Carnarvon and Gascoyne Junction.

After nearly a month since we left home, and about 5,500kms, we are now in the Upper Gascoyne region, which is quite remote. The shire is one of WA’s most remote local governments, covering an area of some 57,809 square kms with a population of 250! 

Following our lovely stay at Gladstone Bay, our  travels continued northwards, through some desolate country to Carnarvon where we were surprised to learn that it is in fact a food bowl, growing bananas, mangoes and vegetables.

We found the town to be quite picturesque with a lovely sea front area. We were very impressed with the sea wall which had plaques for the lives lost on the HMAS Sydney. There’s  a memorial too for the German destroyer also lost in that battle. 

We settled into our caravan park, happy to be on green grass with all amenities. Our dear husbands kindly took us out for Mother’s Day dinner at the Carnarvon Hotel and I must say my salmon dish was 10/10. 

Monday was a washing, shopping and cooking day for Tops and I and a purchasing new batteries day for Dennis and car cleaning day for both men. 

After a visit to the hairdresser on Tuesday morning, we set off eastwards towards the Kennedy ranges and Mt Augustus. It was evident that there had been rain and when we arrived at Gascoyne Junction, we learned that all roads were closed due to overnight rains further inland. So our plans changed and we booked into the caravan park there. This little town won the National Tidy Town award last year and we can believe that as it’s the only place we’ve ever seen that looked so immaculate. In 2010,  old pub, caravan park  and service station were flooded and the new town was relocated on higher ground. So everything is new and extremely well kept. 

The roads were opened next morning so we set off bright and early towards Mt Augustus - we had some river crossing and most creeks were running well. Some areas had quite a green tinge and the few stock we saw, looked in good condition. 

Our travels came to an abrupt halt however, when we reached the Gascoyne River crossing, as the river was flowing very fast at a height of 400mm. A fellow traveller was waiting on the edge - he’d walked it and was almost knocked over by the force so we thought it too dangerous to cross. We waited a while then made the decision to camp over night and tackle the crossing in the morning.  We enjoyed a beautiful quiet night under the starry sky - but no aurora sadly! 

We are now at the Mt Augustus campground which is a little oasis, nestled under the shadow of the huge Mt Augustus! We’ve lots of exploring and walks to do so that will be in the next blog. 

Hoping all our readers are well and safe, love from the Brays & Greenwoods. ❌❌❌❌