Creek Tunnel
The car's speedometer starts to go crazy (3000kms) since we left Darwin and we are not at the end of our journey. We intend to take full advantage of the 12 We have a first stop at Tunnel Creek and then Fitzroy Crossing where we will spend the night.
Our route from Bell Gorges to Fitzroy Crossing.
On the way to Tunnel Creek – 17 September
We leave Bell Gorge fresh as roaches on the Gibb River Road which is far from monotonous. A very nice view to 360 degrees with the immensity of the desert and wild plain in perspective where only animals reign.
As the kilometres go by, the track becomes steeper and narrower.
Crossing Road Trains on the Gibb River Road is quite common. Their mission is to transport food, Ore, petrol or livestock in remote areas of the country. This one is driving at high speed, leaving behind a cloud of dust.
We are not very far from Tunnel Creek , Baobabs make an appearance.
The cows with the long ears 🐂🐂 are watching us... to think that we are their only distraction of the day!
Tunnel Creek
Located in Tunnel Creek National Park, the cave is an amazing place. Over time, the river dug a tunnel of about 750m through a rocky outcrop. To discover the cave, a waterproof lamp is essential because you quickly find yourself in complete darkness. You have to cross a pool with the presence of freshwater 🐊 crocodiles (Freshwater Crocodiles) And I don't really like it to go!
Philippe decides to venture out at the same time as a young couple.
A beautiful encounter on the shore...
It is a good size with perfectly aligned and sharpened teeth!
The cave has many beautiful formations,
including stalactites and stalagmites, and is also home to a variety of bats and olive pythons, non-venomous snakes from Australia that can measure up to 4m50.
A few cave paintings hidden on the other side at the bottom of the cave.
We take the track from Fairfield Leopold Downs to Fitzroy crossing where we come across many herds. They take their time to cross the track.
Fitzroy Crossing River
After an hour and a half on the trail we have to make a detour to the temporary bridge of Fitzroy Crossing River to get to the campsite. So why provisional...
In January 2023 the only bridge on the main road in the Kimberley region was destroyed in devastating floods, Thus leaving the inhabitants isolated and left to their own devices for several days. The reconstruction of the new bridge is not complete at the time of our passage, it is expected to reopen to traffic at the end of the year.
Tonight we sleep at the Fitzroy campsite in the company of many egrets that prowl around each camper van.
Tomorrow is a good day's drive to reach Purnululu National Park.