Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley reopens iconic Ivanhoe Crossing to high-clearance vehicles

Kununurra four-wheel-drive enthusiasts have a reason to rejoice with the Ivanhoe Crossing open for high clearance vehicles in another sign that the dry season is well and truly upon us.

The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley announced on Monday that water levels were low enough to open the crossing to vehicles with a load limit of 15 tonnes, and advisably, 4WDs.

Peter Griffiths-Sebastian of Pete’ s Cultural Adventures crossed soon after it opened.

“It wasn’t too rough. My car didn’t move. It just went forward and went with the flow,” he said.

Mr Griffiths-Sebastian, who takes many tourists over Ivanhoe Crossing, said he expected to see more people heading out to Middle Spring now that they did not have to go the long way around via Valentine Spring Road.

“People won’t head out to Black Rocks Falls as much because it is not really running as much, but they will definitely be going to Middle Spring.”

Kununurra Visitor Centre CEO Vivienne McEvoy said residents loved the thrill of crossing the old concrete causeway where you may spot saltwater and freshwater crocodiles.

“You are just not allowed to stop on the crossing, due to the force of the water you do need to keep moving but obviously you have to do so slowly so you don’t create a bow wave.”

Traversing Ivanhoe Crossing also takes people on an interesting back route to Wyndham, Ms McEvoy said.

“On that road you have Middle Spring, Black Rock Falls, Buttons Crossing and Mambi boat ramp it will also get you to the lower Ord without having to go all the way around, it is a short cut.”

Mr Griffiths-Sebastian said the Ivanhoe Crossing had a significant place in local history because it connected the Kimberley’s oldest town of Wyndham with the newest, Kununurra.

“Wyndham used to have the old abattoir there — they would take trucks up full of cattle and come back empty,” he said.

Since the Ord irrigation project began in the 1960s, the river now flows over the causeway all year round making it impassable during the wet season.

SWEK has reminded people that there is no pedestrian access to the causeway, and, if the water is above the marks on the pillars do not cross.

In a notice on the SWEK Facebook page the Shire advises, “travel at a steady, low speed — don’t stop”.

“These rules are in place to keep you safe! Please note the Shire isn’t responsible for any losses, damage, or injury.”