Packrafting the Fitzroy

by Chris S

The 2011 wet season was the biggest ever recorded in the Kimberley.

The town of Fitzroy Crossing became an island as the Fitzroy River rose over 13 metres.

At the end of the following dry season we set off to packraft along the Fitzroy River - 130 km from the King Leopold Ranges to the highway bridge at Fitzroy Crossing.

These videos tell the story.




Day 1 + 2: Gorges & Portages
Flying to Mornington Wilderness Camp and the first two days on the river





Day 3: Quicksands & Crocodiles





Day 4: Gold Fever & Garlic Bread





Day 5 + 6: Hot Days & Cool Rangers
Paddling Geikie Gorge and reaching the bridge at Fitzroy Crossing

Comments for Packrafting the Fitzroy

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Nov 26, 2011
 Packrafting the Fitzroy River
by: Birgit

Thanks for the permission to embed your films here, Chris. Talk about getting off the beaten track... Looks like an awesome trip!

For those who are interested, the full story with words, maps and pictures is also at Chris's blog, starting here.
Jan 28, 2012
 I love your video story! Good Job!
by: Margie-Idaho, U.S.A.

Thank you B for sending me this update for Kimberly and thank you Chris and partner. I am in Idaho, U.S.A. thinking of adventures in different parts of the world and got to live your adventure with you when it is cold and snowy here where I live. It just came on my computer from half way around the world! Wow! How very exciting!! I felt as if I was with you every step and paddle and got to experience Australia Kimberly before ever visiting your part of the world. Thank you so much for sharing. I will be feeling adventurous all day long!!

Margie Burton-Idaho,U.S.A.
Feb 20, 2012
 Great memories!
by: Lyn

Thanks for bringing back some wonderful memories. In 1969 I worked on Fossil Downs, and we often took visitors through Geikie Gorge.....with a motor on the station tinny!

In 1999 with my husband, we stayed at Mornington Camp and canoed down to Dimond Gorge. Also visited Sir John Gorge, above Cadgibutt. Thanks for filling in the missing pieces.

Of course, in 1969 there was no bridge over the Fitzroy and crossing it at times was a challenging experience......but that's another story.

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