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Big Lap
  • Alisha Smellie
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  • Alisha Smellie

Big Lap

A year exploring Australia in our Caravan Read more
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  • Alisha SmellieBig LapTraveler

    Galvans Gorge

    September 11, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C

    After setting up camp at Manning River we headed out to Galvans for a dip. Another beautiful gorge along the Gibb, and with easy access it was great with Olivia. There was still a small amount of water flowing over the falls and there was a rope swing from the trees which was a bit of fun for the big kids!Read more

  • Alisha SmellieBig LapTraveler

    Tadpole Catching

    September 10, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 34 °C

    We made our way back to Gibb River for the night as it had been such a relaxing, peaceful free camp. We decided to park up on the other side of the river this time... perhaps we shouldn't have. After choosing a spot, we decided to turn around for a different approach angle and ended up bogged in very soft river sand. After 20 minutes of shovelling, max-tracks and several attempts. Mitch hauled Mabel out and we made it!

    Olivia spent a lovely afternoon playing in the shallows of the river, catching tadpoles that hadn't been there a few nights earlier while dad attempted to fix a few things on the van and mum did washing.    Read more

  • Alisha SmellieBig LapTraveler

    Mitchell Falls

    September 9, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 33 °C

    At Mitchell Falls, the Mitchell River flows over an 80m four-tiered s3ction of sandstone creating a series of spectacular falls. Being later in the dry season there was not a huge flow of water but even so, the view spectacular and worth the effort of getting there.

    Our special reward was a helicopter transfer back to the start of the trail to finish the Punamii-Unpuu loop 🚁 Olivia wasn't sure if the helicopter at first, it was loud and big and she has never been so close before. Dad sat in the front with the pilot and mum and Oli sat together in the back, stapped in tight together as there were no doors. After 2 figure of 8 manoeuvres we flew back over the walking trail, exhausted but thankful for the experience.    Read more

  • Alisha SmellieBig LapTraveler

    Big Mertens Falls - Mitchell Falls Track

    September 9, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C

    After a very hot an long section of the track along Mertens Creek, we arrived at another beautiful section of the trail. Big Mertens Falls is a spectacular deep and long gorge carved out by Mertens Creek. The rock pools above provided a place to stop and rest, admire the water lilly and some more rock art.

    From here it was only a hop, skip and a jump to the end and a chance to view Mitchell Falls.    Read more

  • Alisha SmellieBig LapTraveler

    Little Mertens - Mitchell Falls

    September 9, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C

    Little Mertens Falls makes up part of the Punamii-Unpuu Trail. Although there was no water flowing over the falls, this little waterhole offered a beautiful oasis, some incredible rock art and a chance for Olivia to cool off with a quick dip.Read more

  • Alisha SmellieBig LapTraveler

    Punamii-Unpuu Trail

    September 9, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    We were up early today for a 6am start, we woke to what we thought was rain but was intact huge drops from the tree above the van from an overnight dew. It made 2 hour car trip from King Edward River to Mitchell Falls quite spectacular with a heavy fog all around.

    The Punamii-Unpuu Trail is a 5.1 km trail one way, with obstacles, uneven ground, hot open woodland and grassy sections, rock scrambling and water crossings. Our biggest walk attempted to date.

    Definitely not for the faint hearted and probably not one to really tackle with young kids (🙄😩🥵😏) but we made it in the end, and the reward was simply breathtaking.    Read more

  • Alisha SmellieBig LapTraveler

    Munurru - King Edward River

    September 8, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 36 °C

    Today we headed further north through the Kimberley up the Kalumburu Road towards King Edward River for two nights enabling us to tackle the Mitchell Falls track.

    A beautiful swimming hole in the river, a waterfall, shady spots and a great campfire.Read more

  • Alisha SmellieBig LapTraveler

    Gibb River Free Camp

    September 7, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 33 °C

    Tonight's destination was one of the best free camps we have stayed at to date. We arrived fairly early which was great as it meant getting a good spot by the river, where Oli spent the afternoon playing in the shallow water. It's getting hot here with the start of spring, reaching mid to high 30s each day so a camp site with swimming is very important to keep us all happy.Read more

  • Alisha SmellieBig LapTraveler

    Ellenbrae Station Scones

    September 7, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    Another must do on the Gibb is visiting Ellenbrae Station for their famous Scones on the lawn. The Station itself is a little oasis, with big shady trees and green grass, but it's definitely made better with fresh hommade Scones, and for mum and dad an ice cold coffee frappe 😋

    Oli loved playing in the old farm truck, clucking with the chickens and thought it was awesome to get to sit in a real saddle like her Spirit friends 🐎    Read more

  • Alisha SmellieBig LapTraveler

    Durack River

    September 6, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 34 °C

    Tonight we set up Mabel at a great free camp high up on the banks of the Durack River. Mum did some "bush" washing while trying to spot crocs in the river, while Olivia and Dad did Bluey Puzzles together. After collecting some firewood, a snack on the "cool" side of the van, we enjoyed a fire, and another beautiful Kimberley sunset.Read more

  • Alisha SmellieBig LapTraveler

    Pentacost River & Cockburn Ranges

    September 6, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Today we bid farewell to El Questro and continued along the Gibb. It wasn't long before we crossed the Pentacost River, another one of those quintessential Gibb drone photos to capture before we stopped for MT at a lookout for one last look at the impressive Cockburn Ranges. We can't wait to keep travelling West yo discover more of the Gibb River Road.Read more

  • Alisha SmellieBig LapTraveler

    Branko's Lookout - El Questro

    September 5, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 34 °C

    With our last afternoon upon us at El Questro, we decided to tackle the last 4x4 track. The water crossings across the Chamberlain River was definitely a rocky challenge with another amazing view over the station.Read more

  • Alisha SmellieBig LapTraveler

    Emma Gorge - El Questro

    September 5, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    Emma Gorge is definitely a highlight on everyone's El Questro itinerary, and for good reason. It was another tough walk in. It was hot, there was limited tree coverage due to a very recent fire in the gorge, there were rock scrambles, snakes on the track and protests. The spectacular Gorge at the end was very impressive, a we were rewarded with a very cool swim, a waterfall, a cave and a hot spring pool. We made it back before Olivia's little legs refused to walk any further!Read more

  • Alisha SmellieBig LapTraveler

    Saddleback Ridge

    September 4, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    Could today get any better! Yes! We ended today with a 4x4 drive up to Saddleback Ridge for sunset. The 360 degree view from this lookout is beyond stunning. Top it off with a few beers, a snack and some great company chatting to another 2 travelling families and our day was done!Read more

  • Alisha SmellieBig LapTraveler

    El Questro George

    September 4, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    Wow, wow, wow. Can't even describe how amazing El Questro is! And it's just day 2 of our Gibb River Road adventure! Today we tackled El Questro Gorge. It started with a DEEP water crossing, our first obstacle tackled without any issues. A truly beautiful 2.6km walk, with creek crossings, palm trees, ferns, soaring red cliffs all while surrounded by hundreds of butterflies.

    Olivia walked it all but a few creek crossings and a stint on dads shoulders after a fall, but she was such a little legend tackling this by herself. After a beautiful swim and lunch we wandered back for our return river crossing (this time we got water in 🫣).    Read more

  • Alisha SmellieBig LapTraveler

    Pigeon Hole Lookout

    September 3, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    Another truly special Kimberley sunset. A fun little 4x4 track too us up to watch the sun set on day 42 of our adventures over the Pentacost River. The colours of the ranges were spectacular with the last rays of the day. Seriously, how good is this beautiful country!!!Read more

  • Alisha SmellieBig LapTraveler

    El Questro Station

    September 3, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C

    Day 1 on the Gibb - our destination for the next 3 nights is the iconic El Questro.

    After finding our spot, a call to nanna and grumps and a bite of lunch we sought out the swimming holes made for guests to sit back and cool off in the Pentecost River.

    We can't wait to explore the station!    Read more

  • Alisha SmellieBig LapTraveler

    Hoochery Distillery Kununurra

    September 2, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 35 °C

    Locally made rum & gin and a lunch spot! Yes please! This cool local distillery has some great rums, gin and a whiskey for tasting which was delicious paired with our lunch.

    Olivia has found a love for taking selfies 🤳 so we had to get a few at "the restaurant" to keep her happy.Read more

  • Alisha SmellieBig LapTraveler

    Wash Wash Wash

    September 1, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 35 °C

    Mitch and Mabel were well overdue for a wash after 6 weeks on the road, and especially after tackling the Bungle Bungles.

  • Alisha SmellieBig LapTraveler

    Bungle Bungle Dome Walk

    August 31, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C

    Another spectacular day enjoying the southern end of the Bungle Bungles! This definitely what you think of when you imagine what the range looks like. Those amazing orange and black dome shaped formations, so unlike any of the other formations in the region.

    Getting up close and personal on "The Domes" walk was truly mind blowing. Another truly awesome part of Australia that we have been so lucky to visit and enjoy together ❤️    Read more

  • Alisha SmellieBig LapTraveler

    Cathedral Gorge - Bungle Bungles

    August 31, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    The highlight of the southern end of the Bungle Bungles is Cathdral Gorge, and for good reason. Although it's a hot walk in, weaving between the "bungles", through spinifex and dry creek beds, it's definitely worth it. We timed our approach to "I still call Australia Home", what sounded like a choir in a cathedral we followed our ears to discover why they call it Cathedral George!

    We enjoyed morning tea in the cool surroundings, played in the sand and took in the amazing work of Mother Nature.    Read more

  • Alisha SmellieBig LapTraveler

    Purnululu Sunset @ Kyngkalanayi Lookout

    August 30, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    What a way to finish a fabulous day out exploring the Bungles - sunset at Kyngkalanayi Lookout. Not only do you get to see the sun setting over one range, but you also witness the Bungle Bungle Range glow red as the late sun hits the rock face. Absolutely stunning 😍Read more

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