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LOADED4X4.COM.AU
DESTINATIONS: GET SOCIAL WITH KALUMBURU
US
wealth of information, pictures and
plans that detail the history of Pago.
Camping is not allowed at Pago, but
the traditional owners are fine with
people visiting during the day.
Driving tips
The road from Kalumburu to
the bush camps is sandy and rocky
in places, and a case of ‘slow and
steady’ wins the race. From the
moment you hit the Gibb dirt to the
moment you leave, we suggest you
air down to 20 percent below the
tyre pressures recommended by
the manufacturer of your vehicle
(check the placard). This will ensure
a smoother ride and less chance of
punctures. Carrying two spare tyres
is a good idea in this region, as,
besides a small tyre repair business
south-west of Mount Barnett
Roadhouse, you’re on your own. A
tyre repair kit and an air-compressor
are must-haves. If the driving range
of your packed to the rafters 4X4 is
less than 500kms, then you’ll need a
couple of jerry cans of fuel.
Most 4x4 travellers up this way
tune into UHF Ch:40 and if there
are any road issues it’s common
courtesy to let oncoming vehicles
know about the issues on the radio.
A ‘sat’ phone or Epirb should be
Image thanks to Kalumburu Mission Museum
Image by Scott Airoldi
Top: Original Pago mission.
Above: Well at Pago mission.
Below: 1.7m Spanish Mackerel
caught 1km off McGowans.
Image by Matt Flinders
considered mandatory, and you’ll want an electric winch fitted
to your vehicle if you are planning to explore some of the more
remote areas of this region.
It’s also imperative that you travel with a quality recovery
kit that includes a snatch strap, as it’s not uncommon to either
require assistance or find yourself assisting others in some of the
boggier areas. Safe travelling speeds can vary, and you’ll find that
on some roads you can safely travel at 60-80km/h to ‘ride’ over
the corrugations, but in other places, it’s necessary to slow down
to 5-10km/h especially through creek crossings and rocky areas.
Remoteness and isolation ensures that the Kalumburu area
remains a ‘hidden gem’, but if you’re up for an adventure and
have the ‘grit’, patience and a suitable 4X4 vehicle then you can
and should visit what is one of Australia’s last unspoilt frontier
regions. Just don’t tell too many people!
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Image by Alison Tovey
image gallery