10th May 2002: Gladstone – Carnarvon
We make our way to Carnarvon where we decide to spend a few days catching up on maintenance of the camper, shopping, washing, etc. We also book a flight for Julie’s dad from Melbourne to Broome in mid-June so he can join us for around 11 weeks while we explore the Kimberley region.
14th May 2002: Carnarvon – Blowholes
Leisurely pack-up and drive 70kms north to the Blowholes. Camping by the beach in a reasonably exposed area (though we have a dune between us and the beach). Nice spot!
During our stay we take a drive along the coast to look at the wreck of the Korean Star (1988) – not much left. Reasonable views along the coast. Pulled another visitor in a Britz campervan out of some sand – first time use of our winch.
16th May 2002: Blowholes – Kennedy Range National Park
As the weather is looking threatening, we pack up and make our way inland to the Kennedy Range NP where we arrive late afternoon. We do some gorge walks: Drapers Gorge & Temple Gorge. Not long walks with both ending in cliff faces where it is difficult to climb out of. We experience our first full day of heavy rain – unusual on the trip so far, so stay another day
20th May 2002: Kennedy Range NP – Mt Augustus
350km trip to Mt Augustus via Minnie Creek & Cobra Stations. Slow drive as mainly good dirt roads with muddy spots given the rain in recent days. We set up camp at the Mt Augustus Outback Resort – a decent establishment given its remoteness with water, showers and grass for camping.
We tackle a few walks during out stay including:
- A 12 km walk to the summit; a pretty tiring trek but great views from the top and a good walk up through the gully trail. Mt Augustus is 1105m and is in some ways similar to Uluru, though Mt Augustus has plenty of vegetation on it.
- The Cave Hill mesa – about a 4km round trip. As the name suggests there is a cave in the hill (that forms part of Mt Augustus); you can also walk to the top of the mesa. Nice walk with good views of Mt Augustus side.
August Augustus The World's largest rock we had come to scale, Its beauty and wonder we did hail, The photos I took will not do it justice, The mighty rock, august Augustus. Climbing up via the gully trail, We were in search of another holy grail, Though the walk was likely to bust us, Our goal the top of august Augustus. There's cave hill, cattle pool and the pound, Not to mention the Aboriginal engravings that abound, Who could help but to be wonderstruck; not us! No simple stone, august Augustus. A monocline or monolith? With all its grandeur, what's the diff? Suggest you get here by road, plane or by bus, Inspiring reverence, august Augustus. Craig,21st May 2002
