Day 80 Duncan Road

To explore the Kimberly region further we changed location from Kununurra to Halls Creek. You can either go via the highway or choose gravel to go via the Duncan road. Stuart discovered some lookouts on the Duncan road just a few kilometres before Halls Creek, so we went for the gravel road. The first part of the road is in pretty good condition, but the only things to see are some animals, mainly cows crossing the road.

As it is late in the dry season, there is also no river crossing at Negri River as the water levels are pretty low. Next to the road we could see some smoke here and there and later on the drive also the fires causing the smoke.

The first lookout after a couple of hours drive was Palm Springs, but so late in the dry season there was nothing to see.

Stuart enjoyed the next stop Sawpit Gorge: nice signs (not stolen), good looking toilet, and a small pool with still some water in it and good views around.

The next stop was the best on the road: Palm Springs Creek. The pool had lots of water with a nice view. Unfortunately, just next to the creek, there was a big construction site grading the road, so it was not quiet and nice enough to stay a bit longer (or even stay there for 24h overnight camp).

Next to the Duncan Road there is Old Halls Creek, best known for the place where the accident happened which led to the foundation of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. There is not much left of the old town except for this sign, a cemetery, and some old street signs with explanations where, for example, the bakery was, but Stuart nevertheless enjoyed the great views.

The next stop Caroline Pool was described as a permanent water hole popular with the locals to swim. Upon arrival, we saw the nice sign, but no water at first. If you walk a bit from the car park, you will find the remnant of this permanent water hole, which is not very inviting for swimming...

Just a few kilometers before Halls Creek is the last stop on the Duncan Road: the (miniature) Chinese Wall. Stuart enjoyed this miniature wall very much, as it was something fitting to his size.

Arriving in Halls Creek, this town is like all the reviews describe it: not very inviting... The accommodation we were staying at had many fences and gates. They didn't even bother to clean up the glass from car windows somebody broke in but just put signs up that they are not responsible. For the evening we wanted to have some pizza - after crossing some gates, there was security forcing us to do an alcohol test just to get some take-away pizza. Not a great place to live, but for two nights, it was ok - and with the military staying in the accommodations around, it was safe.