Mitchell Falls/Plateau end May/June 2024

[Whiskey]

Hi mates
I'll be arriving in Darwin on May 29th. After two nights, I'm attempting to start a journey with a rented regular Landcruiser towards Mitchell Falls and Purnululu (if time ?) on my way back. May I join anyone with a similar timing & destination? I'm time-limited and must be back in Darwin at least on June 12th evening.

Thomas

[Alanymarce]

Hmm - if simply getting from A to B you can probably get from Darwin to Kununurra in two days (google says 8-1/2 hours, however I don't believe this, and have driven the route). So you’ll need four of your 12 days to get to Kununurra and back. This is essentially with no stops to enjoy the lakes, rivers, viewpoints, etc.

From Kununurra to the Drysdale turnoff on the GRR and from there to Mitchell Falls campground is around 550 km. Now you could cover the part to the Drysdale River turnoff in a day, once again without spending much time the canyons. When we drove this part of the GRR we took four days. From there to Mitchell Falls will take much of another day, on slower tracks. So from Darwin to Mithcell Falls campground will take, in my view, 8 days. So dowable, although unless you have previously explored the GRR it seems to me better to spend more time on this route iteslef and not spend the time to get to Mitchell Falls.

From Kumunurra to Purnululu NP is a day’s drive. You could certainly get there, spend a couple of days, and then get back in your remaining 4 days.

So, overall doable, although rushed, unless you already know the sections on which you’ll spend most of the time just driving.

[Whiskey]

Many thanks, Alanymarce. I never was in Kimberley, but drove East side to the Ubirr area back in 2006. Uh, I'm in a dilemma about what to do now. I have only 12-13 full days for the NT/WA trip. Flight tickets are bought. It might be wiser to take more days off for Mitchell in my next Ozz visit in September. Which route or points do you recommend for 12 days (+1 reserve) in NT/WA? Just to travel with the regular car to Broome (or Uluru ?) & back or spin with Toyota on Gibb River (gravel to the West, tarmac back East)? I'll be arriving and departing from Darwin.

[Alanymarce]

Good question:
1) Uluru/Kata Tjuta, and perhaps Kings Canyon. Add in West and East McDonnell Ranges. Other stops at Mataranka, Daly Waters. This would fill a fortnight well.
2) If you haven't been to Litchfield NP then this is worth a few days, then Douglas Daly, Pine Creek. This may not fill your time though, and adding in another destination would probably be too much.
3) GRR - El Questro, Ellenbrae, Mount Barnett, and on as far as time allows. You could stay at each of the canyons for a day or longer. This could take you as far as Derby or no further than Ellenbrae depending on how much time you devote to each spot. I think I'd come back on the same road, however I guess it makes sense to return on the Halls Creek road.