Gorges of the Gibb River Road continued

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Charnley River Station – Wildlife Sanctuary

From Manning we drove about 50 km down the Gibb River Rd, stopping off to look at Galvans Gorge, this small gorge is just off the road, another very pretty location with a lovely Boab right at the top of the falls and also some more Aboriginal rock art.

We then took the turn off to Charnley River Station and drove another 42 km (this is one long driveway) and as you are driving through working cattle stations there were gates to open and close, you soon learnt not to get out of the car too quick but wait for your own dust to catch up and settle before getting out otherwise you would ended up wearing it, also remember which side of the gate your car is parked on before closing it! We passed lots of cattle Brahmans and others, I could just imagine they were thinking “Oh here we go again another tourist, get that camera out of my face”.

We had a two night stay here. The camping area is now part of a Wildlife Sanctuary managed by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC). The homestead camping ground is large and spacious with lots of ‘green grass’ there were lots of small wallabies in and around the camping area, peacocks roaming. Meals are offered on the homestead verandah of an evening where you can mix with other guests and find out a bit more about the AWC from the resident managers.

We did the self guided thing and checked out four of the five gorges. All a short drive from the camp gound.

Dillie Gorge is accessed down a short rocky track, which takes you to the rapids connecting the shallow upstream pools with the very deep downstream pools. The water was still flowing but by no means would I call it rapids. Lovely rock formations here.

Grevillea Gorge is a steep narrow gorge, ladders are provided to get down the rock-shelves to access the main pools. We did not swim here as there was not much water flowing and it looked a bit murky.

Then we drove to Lilly Pool hoping for a swim there. Although it was a very pretty setting the pool is shaded and the water is very cold (Bob was the only one game to go in) we were content to sit on the rocks and enjoy the serenity.

The last was Donkey Hole (could not find out why it is called this) and again there was a deep pool but also looking a bit murky. We were too late in the season to see these gorges at their best and it would have been very different if we had been here before things started to dry up.

Tomorrow back on the road again and to our last stop on the Gibb, Bell Gorge getting closer and closer to the bitumen.

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Photos

Galvans Gorge
This Boab is like a sentry standing guard over the falls

Galvans Gorge
the pool at bottom of falls

Dillie Gorge
Start of the walking track

Rock Formations
The water has carved out some amazing shapes

Dillie Gorge
Bob on the return walk

Rocky Gorge
The power of raging waters during the wet season creates these jumbles of rocks

Comments

[Jim Connor]

WOW...what a journey
Hi Bette and Bob I have been really enjoying your travels in a somewhat removed, distant way. What a multitude of experiences you are having and capturing for others to also share, in words and photos. You are both definitely making the most of your journey. I think that I have now officially given up taking photos......especially when you are around BoB ! Keep up the travels and the commentary! best wishes Jim