Bert’s Loop

What an incredible free camp. We will stay 2 nights at least.

There is no water falling at the moment - it is the Dry after all. During the wet season the entire rock shelf where our van is parked would be flowing water trying to find a way into the river bed below. It would be great to see, but it would be such an effort to get here as kilometres of the road in both directions would be under water.

Out by the causeway there are vans of 4 or 5 fisher types on the upstream side of the falls. It’s funny how many cars/van have boats up here. There are also a few Nomads who tend not to venture far from the road and gather close together. Three campers including us have ventured across the rock shelf a few hundred meters with outlooks into the Gorge. With this view I reckon it was the right choice.

We are on the Savannah Way, 62k from Burketown and 152k from Normanton which we left Tuesday morning. The road was mostly gravel of excellent condition.

This is such a cruel place. Beautiful sandy beach, big rock jump off into a deep pool. The real and present Crocodile danger that stops you from getting wet. Aaaargh.

Today we got bogged briefly for the first time. Lesson learned about maintaining momentum in soft sand before a tight turn with a caravan in tow. Luckily it’s winter so we are digging with the mercury is just under 30°. We are grateful for the generosity of strangers who helped out. It’s a pay it forward system so we will look out for someone else who will need a hand. We took some beers over during Happy Hour triggering a fun exchange of stories.

The evening last night was sensational. A dinner that would be hard to beat, temperature in the high 20°’s, neighbours out of ear shot and perfectly clear, star blazed sky. It’s truly like we were in the cosmos and alone. (Really - quite alone - no internet connectivity). I do have an app to help identify stars/constellations - so much fun. Crocs are unlikely to visit us up on the cliff top.

Wednesday, we breakfasted on the very edge of the escarpment, then walked north from the camp along Leichhardt River. So many birds, so many critters and their tracks. Temperature heading above 30° again so long lunch and lazy afternoon is demanded. (You might guess that has contributed to this lengthy post)En savoir plus