Millstream Chichester National Park

Python Pool is a plunge pool located at the base of a temporary waterfall in the Chichester Range escarpment.

Python Pool was once a resting point along the historic camel trail that once linked the inland stations to the coast. Camel and bullock wagons carried supplies in and wool clip out across the coastal plains to the town of Cossack. Vehicles eventually replaced these teams, but used the same route until the road that exists today was built up Mount Herbert.

The walk to the pool is reasonably easy. The waterfall often flows after heavy summer rain associated with lows and tropical cyclones. At times like this, the gravel roads may be closed. Check road conditions before leaving town. Do not drive on closed roads as heavy fines apply.

Fresh water pools like Python Pool are important for the many insects that inhabit arid areas. Colourful dragonflies and damselflies can be seen flitting across the surface of the water. Insects provide a staple diet for microbats and birds.

An unmarked and undeveloped 2 km return (1.5 hour) walk can be undertaken upstream from the campground. It is a Class 5 walk which means a high level of fitness is required. Users must be prepared and self-reliant, with advanced outdoor knowledge. There are few encounters with others. Weather can affect safety.

As long as you keep to the creek valley you won't lose your way. Wildlife is abundant along this walk and the pools upstream are great for cooling off. Take great care on slippery rocks and high ledges.

From the Snake Creek camping area, walk down into the watercourse and head upstream (to the right). The watercourse is initially broad and stony, but further up there are large, shallow pools that you can skirt with difficulty or wade through.

Continue upstream, crossing the creek as required. The creek is full of small fish, including spangled perch and rainbow fish. The creek branches into two tributaries, both of which flow through a series of rocky pools and potholes. Explore the area and retrace your steps to the parking area. Watch out for the point at which you need to climb the creek bank to return to your car. If you go too far, you'll meet the road and can turn left onto it and left again into the campground.

Mount Herbert is one of the highest points in the Chichester Range. From here you can take in spectacular views across the coastal plain. To the north is Pyramid Hill and to the south is the extensive Hamersley Ranges.

This is what the Pilbara is all about: wide open spaces and a history etched in stone. Mesas (flat-topped hills) and buttes (isolated hills that rise abruptly from the surrounding land surface eg Pyramid Hill) are the remains of an ancient land surface ravaged by time and weathering.

A 600 m, 25 minute return trail leads from the carpark around to the right of Mt Herbert before making its way up to the top. Watch your footing, as the track may be uneven with loose rocks. Take your time. The views are worth the walk.

There is a 4.5km, 1 hour return walk to McKenzie Spring. From the Mount Herbert car park, follow the Chichester Range Camel Trail from Mount Herbert to the spring. This was once a watering hole for camel and bullock teams. The trail includes short steep sections and the ground can be uneven with loose surfaces. Return along the same route.

A range of hardy plants can be found along the trail. Many grow in creek lines and watercourses, while others prefer to perch on rocky escarpments.

Stop at the Crossing Pool entry station to pay your entry fees and check the park map for information. Camping fees can be paid at the campgrounds.

The Fortescue River is fed by an underground aquifer and does not dry out completely like many other rivers in the Pilbara. Crossing Pool (Murlamunyjunha) was once a deep pool on the Fortescue. Due to natural dynamic river processes the pool level has dropped and large channels fan out from the bottom end of the pool.

Murlamunyjunha has a campground on the river bank beneath shady river red gums and paperbarks. There are no designated campsites but you will find a small area with shady bush-style camping with two pit toilets and room for approximately eight sites or camping units depending on accommodation type. Due to the uneven ground and limited space, it is not suitable for large caravans or mobile homes. Other facilities include picnic tables, a gas barbecue and two gas burners. No drinking water is available at this site and generators are not permitted.

This campground operates on a first come, first served basis and bookings do not apply. Camping fees are:
adults $7/night; concession card holders $5/night; children (under 16) $2/night.

Murlamunyjunha is also a great place to kayak, picnic, fish, or enjoy a swim in this cool river pool. The trail linking Murlamunyjunha and the homestead is seasonal. It is often closed due to flooding from 1 November to the end of April each year. Take care when negotiating the river crossing as wet rocks are very slippery.

The homestead (circa 1919) today serves as an interpretive centre and features displays on the Yindjibarndi people, early pastoral activities, the natural environment and management issues. A visit to the centre will add to your appreciation and enjoyment of the park not only with background information but also by providing directions to the locations that you will most want to see.

Millstream was an active pastoral station for more than 100 years. At its peak, it covered one million acres and carried 55,000 sheep, and at one time held the Australian record for the highest price paid for a fleece. During the early 1890s, the settlement at Millstream Station resembled a small town. Station staff, workers and their dependents were fed from stores imported from the coast via wagon from Cossack, and from produce grown locally. Many pastoral stations supported as many as 200 people or more, and the springs and wetlands near the Millstream homestead provided for one of the first kitchen gardens in the region.

The easy, 750 metre, 30 minute Homestead Trail takes you on a tour of the grounds as they used to be when the area was a station during the 1930s. The story is portrayed through the eyes of a boy, Doug Gordon, whose family was associated with Millstream for a number of decades. Doug's poster of the station hangs above the fireplace in the homestead. Due to flood damage, this trail is no longer a loop trail, but is split in two, providing access to either side of Jirndawurrunha Pool. Both trails begin at the homestead visitor centre. One is at the front of the centre; the other is at the back near the old kitchen. Please take both sections and enjoy the trail signage and sites.

At Cliff Lookout you can take in views of Crossing Pool. Please remain on the trail and stand well back from the cliff edge. Loose rocks are unstable underfoot. Please obey the Cliff Risk signs.

Plants more typical of the tropical north grow near permanent pools such as Jirndawurrunha. Of special interest is the Millstream palm, with its fanned, grey-green leaves and large woody fruit. Introduced species such as date palms and cotton palms were once prolific at Millstream. They competed with native vegetation, blocked creek channels and encouraged wildfires. Many have been removed and the areas replanted with native vegetation.

Twenty-two species of dragonfly and damselfly have been recorded in the Millstream wetlands. Resident mammals include both the red and black flying fox and the euro(the common kangaroo of the rocky country). A variety of spectacular birds can be seen during the cooler hours of the day, especially near water.

Swimming is not permitted at Jirndawurrunha Pool or surrounding streams because of their cultural significance to the traditional Aboriginal custodians.

Shade and fresh flowing water make this a very popular spot.

Miliyanha Campground is a well-appointed campground next to the original historic homestead. It has 20 designated sites. The camp kitchen, modelled on the old kitchen behind the Millstream homestead makes cooking a breeze. There is hot and cold running water, plenty of room for food preparation and a gas barbecue and pot boiler, all protected from the elements by a curved iron roof.

Other facilities in the campground include four pump-flush toilets. Fresh water is available but it is untreated and boiling is recommended. The site has limited shade and is located 300m from the visitor centre. Generators may be used in this campground from 7am to 9pm.

Bookings do not apply at this campground. It operates on a first come, first served basis. Camping fees are: adults $7/night; concession card holders $5/night; and children (under 16) $2/night. Entry fees apply.

Deep Reach Pool is a day use area. Barbecues and shaded picnic tables are provided so you may enjoy a leisurely picnic. At Deep Reach, a vast underground aquifer feeds into a spring and then into the Fortescue River. Enjoy a swim in the cool permanent waterhole. Take care especially with children, as the water is deep and can be very cold in winter. Banks are steep and slippery so use platforms and ladders for access to and from the water.

Deep Reach is a significant area for the Yindjibarndi people due to the presence of the rainbow serpent or warlu. Please respect their beliefs and do not use any water craft at Deep Reach Pool.