We had been taking every alternative route and diversion off the Gibb River Road that is possible so far, drinking precious fuel. Our next destination was around 100km off the Gibb River Road, so we were relieved the Imintji store was open on a Saturday. We refuelled at our most expensive diesel of the trip so far (at $2.365 per litre) and bought an ice cream... who cares that it was half past nine in the morning and cost a fortune... it was delicious.
Our planned destination was the Mornington Wilderness Sanctuary run by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC). We had no idea who the AWC were on our arrival, but it turns out they own 23 wilderness sanctuaries around Australia with the aim of protecting all of Australia's native animals, birds and their habitat. Free from the bureaucracy of government, 80 percent of their staff are in the field actively studying and managing these sanctuaries. They're assisted in their studies by an army of volunteers. We came away greatly impressed with what they have achieved here, and the way they are going about it.
The Mornington Station was acquired by the AWC in around 2001, and since then has been destocked, the fire reigeime altered and feral cats monitored leading to a dramatic rebound in the abundance and diversity of native animals, birds and plants. We found it remarkable what a difference a fenceline made to the vegetation on the way into the property, being distinctly healthier and more prolific on the sanctuary's side.
