Ilkurlka Visitor Centre in Beadell | Art gallery

Ilkurlka Visitor Centre

Locality: Beadell

Phone: +61 8 9037 1147

Address: Anne Beadell Highway 6440 Beadell, WA, Australia

Website: http://www.ilkurlka.org.au

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• Automotive, aircraft & boat
• Art gallery
• Camp site
• Petrol station

25.01.2022 We had 35mm of rain on the 4th of January , lets hope we get some more this week . The cooler weather has promoted some activity around Ilkurlka .

24.01.2022 Some temporary changes for the Laverton Great Beyond Visitor Centre. Definitely worth a visit when you are in Laverton!

23.01.2022 The Pila Nguru and Paupiyala Tjarutja boards in Tjuntjuntjara yesterday closed the Business Road between Kuruala and Ilkurlka (effectively shutting off access between Ngaanytjarra Communities/Wingellina and Spinifex country). Ilkurlka roadhouse is also closed to visitors. This decision was made by the directors to support the ongoing safety and well-being of their community residents. This follows on from messages and communications earlier this week with APY Communitie...s, Oak Valley and Yalata for residents of those communities NOT to travel to Tjuntjuntjara. The directors feel that the risk is too high of COVID19 being introduced to Tjuntjuntjara. We all hope that our communities remain safe during this crisis. Ilkurlka is also closed to visitors travelling along the Anne Beadell Highway.

23.01.2022 It is heartening to get the positive feedback from people. There is plenty to do and see if people want to make the loop to Ilkurlka from Kalgoorlie. Menzies, Leonora and Laverton all are worth a visit. After that, the trek starts along the White Cliffs road to Yamarna and the start of the Anne Beadell Highway.... En route to Ilkurlka, don't forget to stop off at the historic Yeo Homestead and take in Bishop Riley's pulpit (an attractive escarpment just north of the road). Then on to Neale Junction (campground available). This is the historic junction with the Connie Sue Highway and was put in by Len Beadell when the roads were constructed. Have a look at the plaque and don't forget to sign the visitors' book! Moving east, the old Neale Junction airstrip is another 20km. Then in to sand dune country with a number of water tanks along the way which were put in by the local community for travellers. About 60km before Ilkurlka is the turnoff to the north which takes you in about 10km to the remains of a crashed aircraft. Then to Ilkurlka where we have fuel, a campground and shop. We also have a display of artwork from the Spinifex Arts Project which exhibits internationally. We are in the middle of the sand dunes and depending on the time of year it can be a birdwatchers paradise. Also some wildflowers are starting to come out. Magnificent sunsets on offer! On the way back, head out to Neale Junction again and turn south down the Connie Sue Highway. You can either travel the full extent of the road down to Rawlinna on the railway line or branch off along the Dog Fence track (which starts about 235km south of Neale Junction). This is the main track back to Kalgoorlie - the Rawlinna track is a bit rough in places. Distances: 550km from Laverton to Ilkurlka, around 875km from Ilkurlka to Kalgoorlie (so might pay to carry a jerry can or two for that leg).

22.01.2022 A further update on the temporary closure of Ilkurlka - new government regulations tightly control access to all remote communities (of which Ilkurllka is one). Here are part of the regulations now in force: Emergency Management Act 2005 (WA) Section 67 Remote Aboriginal Communities Directions No. 2... 4. A person may only enter onto or remain on the land or waters within a Remote Aboriginal Community: (a) where the person is on or returning to the Remote Aboriginal Community they normally reside or work in; or (b) for family or cultural purposes; or (c) for so long as is required for the purposes of providing or accessing essential or human services or supplies, including, without limitation, medical care, school education, related services, government infrastructure projects, necessary road works and road maintenance activities, policing, citations and justice related services; or (d) in an emergency; or (e) if authorised by law or acting in pursuance of a power or duty imposed by law; or (f) in any other circumstances approved in writing by me or an officer authorised by me pursuant to the Act. PENALTIES It is an offence to fail to comply with any of these directions, punishable by a fine of up to $50,000 for individuals and $250,000 for bodies corporate.

20.01.2022 Coronavirus update Ilkurlka roadhouse will be closed to travellers until further notice so that we can reduce the risk of introduction and spread of coronavirus to our communities. Already Maralinga Tjarutja has revoked all existing permits in South Australia and in Western Australia new regulations restrict access to essential personnel and residents only.... We regret the necessity of closing the roadhouse but we are sure that you can understand the reasons.

19.01.2022 It's getting a bit crowded at the water . https://www.instagram.com/p/B6aQCA8gZ7F/?igshid=131rwtbe7im9

16.01.2022 We have a a few sitings of this taipan at Ilkurlka.... https://www.facebook.com/RossMcGibbonReptilePhotography/videos/254432635749786/

16.01.2022 35 mm to 9 am this morning and another 15 mm in the last few hours , its WET ! We've had some beautiful sunsets with all the cloud around this week , the little lizards have been really active with the flying termites (alates) emerging from the ground . The skinks are Clay-soil Ctenotus (Ctenotus helenae)

14.01.2022 Now we are open again to visitors coming from Western Australia, there is an interesting visitor option for those who don't want to travel to South Australia. It is very feasible to make a five-day round trip to Ilkurlka from Kalgoorlie doing a bit of a loop. Out via Laverton and the Anne Beadell Highway, back via the Connie Sue Highway and the Trans Access Road to Kalgoorlie. Road conditions are fair (4WD needed), the weather is perfect, great scenery out here and a few thin...gs to see and do along the way. More info on our web site www.ilkurlka.org.au. Look forward to seeing you! See more

14.01.2022 Merry Christmas from Ilkurlka Roadhouse , fantastic morning here with the birds .

13.01.2022 A visit by Sophie Matterson on her trek with five camels across Australia.

12.01.2022 Ilkurlka update 1 March 2021 Ilkurlka has reopened to travellers along the Anne Beadell Highway. However travel restrictions may be imposed at very short notice in the event of COVID19 outbreaks in the various states and territories. We urge you to call us (08 9037 1147) or email us ([email protected]) just prior to setting out on the Anne Beadell Highway for an update on the current situation.... Note that Ilkurlka has no facilities for those who wish to self-isolate for fourteen days when entering the state. We ask that visitors use face masks when entering the roadhouse as an additional protective measure. Western Australian controlled border restrictions apply for those arriving from the east. A G2G pass is required (https://www.g2gpass.com.au/apply) as well as the usual travel permits required for transit of the Anne Beadell Highway. We look forward to seeing you!

09.01.2022 Happy New Year . Plenty of action at Ilkurlka this week with some very warm days and lots of birds coming in for a drink . One very unusual visitor was the Oriental Plover . I saw this bird a few k's from the roadhouse at one of our water tanks looking very distressed and wobbly . I filled up a water container for him and left the tap dripping , to my surprise he was at the visitor centre the next day looking much better . It would seem he has re cooperated and moved on . This species breeds in parts of Mongolia and China ,migrating southwards each year to spend the non breeding season in Indonesia , New Guinea and Northern Australia . It seems he was a little off course .

08.01.2022 Sophie Matterson and the great camel trek across Australia Ilkurlka played host to Sophie Matterson who is leading five camels on the long trek from the westernmost point of Australia at Shark Bay to the easternmost point at Byron Bay. Sophie took a rest day here and has a great fund of stories about her journey so far. We were introduced to each of her five camels Jude, Delilah, Charlie, Clayton and Mac - each with their own personalities. We only see wild camels out here so it was fascinating to watch domesticated and trained animals. This is a magnificent venture and we wish Sophie bon voyage on her journey east.

08.01.2022 Two pairs of Scarlet Chested Parrots spotted near Ilkurlka this week , the male pictured was in my front yard briefly . The Zebra Finches have been having a ball in the temporary pond, hundreds have been lining up for a splash. Two separate small flocks of water fowl have also popped into the roadhouse this week , Pacific Black Ducks and Maned Geese . My stint here will be finishing at the end of the week , what an amazing experience it's been . The wildlife, the stars, the beautiful desert landscapes and the piece and quiet , what a great place !!

05.01.2022 Woomera Protected Area update The Department of Defence has just released dates for the closures of Amber Zone 2 on the Anne Beadell Highway for the next financial year (https://www1.defence.gov.au//woom/access/exclusion-periods). The list of closure dates are:... Amber Zone 2 from 3 July to 16 July 2021 Amber Zone 2 from 4 October 2021 to 7 November 2021 Amber Zone 2 from 21 March 2022 to 10 April 2022 Please plan your travel around these dates and check the Woomera Protected Area web site frequently as sometimes the closures do get cancelled.

05.01.2022 I hadn't been to Ilkurlka until I arrived about 4 weeks ago . What an amazing place it is , particularly after the rain the place has come to life . The reptile activity at night over the last few nights has been unbelievable , I've lived in the desert for 28 years ,I haven't seen anything like it . I've added a few iphone pics at the end of the post because I cant carry my camera all the time and I didnt bring the flash for my camera so that was a mistake (a big one lol) . Hope you like the pics , if you've never been out here I can highly recommend it . For the birders , I reckon those Princess Parrots aren't too far away and I'll be having a good look around at the end of the month so I'll keep you in the loop if I see them ( I will ! ) Regards Jim

04.01.2022 Please be advise the Tjuntjuntjara Aboriginal Community is closed to all non residents and non essential workers. Kalgoorlie Police have a road block in place o...n the Trans Access Road and are urging members of the public to stay away from the community. Penalties will apply if breached. #PD11875

04.01.2022 Fancy a road trip? One of Australia's most remote roadhouses has reopened for the first time in about five months, after it was granted an exemption from coronavirus restrictions. The Ilkurlka Roadhouse is located in the Great Victoria Desert, near the South Australian border.

02.01.2022 BRRR ! It's freezing . Over 20 mm of rain last night , that's double the wettest day recorded last year and 30% of last years total . So fantastic to see some rain here at last .

01.01.2022 Ilkurlka has been a hive of activity since the rain . The skinks and dragons have been particularly busy feeding on alates (flying termites )

01.01.2022 Ilkurlka partially reopens! As of 15 August 2020 Ilkurlka will reopen to travellers whose journey commences in Western Australia. This follows the relaxation of the WA remote Aboriginal communities regulations for Ilkurlka (although restrictions remain in place for other communities). Given our limited stocks of PPE we would appreciate travellers bringing their own face masks if possible. We can supply hand sanitiser and disposable gloves at the roadhouse. The spread of COVID...19 to our remote communities is still a major concern. For travellers heading from Western Australia to South Australia along the Anne Beadell Highway, permits are required in South Australia from Maralinga Tjarutja, the Woomera Defence Area, Mamungari conservation park and Tallaringa conservation park. A permit is also required for travel between Yeo and Yamarna along the Anne Beadell Highway in Western Australia. Please note that Ilkurlka will not be accessible from the east because of the WA border closure. The border is being monitored and the WA police will take action if anyone crosses the border from the east without having a permit issued by the WA government. Penalties for illegally crossing the WA border from the east are severe up to a $50,000 fine and/or twelve month’s imprisonment.