Explore Australia

Fitzroy Crossing

Geikie Gorge National Park, Nick Rains / Explore Australia Publishing

Population 925

Fitzroy Crossing is in the heart of the Kimberley region. As its name suggests, the original townsite was chosen as the best place to ford the mighty Fitzroy River. In the wet season, the river can rise over 20 metres and spread out up to 15 kilometres from its banks. Fitzroy Crossing's main attraction is its proximity to the magnificent 30-metre-deep Geikie Gorge with its sheer yellow, orange and grey walls. Check road conditions before any excursions from December to March, as this area is prone to flooding.

Visitor Information

Cnr Great Northern Hwy and Flynn Dr; (08) 9191 5355

www.sdwk.wa.gov.au

Nearby national parks

  • Geikie Gorge National Park

    Set in the far north of the Kimberley, the focus of this national park is the spectacular 30-metre-deep Geikie Gorge, with its colourful...more

  • Tunnel Creek National Park

    Tunnel Creek National Park, in the Kimberley’s Napier Range, is home to Western Australia’s oldest cave system. Like Windjana...more

  • Windjana Gorge National Park

    Windjana Gorge National Park, in the Kimberley’s Napier Range, is renowned for its dramatic scenery and geological significance. The...more

Nearby towns

  • Halls Creek

    In the heart of the Kimberley region and on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert, Halls Creek is the site of the first payable gold...more

  • Derby

    It is said that Derby, known as the 'Gateway to the Gorges', is where the real Kimberley region begins. The first town settled in the...more

In Town

Crossing Inn First established in the 1890s as a shanty inn and trade store for passing stockmen, prospectors and drovers, it has operated on the same site ever since, and is one of the very few hotels in the state to retain a true outback atmosphere. A stop-off and drink are a must for all travellers passing by. Skuthorp Rd; (08) 9191 5080.

Nearby

Geikie Gorge National Park Geikie Gorge has cliffs and sculptured rock formations carved by water through an ancient limestone reef. The Fitzroy River is home to sharks, sawfish and stingrays that have, over centuries, adapted to the fresh water. Freshwater crocodiles up to 3 m long and barramundi are plentiful, best seen on a guided boat tour. Aboriginal heritage and cultural tours are run by guides from the local Bunuba tribe; bookings essential. DEC rangers run tours on the geology, wildlife and history of the area. Entry to park is restricted during wet season (Dec–Mar). Contact visitor centre for details. 18 km NE.

Causeway Crossing: concrete crossing that was the only way across the river until the new bridge was built in the 1970s; Geikie Gorge Rd; 4 km NE. Tunnel Creek National Park: unique formation created by waters from the creek cutting a 750 m tunnel through the ancient reef; 4WD access only; 110 km NW. Windjana Gorge National Park: 350-million-year-old Devonian reef rising majestically above the surrounding plains. An easy walking trail takes you past primeval life forms fossilised within the gorge walls; 4WD access only; 145 km NW. 4WD tours: to Tunnel Creek and Windjana Gorge; bookings essential, contact visitor centre for details.

Cafes & restaurants around town

Riverside Restaurant

Catering to guests of the Fitzroy River Lodge, you can be guaranteed that the atmosphere will be friendly at the Riverside Restaurant, a travellers’ hub in the middle of the bush. The casual dining room serves... Find out more


Campsites around town

Tarunda Caravan Park

Visitors to this area can explore the nearby national park at Geike Gorge or access the Fitzroy River for fishing and swimming. The caravan park is on Forrest Rd in Fitzroy Crossing, between Derby and Halls Creek on the... Find out more


Fitzroy River Lodge camping area 2 km

Fitzroy River Lodge camping area is on the Great Northern Hwy, 2.3 km east of Fitzroy Crossing. Visitors here will find a good range of facilities spread around shady grassed sites on the bank of the Fitzroy River, where... Find out more


Mornington Wilderness Camp 95 km

Mornington Wilderness Camp is 95 km south-east from the Gibb River Rd. The turn-off is 53.7 km south-west of Mt Barnett Roadhouse and 25.5 km north-east of Imintji Roadhouse. The camping area is set in a wildlife... Find out more


Quiet Campground 109 km

You can use a generator in the Quiet campground, and preferably a gas/fuel stove. You’ll find this camping area 1.2 km off Fairfield–Leopold Downs Rd, 20 km east of the Gibb River Rd. There are good... Find out more


The Generator Campground 109 km

This camping area has a good range of facilities in the lee of the gorge amongst shady trees. It is 1.2 km off the Fairfield–Leopold Downs Rd, 20 km east of the Gibb River Rd and 35 km west of the access road to... Find out more


Silent Grove camping area 130 km

The turn-off to Silent Grove camping area is 8 km west of Imintji Roadhouse, 20 km north of the Gibb River Rd. It has a good range of facilities for visitors in a shady setting and provides the ideal camp from which to... Find out more


Charnley River Homestead 164 km

Charnley River Homestead is a working cattle station off the Gibb River Rd, 49.6 km south-west of Mt Barrnett Roadhouse and 4.1 km north-east of the Mornington Wilderness Camp access. It is a further 43 km north-west to... Find out more


Mount Hart Homestead 167 km

Mount Hart Homestead camping area is located 189 km east of Derby via Gibb River Road and then 49 km north to the homestead. Visitors to this area will enjoy a true Kimberley experience with a good range of facilities in... Find out more


Mount Barnett Roadhouse – Manning Gorge camping area 175 km

The camping area at Manning Gorge is 7 km north of the roadhouse, with shady sites around the trees on the riverbank and a good range of facilities for campers. The swimming hole here is reputedly the best in the... Find out more


Mount Elizabeth Station 205 km

This working cattle station welcome visitors to its homestead and shady camping area, as do the dozens of wallabies and kangaroos that come out to graze. The station is 30 km off the Gibb River Rd, 38 km north-east of... Find out more


Caravan parks around town

Fitzroy River Lodge and Caravan Park 2 km

The Fitzroy River Lodge is a quality accommodation complex that includes a comfortable caravan park. The park has very good amenities and a tennis court, and is a convenient overnight stop or base from which to explore... Find out more


Halls Creek Caravan Park 222 km

Just a short walk from the middle of town and close to the hotel, this park has a wellstocked shop, a nicely shaded lawn area for camping, a popular pool and a good amenities block. Pets are allowed but a bond is... Find out more


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town

Fitzroy River Lodge

Set within 20 hectares of unspoilt bush, literally in the middle of nowhere, the welcoming Fitzroy River Lodge is perfect for an overnight stopover or longer stay. The lodge provides a range of accommodation options,... Find out more


Imintji Wilderness Camp

There’s no need to rough it here, as this campsite has proper beds with linen, lighting and private ensuite bathrooms to ensure a civilised stay. Even with these little luxuries, the environment is preserved as the... Find out more


Mornington Wilderness Camp

Six hours from Fitzroy Crossing, the Mornington Wilderness Camp is an ideal base to explore the Mornington Sanctuary and its spectacular gorges, Fitzroy River and King Leopold Ranges. The spacious safari tents include... Find out more


Eco-friendly places to stay around town

Mornington Wilderness Camp - Central Kimberley 95 km

All proceeds from this comfortable camp go to the Australian Wildlife Conservancy. The site is primarily solar-powered and on a 3000-square kilometre private wildlife sanctuary that includes some of the best remaining... Find out more


Rest areas around town

Ellendale Rest Area 82 km

145 km E of Willare Bridge (R) or 87 km W of Fitzroy Crossing (L) Large area just off the highway with good views over the surrounding countryside. Limited shade. GPS: S17 57.672 E124 50.138  ... Find out more


Ngumban Cliff Rest Area 84 km

97 km SE of Fitzroy Crossing (R) or 192 km SW of Halls Creek (L) Open area well off the highway at the top of large hill. GPS: S18 44.940 E126 06.782  ... Find out more


Boab Rest Area 147 km

76 km E of Willare Bridge (L) or 156 km NW of Fitzroy Crossing (R) Small area just off the highway around a very large boab tree. Limited shade. GPS: S17 49.462 E124 14.015... Find out more


Mary Pool Rest Area 150 km

181 km SE of Fitzroy Crossing (R) or 108 km SW of Halls Creek (L) Large secluded area well off the highway on the banks of Mary River. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S18 43.595 E126 52.367  ... Find out more


What's on around town

Rodeo: July.

Garnduwa Festival: sporting events; Oct.

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