FITZROY CROSSING - POPULATION: 1,500

WEDNESDAY 28 - FRIDAY 30.08.2013: Fitzroy Crossing was a creation of necessity - early settlers to the Kimberley needed a place to ford the mighty Fitzroy River. The old crossing was the shortest and safest route. Focus shifted from the original town site of Fitzroy Crossing when a modern stilted bridge was built downstream in 1974. Again on the advice of fellow travellers, we booked into Fitzroy River Lodge & Caravan Park - excellent. Visited the Information Centre and acquired all the necessary details for some interesting sightseeing. With great enthusiasm we set off - first stop a glass blowing workshop. Lovely products, but we did not make a purchase. 

ORIGINAL FITZROY CROSSING

Visited the original Fitzroy Crossing and following the circle on the map went looking for the "Old Townsite & Original Post Office". Did search, but we were only able to find a memorial. Later found out that "we lost the original post office in the flood".
Undaunted, we headed for the Crossing Inn and arrived around 2.30pm. The lady (indigenous), at the Information Centre had said "this is our local" and we thinking she meant Fitzroy Crossing local, just nodded. Crossing Inn has welcomed travellers and locals since its establishment on 5th July 1897 by Joseph Blythe. Originally a "shanty inn and trade store" that served prospectors, bullock team drivers, cattle drovers and locals, it has operated on the same site ever since... although floodwaters have meant continual rebuilding over the years.

CROSSING INN

Followed the signs to the Garden Bar and came across a tall metal rectangle fence surrounding the bar. We kept walking round looking for a way in - a chap opened a grilled gate and advised that this was the entry. We puddled in to find all indigenous patrons - some estimated 60 in total. A chap came up to us and asked where we hailed from and whilst answering we ordered our two glasses of wine. We kept talking while the bartender disappeared and then returned to advise that we could have a beer, but wine was not served till 5.00pm - exited without having a drink! We have encountered many rules in the NT and WA regarding the purchasing of alcohol and have been asked to provide photo ID - we were flattered till we realised it was not an age based request! From what we have seen we are still not convinced the restrictions are working - too many loopholes.

THE CAN SHED MOVIE THEATRE

The Can Shed Movie Theatre is a large shed, formerly used as a soft drink factory and a garage, that has been converted to a 40 person cinema which screens feature-length films several times a week - not the night we visited! We conceded defeat and headed back and had a drink at the caravan park bar.

The Kimberley was once under a shallow tropical sea during the Devonian Period over 350 million years ago. Geikie Gorge (National Park), formed by the Fitzroy River cutting through the remains over this ancient reef, is 14km long and only accessible during the dry season, late May to October. 350 million year old fossils are clearly and easily seen throughout the gorge. Sheer yellow, ochre and grey limestone walls house deep gorges, which are reflected in the pools of the river. Fossils can be seen throughout the layers of the rock as can the parks wide range of wildlife that have adapted to a number of unique habitats. Friendly freshwater crocodiles, stingrays, sharks and sawfish intermingle with rock wallabies, euros and the many species of beautiful birds, each finding its own niche in the diverse ecosystem. Spent a very relaxing hour on the boat tour.





 

 





THE VARIANCE IN ROCK COLOUR
INDICATES THE HEIGHT OF THE
WATER DURING THE WET SEASON