Gibb River Road - Part 1

After a restful night, following a nocturnal thunderstorm (tent is waterproof), we headed to the Visitor Center to gather information about the 'Gibb'. After refueling the car and loading up on provisions and water, we set off.

Our first stop was supposed to be the Emma Gorges (gorge with a swimming pool). Unfortunately, we were too late and the gates were closed, as the gorges are only available to the public in the morning. Oh well, then we went to El Questro. We wanted to do something there and visit the hot springs before checking in. Well, there too, the gates close for travelers at noon.

Alright - new plan was needed.

Jacqueline didn't like the alternative gorges plan, due to the special notice of 'deep water crossing' AND the lady at the reception explicitly asked if we had a snorkel on the car...

so we decided to go for the lookouts.

Short 4wd tracks lead to the lookouts. After the first 2-3 kilometers, including crossing a river, signs repeatedly warned us that only experienced 4wd drivers should drive this, as it gets very steep and curvy. Martin, being a very experienced 4wd driver ;-)), said that we would easily manage this. However, it kept getting steeper and turning back was no longer possible, as it was too narrow.

So we struggled to get our vehicle up the hill. Once we reached the top, we both spontaneously agreed that the first option would have been better. But what goes up must also come down. Now in a different gear (L2 for connoisseurs), it went much better and safer downhill. Back on the road, the question about the second lookout remained unspoken but definitely answered. Back at the campground, we checked all the wheels, which were surprisingly all intact. We had to celebrate with a beer.

Unbelievable - the first night where we could sleep through. Jetlag survived? Let's hope so.

For that reason, we went straight to the hot springs at 7am. The wait was definitely worth it! Warm water flows through a tropical valley, forming natural pools. We were practically alone and could enjoy our morning bath. Only briefly interrupted by a snake in the water!

Then we followed about 320 km of unpaved road (gravel road). The first 150 km were probably the most challenging... also for our left rear tire. During a bathroom break in Ellenbrae, Martin noticed a cut in the sidewall from a stone while checking the tires. Nice Logan didn't have a spare tire anymore, but the damaged one is now at the back of the car and the spare one is in use. Got it? That means we now have a damaged but still functioning spare tire.

After 320 km of shaking and rattling, we settled down at Mount Elizabeth.

The day came to an end with kangaroos and a mega thunderstorm.