Mon 10 June – to Karijini NP

Continuing to head South, still on the Roebourne Wittenoom Rd which runs parallel to the Tom Price Railway Rd through the CM NP.  Heading towards Karijini we again had to choose which of the two roads to take.  Again we opted to avoid the Railway Rd.  About 20k out of Karijini and Hamersley Gorge, we found our anticipated right turn was blocked off!  We were confronted with three choices.  First, go back about 165k to rejoin the Railway Rd; second continue on through the blue asbestos area of Wittenoom, coming to Karijini from the other direction, making Hamersley Gorge hard to get to; or third, give the closed off road a go.  We opted to give it a go. 

Abandoned that idea about 10k in, as a new mining RAILWAY had been built across the road.  None of our maps or current brochures showed it. 

Back to our second choice….. travel through Wittenoom with vents and windows securely closed….  This turned out to be the right choice as it turned out - a few k’s down the road, AFTER the Wittenoom danger sign, there was a new road deviation and new railroad crossing.  Someone remarked to us later that the mining companies move fast and are continually changing roads etc. in this area so it's hard to keep up.  Quite remarkable.

We enjoyed a leisurely lunch stop and a long swim at Hamersley Gorge. 

We’re camped at Karijini, at the Dales Gorge camp area.  Rather over-organised complete with camp ground hosts yet again, however not bad for $12 night.

Gorge somewhere South of Millstream

On the road

The Fortescue River Crossing Car Wash.  We had fun in ankle deep warm water washing the rest of the corella droppings off the car. 

Decision point.  Railway Rd or not?

Clive even asked a local.  He'd only ever travelled the Railway Rd, so wasn't really much help.

Lunch stop, Mt Florence

Spinifex Pidgeon

On the Roebourne Wittenoom Rd

We weren't keen on this option



So, we checked out the closed road.... to no avail.

We finally made it to Hammersley Gorge

Enjoyed our swim in fantastic surroundings. 

Clive drying off.  Rock formations are amazing.

Hammersley Gorge

Our camp spot at Karijini.  Clive's giving it the thumbs down as our car is stuck behind the steel posts, not near the tent. 
It really wasn't that bad though.