Fitzroy Crossing Western Australia
A small outback town where the Great Northern Highway crosses the Fitzroy River. A gateway to visit the Devonian National Parks.
At a Glance
The Fitzroy Valley is home to many Aboriginal language groups, the Bunuba, Nyikina, Gooniyandi, Wangkatjungka and Walmajarri. Due to this diversity, there are a strong presence of aboriginal art and culture in this area, evident in the number of art galleries.
Believe it or not, the area around Fitzroy Crossing were once covered by tropical sea, and were once reefs. Today, the sea that once covered the area no longer exists and these lands were exposed, featuring rich gorges, abundant wildlife, rugged landscape and interesting formations.
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Where is Fitzroy Crossing?
Fitzroy Crossing is approximately 2524 kilometres northeast of Perth.
Fitzroy Crossing is located on a low rise in land surrounded by a vast expanse of floodplains along the Fitzroy River. One of the best ways to get to The Kimberley is to hire a car from Perth Airport.
Things to see in Fitzroy Crossing
Geikie Gorge National Park
Just 20 kilometres out of Fitzroy Crossing is the Geikie Gorge National Park, part of the Devonian Reefs National Park. The spectacular gorge was once under water many millions of years ago during the Devonian times. The spectacular white and grey walls of the gorge itself were ancient limestone reefs carved by the Fitzroy River over the years. Boat tours are also available so you can admire the gorge while cruising the river.
Windjana Gorge National Park
The Windjana Gorge National Park is located about 100 kilometres out of Fitzroy Crossing. The Windjana Gorge is well known for its high walls carved by the Lennard River that rises up to an impressive height of 100 metres. There are scenic deep freshwater pools surrounded by trees located at the base of the gorge. Several walk trails that leading you to places of interest are also available.
Tunnel Creek National Park
Also part of the Devonian Reefs National Park, the Tunnel Creek National Park covers the whole of the Napier Range that can be seen at Windjana Gorge. The long winding tunnels form the oldest cave system in Western Australia, they were series of ancient reef systems from the Devonian era. The area is also of significance to the Aboriginal people as it was the hideout of Jandamarra, who fought to preserve his homeland. When you visit, do bring along a torch as there are no lighting in these ancient caves and it can be dark in there.
Mimbi Caves
If you feel overwhelmed to have to explore a dark cave all by yourself, you should visit the Mimbi Caves. Like the Tunnel Creek, the Mimbi Caves are part of the Devonian Reef system. Here, you would be able to engage a Gooniyandi guide to go on an inspiring tour of this natural geological wonder. The Mimbi Caves plays a spiritual role to the Gooniyandi people as the Aboriginal people once inhabited the cave. You will have an exciting time hearing about the Dreaming stories of the Gooniyandi people while exploring this beautiful limestone cave.
What's the weather like?
Fitzroy Crossing has a very interesting climate, it is in transition between a semi arid climate and a monsoonal climate. It can be unusually hot in Fitzroy Crossing, as it is typical in the northern reaches of Australia. In Summer (December to February), the average maximum temperature is 37°C with an average minimum temperature of 25°C. In Winter (June to August), the average maximum temperature is 30°C with an average minimum temperature of 13°C.
Get to know Fitzroy Crossing's history
The area around Fitzroy Crossing were traditionally owned by many different groups of Aboriginal people prior to European arrival. The region was explored by Alexander Forrest and his party who was following the Fitzroy River. Following their expedition, sheep stations were established around the mouth of the river. The crossing completed its first bridge in 1935 and more will be built in the future. The town was officially gazetted in 1975.
Today, Fitzroy Crossing is a small town with the population of approximately 1200, with tourism, cattle stations and mining as the main industry.