THURSDAY, SEPT. 18
Leaving the Dulhunty River heading further into the Heathland Resorce Reserve we continued north along the OTT.
Dulhunty River Crossing Bertie Creek Crossing
Much to my disappointment it was decided bypass the infamous Gunshot Creek by visiting the Heathlands Ranger Station to get a road update. After some coercion, I convinced the team to divert back after taking the bypass track to inspect the crossing from the northern end. As seen in our photo, there were three approaches of varying difficulty. The centre one (steepest) is the one that appears in most 4x4 mags. Demonstrated by the car we witness crossing, the eastern most approach is easily negotiated at this time with water depth around 70cm.
Gunshot Creek Southern Approaches
Gunshot Creek Northern Approach
Car Crossing Gunshot Creek
North bound from Gunshot Creek slowly followed the OTT enjoying the sandy track and occasional creek. We failed to stop at Sheldon Lagoon unaware that it’s a must stop for turtle lovers. Crossing into the Jardine River NP we headed off the track and towards Fruit Bat Falls. Our intension was to camp here but upon arrival, we discovered that this is a day use area only. It didn’t stop some backpackers from staying in the car park. The falls are a very short walk from the car park, so towels in hand, we went down to have a look.
Absolutely brilliant. After several hours of driving a dusty, sandy track, the water was most welcome and safe for swimming (no crocks).
Mike and Jan Cross Cockatoo Creek
Smiles All Round
Sheldon Lagoon
Fruit Bat Falls (me under the falls)
Our next port of call was to be Eliot and Twin Falls. A sneaky little creek crossing on the track between Fruit Bat and Eliot Falls offered surprise’s all round as we could see several type tracks entering and leaving we didn’t bother walking this one only to discover it is deceptively deep in the middle, about a meter and well over the bonnet. Arriving at Eliot Falls camp ground, we were well pleased to see NP camping with Drop Toilets, running water and fireplaces. We did a couple of laps around the camp ground and found an excellent spot up the hill to accommodate both vehicles and Jude’s tent. Nothing left to do now but to put our feet up and have a beer.
Col, Jude and Mike at Eliot Falls Camp Col Prepares Dinner
FRIDAY, SEPT. 19, 2008
Eliot Falls
An early start on off to the falls except Jude. The heat and dust taking its toll so we rigged a 12v ceiling fan inside the camp-o-matic trailer and Jude rested for the morning. The falls were outstanding and after lunch, we decided to stay another night and return to the falls with lilo’s and noodles in toe spending the rest of the day exploring the rivers down to twin falls and back. This is one of our must see places we’re visited so far. We have decided on our return journey from the tip, we will stay here again for some more nights.
Jude and Sally @ Eliot Falls
Dulhunty River Crossing Bertie Creek Crossing
Much to my disappointment it was decided bypass the infamous Gunshot Creek by visiting the Heathlands Ranger Station to get a road update. After some coercion, I convinced the team to divert back after taking the bypass track to inspect the crossing from the northern end. As seen in our photo, there were three approaches of varying difficulty. The centre one (steepest) is the one that appears in most 4x4 mags. Demonstrated by the car we witness crossing, the eastern most approach is easily negotiated at this time with water depth around 70cm.
Gunshot Creek Southern Approaches
Gunshot Creek Northern Approach
Car Crossing Gunshot Creek
North bound from Gunshot Creek slowly followed the OTT enjoying the sandy track and occasional creek. We failed to stop at Sheldon Lagoon unaware that it’s a must stop for turtle lovers. Crossing into the Jardine River NP we headed off the track and towards Fruit Bat Falls. Our intension was to camp here but upon arrival, we discovered that this is a day use area only. It didn’t stop some backpackers from staying in the car park. The falls are a very short walk from the car park, so towels in hand, we went down to have a look.
Absolutely brilliant. After several hours of driving a dusty, sandy track, the water was most welcome and safe for swimming (no crocks).
Mike and Jan Cross Cockatoo Creek
Smiles All Round
Sheldon Lagoon
Fruit Bat Falls (me under the falls)
Our next port of call was to be Eliot and Twin Falls. A sneaky little creek crossing on the track between Fruit Bat and Eliot Falls offered surprise’s all round as we could see several type tracks entering and leaving we didn’t bother walking this one only to discover it is deceptively deep in the middle, about a meter and well over the bonnet. Arriving at Eliot Falls camp ground, we were well pleased to see NP camping with Drop Toilets, running water and fireplaces. We did a couple of laps around the camp ground and found an excellent spot up the hill to accommodate both vehicles and Jude’s tent. Nothing left to do now but to put our feet up and have a beer.
Col, Jude and Mike at Eliot Falls Camp Col Prepares Dinner
FRIDAY, SEPT. 19, 2008
Eliot Falls
An early start on off to the falls except Jude. The heat and dust taking its toll so we rigged a 12v ceiling fan inside the camp-o-matic trailer and Jude rested for the morning. The falls were outstanding and after lunch, we decided to stay another night and return to the falls with lilo’s and noodles in toe spending the rest of the day exploring the rivers down to twin falls and back. This is one of our must see places we’re visited so far. We have decided on our return journey from the tip, we will stay here again for some more nights.
Jude and Sally @ Eliot Falls
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