Fitzroy Crossing is situated on the banks of the Mighty Fitzroy River, in the central Kimberley. It’s located 2686km north of Perth, 258km from Derby and is 114metres above sea level. The current population of the Fitzroy Crossing area is approximately 3500 people, with the majority being Aboriginal. There are 40 smaller outlaying communities in the Fitzroy Valley area, with 4 main language groups, Bunuba, Gooniyandi, Walmajarri and Wangkajunkja. The force of the Fitzroy River when in flood cuts off these smaller communities, as the vast flood plains swells to maximum capacity. This is a special time for locals as it brings new life and bush tucker rewards to higher grounds. For most visitors this is a sight that’s rarely seen, as you drive down, what’s usually our busiest road, cars are replaced by old women and children who sit on the side of the road fishing. Bush tucker is plentiful at this time of year. This region is characterized by a semi- arid monsoonal climate with 2 seasons “wet’ and “dry”. In the wet months floods are a given and in the dry months, we are no stranger to have boast the highest maximum temp during the day, which is then swapped for cool nights.

Fitzroy Crossing is a town that’s rich with history which includes a spectacular limestone coral reef system, formed 350 million years ago during the Devonian Period. Geikie Gorge with is magnificent lime stone walls and tranquil waters abound with animals which are attracted to the tree lined banks. Fitzroy has many gorges and fresh water springs none more famous than tunnel creek which was the seen for the famous showdown between the police and the local Aboriginal Legend ‘Jandamarra”, (often referred to as Pigeon), who used this cave system as a hideout and was killed outside its entrance in 1897.

Fitzroy has many other historic landmarks including the original town site, which consists of the former police station, lock up, police officers house, the old post office and a monument to the Australian Inland Mission Hospital. The old concrete crossing of the Fitzroy River is still used today. In closing Fitzroy Crossing is a warm and friendly little town and has a lot more to offer than first meets the eye. This is a community that’s rich with history, culture and diversity.