These days the run from Karratha to the national park is pretty good as the road is sealed almost to the park boundary. It is not a real fast journey however; as it is quite hilly and when you are towing a van it makes a big difference to your travel time and fuel consumption. Our first night was spent in the Chichester range section of the park at Snake Creek camping area. This camping area is reasonably remote and the only facilities are long drop toilets, but there are no fees and it is quite close to the main attraction in this section of the park, Python Pool. There were only 2 other groups in the campground during our 1 night stay and so we had a quiet and restful night. Packing up early the next morning it was only a short drive to the parking area for the walk to Python Pool. The permanent large plunge pool nestled against rugged red cliffs and surrounded by trees is a stark contrast to the arid surroundings. This would make a great place for a refreshing dip and even though the temperature was already quite warm the water was very cold, far too cold for us to venture in.
Back in the car we began the steep climb up the escarpment and stopped in the carpark near the summit of Mt. Herbert. The walking track to the very top is not all that long but it is quite steep so we made good use of the seats to catch our breath while taking in the fantastic view across the ranges to the north and east. Another great walk from this carpark is to follow the camel trail around the base of the mountain where we found a clean running spring fed stream with large clear pools and lush vegetation, again quite a contrast to the country surrounding. This 4 Km round trip walk took us over 1½ hours due to the rugged terrain and the rising temperature. Just as well we always carry plenty of water and wear a hat and sunscreen.
Our next destination was the main Millstream section of the park where all visitors are required to stop at the entry station to self-register and pay an entry fee. Our information (now outdated, it seems) had us planning to camp at Deep Reach Pool on the Fortescue River for several days but, much to our disappointment camping is no longer permitted at this pretty spot.
Back in the car we began the steep climb up the escarpment and stopped in the carpark near the summit of Mt. Herbert. The walking track to the very top is not all that long but it is quite steep so we made good use of the seats to catch our breath while taking in the fantastic view across the ranges to the north and east. Another great walk from this carpark is to follow the camel trail around the base of the mountain where we found a clean running spring fed stream with large clear pools and lush vegetation, again quite a contrast to the country surrounding. This 4 Km round trip walk took us over 1½ hours due to the rugged terrain and the rising temperature. Just as well we always carry plenty of water and wear a hat and sunscreen.
Our next destination was the main Millstream section of the park where all visitors are required to stop at the entry station to self-register and pay an entry fee. Our information (now outdated, it seems) had us planning to camp at Deep Reach Pool on the Fortescue River for several days but, much to our disappointment camping is no longer permitted at this pretty spot.
You now have to travel on to a newly finished camping area near the old Millstream Homestead. This campground is well laid out and has new composting toilets (the best we have seen in a N.P.) and a fantastic new camp kitchen, however it seems to be in the most exposed, hot and dusty location in the entire park. Given that we had visions of camping for days by a cooling stretch of river this was quite a let down and we stayed for only one night. Of course we did enjoy the walks around the homestead and to Chindewarriner pool. This permanent spring fed pool on Millstream Creek, is a very attractive oasis populated with waterlilies and surrounded by stately palms, and the water is so clear it becomes almost invisible as you gaze into the depths.
We left the next morning travelling out of the park via Pannawonica to rejoin the northwest coastal highway. All of the roads within the national park are unsealed but are generally in good condition with the corrugations being not too bad. The dust, though, is another issue, it is fine, red and very plentiful and by the time we got back on the bitumen the exterior of the car and van were totally covered. You have to be careful where and what you touch or brush against because it really sticks to your skin and clothes and once ingrained it is quite difficult to wash out. Thank goodness our van has very good dust sealing. Travelling southwest we spent 2 nights at Robe river rest area (using the abundant water to clean the car and van) and 1 night at Barradale rest area before heading into Exmouth to begin our stay at Cape Range N.P. and Ningaloo Reef.
We left the next morning travelling out of the park via Pannawonica to rejoin the northwest coastal highway. All of the roads within the national park are unsealed but are generally in good condition with the corrugations being not too bad. The dust, though, is another issue, it is fine, red and very plentiful and by the time we got back on the bitumen the exterior of the car and van were totally covered. You have to be careful where and what you touch or brush against because it really sticks to your skin and clothes and once ingrained it is quite difficult to wash out. Thank goodness our van has very good dust sealing. Travelling southwest we spent 2 nights at Robe river rest area (using the abundant water to clean the car and van) and 1 night at Barradale rest area before heading into Exmouth to begin our stay at Cape Range N.P. and Ningaloo Reef.
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