Just before you get into Fitzroy Crossing coming from the east, there is a resort caravan park just before the bridge over the Fitzroy River, is quite safe and a nice park.
When you go into town or at the caravan park, get some info on going out to Geike Gorge, 18 kms good bitumen road and you can take a boat ride down the gorge there, not to be missed, this is a spectacular gorge with a difference and not to be missed.
Keep away from the pub in town, the roadhouse is ok but lock up when you go in. Definitely do not bypass staying at Fitzroy Crossing.
Also, at Halls Creek (I call it the sister town to Willicania), stay at the caravan park, very safe, see the tourist centre there and the statue of Russian Jack. Take a trip out to Old Halls Creeks, looking at Chinaman's Wall and Catherine Pool, and the creek at the ruins of old Halls creek, also a caravan park and store there (no "locals" there), is well worth a day trip.
Like Bourke in NSW, there is a lot to see and worth the visit, just be careful where you go and where you stay.
Happy travels!
Vic
PS: Using Camps 6, there is a lot of free camps between Darwin and Broome and very safe, there will be lots of other RV travellers there and you will not feel you are on your own. About 2 years ago, I travelled from Darwin to Broome via Katherine and free camped all the way.
-- Edited by Duh on Sunday 29th of July 2012 11:07:08 PM
I have driven to Wa across the Nullarbor.. I would love to drive across the top end this time.. Im planning on it next year around May-June.. I have heard Fitzroy Crossing is best to bypass on pension day.. Is there any other tips and is it safe for a woman to drive this alone with a little dog? Any advice would be appreciated...
Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek are sort of "dry" communities, with light beer only, so the locals go to Derby or Broome on "pay" day. There's a great free camp between the 2 places called Marys Pool. Toilets, no grazing cattle, and usually a few other campers. The park in Halls Creek is ok and they lock it at night I think. I've done the trip on my own, and it's no different than anywhere. Use common sense, and if you meet others heading in the same direction you could tagalong with them for a little reassurance. I lived in the Kimberleys for a long time, I've done the Gibb River Road with a friend. Solo travel is the same anywhere. Use your commonsense and instincts. I'm sure you and your 4 legged travel companion will do just fine. Safe and happy travels.
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20ft Roma caravan - Mercedes Benz Sprinter - SA-based at the moment. Transport has no borders.
Management makes the decisions, but is not affected by the decisions it makes.
get a sign made for your vechicle saying Colleen & Max (replace Max with the name of your little dog) people will think you are travelling with a partner.
I did a solo trip from Sydney up through the centre and then across the top of the NT and then down the WA coast in 2009 and have just come back from 21 weeks most of which was spent in WA and have never had any trouble. I stopped in Fitzroy Crossing and had no trouble, althought I have no idea if it was anywhere near pension day. I just go which ever way I want to and just take the usual precausions I would take at home and donn't worry. I think if I was worrying about what might happen all the time I would just as well stay at home.
We have stayed at the Fitzroy River Caravan Park and recommend it... safe, comfortable, even a good meal at the restaurant by the office. We also stayed at Halls creek caravan park on show weekend and it was quiet and safe. No problems. Camp at some of the bigger free camps, therell be heaps of other travellers there to keep you company, just dont camp on your own within 15k's of a town (or roadhouse) Have a great time Colleen!
Thank you so much for everyones advice :) I will keep it all in mind.. I will defin itely check out all those places..
Jonathan yes still travelling around as loving it..I'm currently in Yeppoon Qld house/pet sitting but i loved Wa so much i want to go back and really take my time and see the things i missed last time.. So i might go the top end way this time after hearing all this great advice :)
get a sign made for your vechicle saying Colleen & Max (replace Max with the name of your little dog) people will think you are travelling with a partner.
Safe travels, you will enjoy yourselves.
Looks like Colleen's dog's name is Ricki, so that will work - not quite such a good idea if he was called Spot!
There will be plenty of traffic on those routes at the time of year you are thinking of. Some places to break the trip between Katherine and Kununurra are: Victoria River roadhouse caravan park - very pleasant, interesting scenery in area; Timber Creek - caravan park adequate - boat cruise on river reported as excellent; Keep River National Park - campground is after about 18km of unsealed road, absolutely brilliant spot. There is a new caravan park near the turnoff to the Bungles/Purnululu.
There will be plenty of traffic on those routes at the time of year you are thinking of. Some places to break the trip between Katherine and Kununurra are: Victoria River roadhouse caravan park - very pleasant, interesting scenery in area; Timber Creek - caravan park adequate - boat cruise on river reported as excellent; Keep River National Park - campground is after about 18km of unsealed road, absolutely brilliant spot. There is a new caravan park near the turnoff to the Bungles/Purnululu.
very interesting info about the Bungles/Purnululu C/P do you have any more info or pics.
re the boat trip, you can take your van in there BUT there are only about 5-6 long parking spots so get there early, no overnight camping in there.
I've done it 3 times...although I am a bloke it is fabulous up there...and safe.
There is a great free camp at Marys River, 108 km from Halls Creek...get there early though as it gets quite busy. In reckon there were at least 60 vans etc there last time.
I've done it 3 times...although I am a bloke it is fabulous up there...and safe.
There is a great free camp at Marys River, 108 km from Halls Creek...get there early though as it gets quite busy. In reckon there were at least 60 vans etc there last time.
DO IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HEY IT'S DUNCO, welcome back mate, where have you been
Victoria River roadhouse caravan park - very pleasant, interesting scenery in area
Coming from the Darwin end there is a nice free camp just before Victoria River Roadhouse C/Park, for a small fee (around $3 from memory) the roadhouse will let you have a shower in the caravan park if you stay at the freecamp and arn't staying at the CP.
Thank you for the great tips and advice on where to stay and places to visit..Thank yu for all your responses once again.. Sheba it would be great to meet since your near by.. I think i will do this trip, if i can drive majority of Australia with my dog then i think i can do this trip, like Dunco says DO IT!!!
