Kennedy Rangers Trip Report
3rd - 10th July 2021
Members: Michael Schmidt, Andrew & Thomas Phillips, Vicki McGrady, Glen Usher & Louise Pavlinovich
Day 1 – Muchea to Galena Bridge 480km
A lovely crisp morning to start off our journey from BP Muchea up to Galena Bridge Murchison River. With everyone onboard, vehicles and loads double checked, our convoy left at 8.30am. A quick stop at Badgingarra for morning tea, then a fuel stop at Dongara. It wasn’t long before we arrived at our overnight camp spot Galena Bridge. Firewood was our main objective as we settled in and enjoyed the tranquility and rested our weary bones.
Day 2 Galena Bridge to Gascoyne Junction Approx 500km
Our original plan was to head to Carnarvon, but with a sneaky short cut (thanks to Michael’s expertise) we diverted across the plains of Pimbee Road direct to Gascoyne Junction. You must be quick or else you can blink and miss this quaint little town. The gossip on the grapevine was that the Kennedy Rangers Loop Road had been opened after the recent floods, but after a quick drive by we were disheartened to find a ‘Road Closed’ sign. We scouted around for a place to spend the night ending up camped along the Gascoyne River with a beautiful sunset that did not disappoint. Little did we know at the time that we were camped amongst the noisiest bunch of Corella birds known to mankind. They started chattering and squawking from the moment we arrived and did not stop even after sunset. Another amazing fire to roast our marshmallow’s then off to bed.
Day 3 Gascoyne Junction to Lyons River Approx 300km
Plan B came into action as we travelled along the Eastern side of the Kennedy Rangers, visiting Honeycomb Gorge, Temple Gorge and Sunview Rise. Vicki, Thomas, and Louise suited up and headed off on the Escarpment Trail (Class 4) 3.4 kilometers return. Good on you Thomas, was a massive achievement. The enormity of the Kennedy Ranges was an awesome sight to see. Very much recommended. Our final destination was amongst the gum trees along Lyon River. A lot quieter than our previous camp, but still a lot of chatter from the budgies. The budgies knew when to go to sleep too.
Day 4 Lyons River to Mt Augustus Approx 200km
We arrived at the Mt Augustus Tourist Park with one thing on our minds……a shower!! The massive rock was in our sights as we settled in for the day, our bodies weary from days of driving. Luckily, we were able to have a fire at the Tourist Park, time to put our feet up and chill-out.
Day 5 Mt Augustus to Landor Approx 200km
This morning brought a bit of fresh winds to the campsite, sending a few awnings into a spin. Vicki was up early heading off to do the 6-hour Mt Augustus summit hike, whilst the rest of the group enjoyed a late pack up and headed to Cattle Pool and the small tracks at the base of the mountain. A highlight were the numerous Aboriginal rock engravings we found, and the introduction to tree hugging
A few fun facts:
• The rock beneath Mt Augustus is to be approx. 1650 million years old.
• Mt Augustus is the largest rock in the world
• Burringurrah is the Wajarri name for Mount Augustus.
• Its two and a half times bigger than Uluru
Once we caught up with Vicki after her mountain hike, we moved South towards Landor for the night, along the Gascoyne River.
Day 6 Landor to Murchison Approx 200km
Somewhere along the way, we stopped to video a Black Headed Python, check many kangaroo pouches, and saved a turtle……yes a turtle!
A bit of a chilly night, campsite was covered in dew. Definitely feeling the change in the weather. On the way to Murchison, we stopped at a great place for future camping called Bilung Pool. There was a couple of families already taking advantage of this beautiful watering hole. We spent some time exploring before heading to Murchison Oasis for a much-needed shower. To our surprise they had WIFI……first time in quite a few days we had access to regular emails, Facebook and phone calls. Needless to say, we took advantage, maybe too long on social media hehe!! Next was a quick visit to the Murchison Museum then on to Errabiddy Bluff for the night…….. 360⁰of magnificent star gazing.
Damper cooking!! Sundried tomatoes, olives, onion & feta with a slab of butter
Day 7 Murchison to Yalgoo Approx 230km
By this time, we had said goodbye to Andrew and Thomas who headed North for the remainder of their 4 week trip. We also said Goodbye to Glen as he headed home.
Early morning pack up to be on the road to Yalgoo. A visit to ‘Wooleen Wool Shed ’and ‘Jokers Tunnel’. The highlight of the day was accidently waking the tiny bats up with our head torches as we walked the tunnel. A very cool spot to visit. Camp was not far from the tunnel, as we prepared for a little sprinkle of rain for the evening. Another night with a serving of fresh damper and a slab of butter.
Day 8 Yalgoo to Home Approx 500km
The last day of the trip but it was not over yet. A stop in to see the ‘Warriedar Homestead’ as we headed South. A beautiful old home worth a visit as it is maintained in fabulous condition by ‘Trackcare’. They also have a long-drop there for those in need. The transition from dirt roads to bitumen was not taken well, it meant we were coming to the last few hours of the trip. There was a moment or two where we all could have turned around and headed out yonder……..
Our final goodbyes were made outside the Bindoon Bakery!!
A fantastic trip enjoyed by all.
Many thanks to Michael for being an excellent trip host and tour guide.
Also many thanks to my fellow travellers for a group effort in ensuring everyone had a fabulous time.
Lou Pav.
