We left Violet Valley at around 7.45 am, wound our way along the tight entry road and through the creeks before hitting the Great Northern Highway.
There is not a lot between here and Fitzroy Crossing, so stopping for a break is not much of an option. We are about 130 km from Halls Creek where we will get fuel. We have repeatedly been warned to have your wits about you here and lock your car if you go into the service station to pay pay fuel. It certainly didn't have a good feel about it and we got our fuel and a takeaway coffee and continued on.
There was was a lookout whilst we we were traversing the Mueller Ranges, with a sign up for a photo opportunity, so here it is.
Mueller Ranges
The other area that was quite striking was Ngumban Cliff Area. There was a free camp area up on top of one of the cliffs which would have had some great views.
At 1.30 pm we arrive at Fitzroy River Lodge Caravan Park. Fitzroy River Lodge is a large establishment with motel accommodation, a bar, restaurant and big camping ground. When we checked in, the man at reception said things were pretty quiet at the moment, so we could select our own site. He went on to say that we should make sure we lock everything before leaving our car and caravan. He did not expect any trouble and pointed out they have onsite security, and the police make regular patrols. Quite encouraging stuff really !
Fitzroy Crossing does have a bad reputation which is why we opted not to stay in town, but at Fitzroy River Lodge which is on the other side of the river to the town. The population of the area is 80-90% Aboriginal. We were also giving an after hours number to ring if there was any trouble. We are only here for one night.
The park itself is very roomy with good facilities and by the end of the day quite a few more caravans had arrived.
Finding a site where we could stay hitched up was no problem. We simply parked and went up to the bar for a late lunch, setting up when we got back with full stomachs.
We are a short walk from the amenities which have ample toilets and showers
Many more caravans arrived during lunch and the early afternoon making the occupancy look at lot healthier.
The park is on the bank of the Fitzroy River, which is a very larger river which must be spectacular in the wet. We went over to have a look and the water level is pretty low, but judging from what we have seen so far, it is probably higher than it normally would be at this time of the year.
Looking toward the bridge, the township is on the right hand side
Looking away from the bridge
You can see the levee is almost at bridge height
Sun going down over the river
And park
For dinner we ordered a takeaway pizza from the restaurant. It was actually pretty good.
Tomorrow we head towards Derby on the coast, we have chosen to stay at a station out of town to avoid anti social behaviour. So we have booked at Birdwood Downs Station, very popular with those who have just completed or are just starting the Gibb River Road. It gives us an option to do a day trip to Windjana Gorge, if we wish.
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