Marble bar to carawine gorge

Submitted: Monday, Apr 05, 2021 at 17:53

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East Pilbara Diversion

A great alternative trip avoiding the highways that is both a shortcut and very scenic. Shay Gap to Marble Bar and then along the Ripon Hills and Skull Springs loop around Carrawine Gorge and Eel

East Pilbara Diversion

Section: Treks

A great alternative trip avoiding the highways that is both a shortcut and very scenic. Shay Gap to Marble Bar and then along the Ripon Hills and Skull Springs loop around Carrawine Gorge and Eel

Member - Broodie H3

Good afternoon all travellers,
I am in the throws of finding campsites for our return to the Kimberlies after forty years of not being there, so the question is the road from Marble bar to Carawine gorge is it suitable for a dirt road built caravan. I shall have more questions later on as I get closer to working out our camping arrangements.

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Reply By: Peter_n_Margaret - Monday, Apr 05, 2021 at 18:21

Monday, Apr 05, 2021 at 18:21

Absolutely. Just watch for mining trucks.
As you approach the gorge, you will see an airstrip on the RHS. Near the end of the strip there is a track going off to the right. Take that track. It will take you to the river. At the river, turn left and find a camp site.
This track has some whoopsi doos so take it very slowly and maybe walk in the last bit.
If you miss that track and go straight ahead, you will finish up bogged to the axles in river gravel.

Carawine Gorge is on private property (Warrawagine Station), so treat it with a great deal of respect and take all your rubbish out with you.
It is a very special place. You will want to spend several nights.

CG

On the way out, Scull Springs Road is a nice drive and fuel ia usually cheaper in Nullagine than Marble Bar.
We can't go near this place without spending a few nights in the gorge.
Cheers,
Peter
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Follow Up By: Bob Y. - Qld - Monday, Apr 05, 2021 at 19:21

Monday, Apr 05, 2021 at 19:21

Must have been a while ago, Peter? Fair bit of scrub along the water’s edge 3 years ago.

Broodie, turn right at the sign to view the glacial scrapes.

Gorge straight ahead, glacial scrapes to right.

Carrawine Gorge WA

Bob

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Can't remember most of it.

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Follow Up By: Peter_n_Margaret - Monday, Apr 05, 2021 at 19:40

Monday, Apr 05, 2021 at 19:40

Those pics were from 2005 not long after a cyclone that took out many mature trees and made quite a mess, but it is also at the southern end (in the gravel) where the trees are less anyway.
Been back a couple of times since and some of the more northern camp spots are beautifully grassed in couch which is kept mowed by the local roos.
Cheers,
Peter
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Follow Up By: Member - rocco2010 - Monday, Apr 05, 2021 at 23:21

Monday, Apr 05, 2021 at 23:21

Eastern end of Skull Springs Road.

And they are not kidding. But it's a great drive although the innumerable creek crossings (dry in 2017) require care. Many are steeper than they look.

It and the Ripon Hills Road (or Woodie Woodie Road) which is all sealed from Marble Bar are favourites of mine.

Enjoy

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Follow Up By: Les - PK Ranger - Wednesday, Apr 07, 2021 at 15:49

Wednesday, Apr 07, 2021 at 15:49

True what Peter said re the softer sections of the flats there, could easily get embarrassed in that river gravel.
It's a great spot, and one worthy of 2 - 3 days relaxing, even better if you have a small canoe to explore a bit.

I got some nice drone videos at sunset and sunrise, this photo taken at sunrise.

Carawine Gorge

Easy to see how nice the waterway edges provide some good shade, and plenty of room normally.
You can also see the large river gravel flats towards the foothills east.

Enjoy the visit.

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Follow Up By: Les - PK Ranger - Wednesday, Apr 07, 2021 at 15:51

Wednesday, Apr 07, 2021 at 15:51

Oh, forgot to say, right around the bend at the end of that track shown, there are a couple of really nice spots away from anyone, if you happen to find them vacant.

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Reply By: Member - Racey - Tuesday, Apr 06, 2021 at 09:51

Tuesday, Apr 06, 2021 at 09:51

Great spot. We were there 4 years ago and luckily remembered advice we were given. As you you reach the start of the gorge, keep to the right the left side is (was) very loose gravel, the type you get stuck in. Enjoy.

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Follow Up By: B1B2 - Tuesday, Apr 06, 2021 at 19:07

Tuesday, Apr 06, 2021 at 19:07

Drive over the pebbles to the waters edge, great fun. Towing the vans only half of us were stopped. No one needed to dig out, just rock back and forwards then nice gentle turns. There is nowhere else like it.

Enjoy

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Reply By: Member - Rowdy6032 (WA) - Wednesday, Apr 07, 2021 at 19:48

Wednesday, Apr 07, 2021 at 19:48

Don't forget the Marble Bar Races 3rd July if you are in the area. Not a bad day.
Meentheena also worth a look.

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Follow Up By: Member - Broodie H3 - Thursday, Apr 08, 2021 at 02:51

Thursday, Apr 08, 2021 at 02:51

hi Rowdy, we should be in or around Kunnunara by then, and the bush races have always been a hoot, we go to the Hyden races each year and have a ball. I have just put Meentheena on our list, of have a sticky beek at

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Reply By: Member - Cuppa - Wednesday, Apr 07, 2021 at 20:57

Wednesday, Apr 07, 2021 at 20:57

When heading north from Marble Bar there is a beautiful grassy & shaded camping area on the De Grey River provided by Mulyie Station. You take the Goldsworthy road up past Warralong Aboriginal Community.
The Road is good, & it's a good shortcut to the Great Northern Highway.

Mulyie Station camp, De Grey River

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Follow Up By: Peter_n_Margaret - Thursday, Apr 08, 2021 at 00:38

Thursday, Apr 08, 2021 at 00:38

Alternately take the Muccan Shay Gap road.
There is a camp site on the NE side of the DeGrey crossing on Yarrie Station where Margaret and I worked for a couple of months a few years back.
Then take a look around Shay Gap (old mining area) and continue north on theBore Line Road.
Cheers,
Peter
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