Gorging the Gibb

Pop!!  Again

Continuing our Kimberley adventure, just as we rolled into Mount Barnett Station, we were greeted with our third puncture. Steve will easily land a gig at Jax Tyres after this trip!  

It's a dirty job, but someone's gotta do it

Manning Gorge – Early Bird Catches the Worm

Continuing westwards along the Gibb, we arrived at Manning Gorge.  Steve dragged me out of bed at half past sparrow’s fart. The ordeal wouldn't have been so harsh if not for the "invigorating" swim required to reach the hike's starting point, our belongings precariously perched in a creek bucket.

Mhairi not impressed with the time or temperature

The prize for suffering the early morning trauma was that we had the stunning Manning Gorge all to ourselves.

Beautiful Manning Gorge just for us

The Crocodile Tree

My favourite piece of fauna on this trip is a tree adorned with striking yellow flowers, flourishing even in the harshest of environments. On one of our boat tours, I was told that the blooming of this tree signals the mating season of crocodiles. The emergence of green fruit indicates egg-laying, and fallen fruit means the hatching of baby crocs.  I’d love to know the proper name of this tree and whether this fascinating correlation is actually true or a tale invented for tourists.

The Crocodile Tree

Galvan’s Gorge

We almost drove past this beauty.  Galvan's Gorge is the Gibb’s most accessible Gorge, just a 1km easy bush walk in from the road.  The gorge features a small seasonal waterfall that flows into a horseshoe-shaped pool. 

 Majestic Boab tree on the outcrop above Galvans

Nothing Silent about Silent Grove (Dulundi)

Judging by the name, we expected our National Park campground to be a haven of tranquility. Instead, from sunrise to sunset, the cockatoos unleashed a symphony of screeches.  The raucous racket was worth enduring for a few nights so that we could conquer the almighty Bell Gorge and its stunning waterfall.

The leisurely walk to Bell Gorge's summit was delightful. However, the descent required engaging my best mountain goat skills. And it was hot! Needless to say, bathing in the natural infinity pool after the climb back up was nothing short of heavenly.

View from the bottom and top of Bell Gorge

Mount Hart 

With hindsight, the 100km round trip to visit Mount Hart wasn't worth it. With diesel at $3.30 per litre, unpowered camping at $50 for a patch of dirt, and dinner at $110 per person, it was a pretty exxy dust bowl.

Dingo running alongside us at Mount Hart

The most interesting thing was saw was a mini tornedo whipping up the dust. 

Like a scene from the Wizard of Oz

The best part was relaxing around camp with the wonderful folk we keep bumping into on our adventure (Kathy, Greg, Mary, Darryl, Sandra and Graham).  All Ulti owners, of course!

Is that a sunset glow or orange dust?

Never Smile at a Crocodile

Our last Gorge of the Gibb was Winjana Gorge, and what a gem it was too.  I've gotten quite relaxed about crocodiles now (well, the freshwater variety), so I felt brave enough to get up close and personal with this one, especially as he seemed to be smiling at me.

Say Cheese!

Critter of the Week – Children’s Python

I was excited to see a magnificent python coiled up next to the Winjana range, right next to the footpath.  

This "danger noodle" isn't partial to young humans, it is named after John George Children who discovered it.

Garbage Bin with a Difference

Fortunately, crocs and snakes were the only critters we found at Winjana Gorge.

Steve on the prowl for poisonous pests

Birdwood Station  - The Final Frontier

Our final days on the Gibb were spent at Birdwood Station, just outside Derby (pronounced "Derbee" – tricky for a Pom to nail).  

Peacocks and chickens rule the roost here.  By day they strut around like they own the place, well, technically they do.  By night they are smart enough to roost in trees to escape the dingoes.

The chooks looking at our dinner with understandable distain!

Mr Peacock showing off next to our van

On our very last night “on the Gibb” it was fun to share stories and sink a cold one with fellow travelers around the communal campfire.  Some were about to start their epic Gibb adventure (they were shiny, clean, bright and bushy tailed), and the rest of us (red-stained, dusty, battle-worn veterans) were craving sweet, sweet bitumen.

Word of the Week – “Moove”

The Gibb River Road is teeming with wildlife, and a Defender without a bull bar would not fare well against the kangaroos, dingoes, eagles, and cattle we encounter.

Steve and I always chorus “Moove” – as if the cows can hear and understand us.  

Moo...ve!!!

Goodbye Gibb River Road (singing my best Elton John)

Our Gibb River Road leg of this trip felt a little like a fairytale; where else in this day and age do you get to trundle along a sometimes very risky-feeling dirt track, stopping off to picnic among the wilderness or to hike to a seemingly forgotten waterfall or creek? The natural beauty of the Kimberly Region is like no other and the effort it takes to reach each destination – that’s the adventure.