This tour had two options. After the Mitchell Plateau, return directly to Darwin, or have another 2 nights, at Faraway Bay with advertised fishing and a visit to King George Falls. Well I didn’t care for fishing but this sounded like a good option so I took it. 12 of us (out of 19). That’s all that could fit in this smaller camp. It’s right at the north of WA. Just east of the northernmost point.
This is the first year Outback Spirit has used Faraway Bay, privately owned by a man and wife. They have started running Wet Season tours as well with 2 nights at F Bay and 3 on the Mitchell Plateau. By the time I’d left there, I was thinking I’d like to try a Wet visit…
So we flew into the airstrip on the plateau above the F Bay camp – no accompanying Outback Spirit staff. The owner met us in a 7-seater 4wd. His larger vehicle had ‘died’ so he’ll have to make 2 trips. Half of us to sit at the airstrip under a pop up shelter- camp chairs and an esky with cold drinks provided – for 70 minutes until he got back. It’s 4 km on a VERY rough track.
This is a very isolated location. No access by road. The regular supplies come in by small plane. Anything heavier – fuel, machinery, grader to deal with the road, new engine for the back-up generator etc has to come by barge to be offloaded on the beach.
There are 8 small cabins (not much bigger than the bed, poor lighting, not the place to spend non-sleeping time) and a central shelter, open on 3 sides, containing the kitchen, long dining table, and a lounge area seating 6. A couple of other seating areas but outdoors and only one area has partial shade. And a small pool (no beach swimming: crocodiles have recently been sighted). Magnificent views – it’s right on the cliff top.
It was described as ‘rustic’ and that’s true. Each cabin had an outside shower with the same view: no door.
on the first night, the generator failed. 5 hours without power or lights over dinner and bedtime. The staff were terrific. 3 travellers, including the chef (great food), and an older chap (jack of all trades). It’s very isolated for them and they apparently get some time off every few weeks in Kununurra, but there seems to be a fairly high turnover.
On the full day, we went by jet boat to the King George Falls. About 50 minutes to get to the river, then some slower wandering to look at interesting landforms etc. the owner was very knowledgeable about all this but we missed the good communication, organisation and personal attention that we’d been used to for the rest of the trip.
Apparently the twin falls that comprise the King George Falls carry the greatest volume of water of any falls in Australia. From a distance they were a bit disappointing but up close the water is coming over with considerable force. Over 50m high and just as deep as that under the water.
And flying out the next day:
One night I followed the I distinct track up the rocky knoll above the camp – views asnd some rock art.
overall a bit of a disappointing end to the trip. Just not up to the standard we’d been getting. Guess I won’t be doing the Wet season trip.
But we did meet up with our Outback Spirit guide when we got to Darwin and reported back. (He doesn’t usually get to meet groups in Darwin. He had an unusual itinerary this time. ) So our reports on F.Bay will get back!
travellingkathy 