Millstream Chichester National Park

Millstream Chichester National Park

George Gorge

Co-ordinates: 21°23'37.06"S 117°20'10.96"E 

4WD vehicle4WD vehicle 4WD vehicle 4WD vehicle Water crossing Water crossing Water crossing Dirt track Dirt track River bed River bed Mud Mud Mud Caravan Caravan Caravan Caravan

The Pilbara is spectacular — vast, remote, and breathtakingly beautiful.

Along the way you'll see the stunning Roebourne plains, tall red cliffs, and beautiful Pilbara countryside

The Pilbara is a living canvas, its ancient red earth and rugged gorges shifting from soft rose at dawn, to blazing amber at midday, to rich crimson and violet as the sun melts into the horizon.

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The magnificent cliffs shield the freshwater from the sun's warmth, keeping it in a delightfully cool and refreshing state.

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Changing Landscape Spectacular

Authentic Pilbara — spinifex, waterholes, red rocks. Same area different angle.

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Required : Rio Tinto Rail Access Road Permit.

To travel on Rio Tinto's private rail access roads in the Pilbara, you must obtain a free permit online https://www.pilbararailaccessroad.riotinto.com/, or at a local visitor centre.

The permit is valid for 30 days and is available at the Karratha Visitor Centre, Roebourne Visitor Centre, Tom Price Visitor Centre, or Pannawonica Library. To get it, you have to watch a short safety video covering all risks and safety issues.

George Gorge,

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Millstream Chichester National Park

The Journey

We departed Buddhas Bush Camp heading east along Nanutarra Road, turning north onto Fortescue Crossing Road before swinging onto the Roebourne-Wittenoom Road. The corridor winds through the Chichester Range, past Mount Herbert Lookout with its 360° panoramic views (well worth the short walk), and Mount Montagu, through Millstream Chichester National Park, The track starts on the southern side of the Roebourne–Wittenoom Road, not far from Python Pool. There is no signage - it's basically a well-used 4WD track. The route features narrow sections, smaller creek crossings, rocky limestone sections, and eventually thousands of river rocks, finally down into George River and George Gorge for Camp 4.

The roads were relentless — undulating, corrugated, with river bed crossings and constant hills — and we drove most of the day to get there. I won't lie, I was cursing my husband and genuinely thought I wasn't going to make it. But make it I did, arriving in the last of the light on the eve of my 60th birthday. Epic doesn't quite cover it.

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Celebrating Drink

Camp 4 — George Gorge

That first night was harrowing. The next morning, though, the terror dissolved completely — replaced by the most breathtaking views. We woke to a steady stream of campers passing through, which surprised us given how remote it feels. The caravan proved itself admirably under the conditions, though we did pick up some minor damage getting out — a slightly nerve-wracking exit.

Saturday 3rd June 2023 — Rose's 60th Birthday

The birthday began with messages and calls from family and friends, but then a young couple stopped by for a chat — Mark and Erl. We ended up sharing the campsite, talking, sharing food, and enjoying each other's company late into the night. Erl made a special pudding to celebrate my birthday, so sweet of her, and Rob cooked a delicious dinner of pork chops and vegetables. Strangers became friends, which was the best kind of birthday gift for me.

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Tips for George Gorge

  • Maps
  • 4WD access only, over river stones — take it slowly getting in and out
  • Rated 5 stars by those who've made it; often completely deserted
  • Check the weather forecast before descending — it can flash flood quickly
  • Carry extra water and let someone know your itinerary;
  • No phone reception for long stretches.
  • No facilities in the area, take all rubbish with you. 

George Gorge is a cracker of a spot — Its been rated 5 stars by the few people who've made it in.

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Soaking up the sun while surrounded by the rich, rusty red dirt all around!

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There are moments in life you just know you'll never forget — and this was one of them. We took on something we'd always dreamed of doing, faced it head-on, and came out the other side with the biggest smiles and the fullest hearts. It wasn't just about ticking a box. It was about proving to ourselves that we could, and sharing that experience with people who matter. Those memories are tucked away safely now, and they'll bring a smile long after the moment has passed.

Cheers Rose