Scotch College

Scotch in the outback

Preconceptions of the Kimberley, as a vast empty tract of 'nothing', were rapidly challenged and changed to become a vast, but fascinating land - with 'something new around every corner'! As one student's journal stated, 'After lunch and a swim, we packed up and got on the road again for Timber Creek, which is somewhere near ...nowhere in particular.'

We explored the Bungle Bungle Massif by land and air. The helicopters didn't have doors, which was rather disconcerning, but only for the staff! However, it did make for great photos. We had a splendid view of the Bee Hives, the Horse Shoe, and Piccaninny Creek and Gorge. On land, rather arduous hikes in high temperatures, took us to Mini Palms, Echidna Chasm and Cathedral Gorge.

We experienced a major mechanical problem coming out of the Bungle Bungle - all part and parcel of Outback travel. Temporary trackside repairs (including a log 'splint') to the broken 'A' frame on one of the trailers enabled us to crawl 60km to the Warmum Aboriginal Community. Here heavy welding equipment was used to effect proper repairs.

Some very impressive Aboriginal rock art and sacred burial sites were shown to the boys near our King Edward River camp. A day excursion took us across the remote Mitchell Plateau to explore the Mitchell Falls. The hot weather encouraged frequent swims in many pools, despite the obvious presence of freshwater crocodiles. There was great excitement after dark when we went croc spotting with our torches.

The brightness of the stars in the night sky was a new experience for many boys. We had songs around the campfire and heard intriguing tales from the droving days.

We hiked into many spectacular gorges as we traversed the Gibb River Road. The Kimberley certainly lived up to its reputation of a spectacular landscape. In Broome, we accompanied an employee checking on the huge rogue 'salties' at the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Farm. We gasped at the power and speed of these primeval monsters.

A croc free refreshing swim at Broome's Cable beach was a symbolic end to a challenging, yet very interesting and informative traverse of the Kimberleys. We had survived the real Outback and gone beyond the bitumen, the motel pool and flush toilets. What a vast and fascinating country we live in, - but rarely experience!

Mr Jeff Watson