Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Not to be missed, magnificent
Geikie Gorge
( Apr-Dec)
is 22km north of Fitzroy Cross-
ing. The self-guided trails are sandy and hot, but the
DEC
( 08-9191 5121; 1hr tour adult/child
$30/7.50; various cruises from 8am May-Oct)
runs daily cruises. Local Bunuba guides introduce
indigenous culture and bush tucker on the amazingly informative cruises run by
Darngku
Heritage Tours
( 0417 907 609;
www.darngku.com.au
;
adult/child 2hr $65/55, 3hr $80/65, half-day $160/$128;
Apr-Dec)
. A shorter one-hour cruise (adult/child $30/5) operates during the shoulder
season (April and October to December).
TOP OF CHAPTER
Fitzroy Crossing to Halls Creek
Gooniyandi, Bunuba, Walmatjarri and Wangkajungka people populate the small settle-
ment where the Great Northern Hwy crosses the mighty Fitzroy River. There's little reas-
on to stay other than its good access to the Devonian Reef national parks. Check out
Mangkaja Arts (see boxed text,
Click here
) with its unique acrylics, and the exquisite
glass and ceramics of
Dr Sawfish
( 8.30am-4.30pm Mon-Fri, shorter hours Sat & Sun)
, next to the
tyre guy (whom you'll probably need).
Camping and rooms are available at the atmospheric
Crossing Inn
( 08-9191 5080;
www.crossinginn.com.au
;
Skuthorpe Rd; unpowered/powered sites $26/30, r from $180; )
and across the
river at the upmarket
Fitzroy River Lodge
( 08-9191 5141;
www.fitzroyriverlodge.com.au
;
Great Northern
Hwy; camping per person $15, tent d $155, motel d $199, meals $20-34; )
, which also offers de-
cent counter meals. There's a new, well-stocked supermarket, and the
visitor centre
(
08-9191 5355;
www.sdwk.wa.gov.au
;
8.30am-4.30pm Mon-Fri year round, plus 9am-1pm Sat in dry season)
and
bus stop are just off the highway.
One of the Kimberley's best-kept secrets is the vast subterranean labyrinth of
Mimbi
Caves
, 90km southeast of Fitzroy Crossing. Located within Mt Pierre Station, on Gooniy-
andi land, the caves house a significant collection of Aboriginal rock art and some of the
most impressive fish fossils in the southern hemisphere. Aboriginal-owned
Girloorloo Tours
(adult/child $80/40; Tue-Sat Apr-Sep)
operates trips, including an introduction to local Dream-
ing stories, bush tucker and traditional medicines. Book through Fitzroy Crossing or Halls
Creek visitor centres.
Nearby
Larrawa Station
( 08-9191 7025; Great Northern Hwy; sites $20, s with/without meals $120/70)
,
halfway between Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek, makes a pleasant overnight stop, with
