On alert at Wuggubun

Wuggubun Community Campground, WA

Wednesday 7th- Friday 9th September

After a big drive from Katherine, then a quick shop at Kununarra to replenish our fresh food (you can't bring any fresh fruit or vegetables over the border from NT to WA), we rolled into Wuggubun Campground about 3.30pm (which was actually 5pm NT time, due to the time change at the border). We were all quite exhausted after a big day driving and were ready just to relax and enjoy the serenity of the place. However, as we checked in, the camp hosts explained that the massive smoke clouds we had seen on the drive in were not controlled back burning, but bushfires that had the potential to cause havoc if the wind changed. The ranger had already been in to give them a briefing on the situation and a bulldozer was on its way to dig out some trenches near the entrance to the campground to create a fire break, just in case. We were advised that everything 'should' be fine but it would be advisable to camp near the rocky mountain on north side of camp, as that had recently been back burned so would be the safest spot. At this point none of us could fathom getting back into the car, and we felt confident that the rangers would give us all notice if the situation changed so we decided to stay and hope for the best. 

After a swim in the creek next to the campground, and some time to slow down and savour the incredible surroundings, we had all recovered from the big day. We were still closely watching the smoke in case the direction changed, but by the time we went to bed everything seemed okay (thankfully).

We decided to stay another night at Wuggubun as we all needed a rest day. We had a lovely day enjoying the creek, utilising the hammock and generally just relaxing. We only left the camp for half an hour to check out the nearby lookout -  it was great to have a day out of the car!!

Wuggubun means echidna in the local language and the Dreamtime story states that the echidna formed the ranges around Wuggubun when it was digging for food. The ranges have jagged marks all along them which are said to be gouged out by the echidna. There is a small, thriving community just beyond the campground, and one of the elders is assisting other indigenous communities to set up simple campgrounds like the one at Wuggubun in order to share the wonders of their land with others.

Arriving at WA, thankfully the quarantine check was quick and easy. We'd been driving since 7am so we were very excited when the time went back an hour and a half and suddenly we had more day left to get groceries and get to our campsite!

Cooling off in the creek at camp, we spent the days dipping in and out as it was about 35deg each day.

Giving Daniel a well needed massage after all the driving he's done...not a bad view!

Jackson made a friend and they spent hours playing in the creek and catching little fish.

Looking down on the campsite from a nearby lookout.

The other view from the lookout.

The campground was in a narrow valley, there was another rocky mountain range behind our van.

Leaving Wuggubun.