Up the Center and west to the Kimberley

[Fathead]

Next stop was Mataranka and specifically Bitter Springs. FYI this is different to the Mataranka Homestead where we usually camp. Both have pros and cons. The homestead has great amenities and in my opinion a nicer thermal spring to swim in which is also closer to the camping area. However Bitter Springs has river front camp spots, fishing & a longer pool. To be fair the pool is about a road width and winds along for approximately 50-100m.

We got rained on, so tge ground turned into mud. No fault of BS, but we were happy to be back on the road and heading to some dry weather at Douglas Hot Springs

Unpowered sites at BT were $45 a night

Also, just on my last post re Devils Marbles, $7.50 to camp for the night (family of 4)

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[Fathead]

Douglas Hot Springs is a special place for me. I grew up camping here as a kid some 30 years ago and have photos of mum, dad, pop & nan camping here 50+ years ago.

Its changed a lot sice i was last here. Through annual flooding and tourism what were 1-2m cold pools are now shallow sandy areas. Also the actual hot spring is no longer accessibile and you have to walk a bit further to catch freash water prans and/or fish. Whike i prefer it how it was, its now perfect for young kids to safety swim and explore while the adults relax.

Fishing is possible. The black bream love red meat and you may get the odd barra, but dont hold your breath

The camping area has improved with separate generator, camping and day trip areas as well as flushing toilets and showers.

If your traveling north from Katherine, its abot 150km up the stuart highway. Its well signposted with the turn off just north oh hayes creek.

If your heading out from Darwin, my advice is to drive through adelaide river and DO NOT take the old stuart highway road. Keep true on the main road and you will soon see a sign to Douglas hot springs. You can take the old stuart highway at adelaide river, but its a slow winding skinny road that takes ages. The other way is quick and easy

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[Fathead]

Oh re Douglas, camping fees were approximately $13 per night for the four of us

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[Fathead]

So into Darwin we went. Caught up with family and attempted to clean.

I also got my share of pauls iced coffee (the gods drink) before filling the tanks & waeco and heading to WA.

Must say the drive went quicker than expected and we reached Kunanurra in good spirits.

FYI there is a manned quarantine station at the boarder. They will ask you a few questions and confiscate and fruit and vegetables you have. They will also take any nuts in their shells as well as honey.

You can replace your confiscated stuff at Kunanurra which is only about 40km from the border.

We stayed at the Discovery Holiday Pk whichi think is under the Big 4 banner and it sites right on the ord river. We booked online and an unpowered site and it cost us $55 for the night (family of four)

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[Fathead]

From Kunanurra it was off to the Bungel Bungels. this was one place we were hanging to see. To get their follow the great western highway for approximately 200km out of Kunanurra then turn left onto the dirt road.

All our research suggested tge 53km dirt rd would take 2 hours. We did one and a half hours each way. The road isn't hard but is windy and tight in some areas. It also has some blind crests. You do need a bit of clearence as the small water crossing can be steepish. Nothing major though. We didn't need to engage 4wd but we struggled to get above 3rd gear due to the nature of the road and we were towing a camper trailer.

There are 2 camp grounds to choose from. Both have bore water and some of the cleanest long drops i have ever seen. The northern ground has more sites and is closer to echinda chasm and is where we camped. If i was to go again id stay at the southern ground as its closer to the domes and cathedral gorge.

Must say the Bungles blew our minds. An amazing place but busy considering how remote it is.

We filled up at Kunanurra and then topped up along theway just for good measure. Fuel in Kunanurra was $1.70 (95ulp) & $1.99 (ulp 91) on the highway.

Re the Bungles you will need the either book online or visitor center when you arrive. Either way you will need a parks pass plus pay a camping (or day pass). ghe parks pass (month) is $44 and camping is $12 per adult & $4 per Child per night. Also you must take all rubbish out with you and no fires were allowed when we were there

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[Fathead]

Some more photos of echinda chasm

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[Fathead]

The domes and cathedral gorge

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