October.
The
highlight is the 14 Kms long gorge, formed by the Fitzroy River, which
can be explored by daily boat trips.
During
the Wet, the cliffs of the gorge are cleaned by the river which can rise
up to 17 meters.
There
is no camping in this Park and normally people will stay in Fitzroy Crossing
when visiting the area.
The
oldest Kimberley Pub, the Crossing Inn, which was established back in the
1890s, is situated
in
this sleepy service town on the Northern Highway.
Kimberley Broome and 80Mile Beach Karijini Millstream Chichester to Carnarvon Shark Bay
Kalbarri and Nambung Perth and York Wave Rock and Goldfields Esperance Stirling Range
Rainbow- South Coast and Southwest Corner
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