Welcome to the Gibb River Road

Pictures will come with better reception

Today we want to complete our first leg on the Gibb River Road. Since we have already done El Questro, we aim to reach Ellenbrae Station. It’s not too far, so we’ll take it easy.

The day begins with some stretching, then we’ll refill water and supplies. Finally, we’ll have breakfast at the Mango Café.

The first hurdle on the Gibb is crossing the Pentecost River. It’s long but not deep. The water is so clear that obstacles can be easily seen.

There are several more smaller water crossings and occasionally some bumpy spots and washboard sections, but overall the condition of the Gibb is quite good, and we can drive at 70 km/h in some places.

At the beginning, the scenery is dominated by the red cliffs of the Cockburn Range. Later, we encounter simple savannah landscape, nothing too special.

Just after 3 PM, we arrive at Ellenbrae Station, a charming little oasis in the middle of nowhere. We quickly find a nice campsite on their Jackaroo Campground. The campsite is quite rustic. Everything is tidy and functional, but very simple and improvised. The warm water for the shower is heated by a small open firewood stove. The shower walls are made from large metal barrels.

Each campsite has a fire pit, and we find enough wood to sit by the open fire in the evening. Birgit says several times, “This is just fantastic,” beaming with joy. I also find it very nice; this is how I envision bush camping. The light of the full moon adds to the romantic atmosphere.

However, the campsite is very dry, so we have to play firefighters multiple times to extinguish any emerging “bushfires.”