Ellendale Lake Roadside Stop.

May 28. Day 26.

Ellendale Lake Roadside Stop.

0930/1715. 310 KM.

Last day on the Gibb!

We did the 50km back to the GRR thru the numerous floodways. We then headed for Lennards Gorge that is only a few kms off the main road. Disappointed to see a large sign saying it and an adjoining road to a community were closed. Kununurra Tourist Information Centre had not caught up with that one.

After an hour or so we turned south off the GRR for the last time. Windjana Gorge was not an option as it was closed for the season, recovering from the exceptional rains of the big wet.
Next attraction was Tunnel Creek. A creek flows right thru a range and you can walk thru it, albeit with a torch and about 40m of swimming. There are resident freshies, but we did not encounter any. It's about 700m in total length with a flowing creek. There are a significant number of stalactites, but very few stalagmites. Also, a waterfall that is calcified covered rock. On exiting the far end about 100m downstream there is a cave/rock-shelf that has a couple of Aboriginal cave paintings. And there was a rather large bungarra goanna guarding it.
Back to the trusty LandCruiser and we continued south. Ironically this section of the gravel road was rather rough and somewhat narrow compared to the northern section. Ironic, as the southern section serves as the entrance from the Great Northern Highway. Which we joined, turned west and proceeded about 50km to the Elledale Lake Rest Area. We arrived as the sun was setting. It was a huge orange orb. Stunning.
The rest area is a timbered piece of farmland alongside a lake about 500m long with prolific bird life. I had stayed here about 11 months previously, whilst returning with Lorraine and Graham Hartree from our trip up thru the Great Central Road and the Northern Territory.

Another defrosted frozen dinner ensued with an obligatory Stella Bella red. Postprandial was a port and a campfire in the travelling, collapsible fire pit.

So ended our sojourn down the Gibb River Road, and all things Kimberley. It had certainly been very special and most memorable experience.

Ellendale Lake Rest Area

A rather attractive stop up alongside a small lake with a significant amount of birdlife.
No facilities. The entrance gate is 2.9km west of the Ellendale Station access road turn off from the Gt Northern Hwy. Free of Charge.Read more