KARIJINI

From Tom Price, its just a short drive of 50 or so kilometres to the Karijini National Park visitor centre. We  were however a bit worried as we had come across three lots of tourists stranded at the Tom Price caravan park, due to mechanical problems, whilst travelling to Karijini. The visitor centre is set in the middle of the park, run by the local aboriginal community. It contains many interesting facts and information, as well as the many tourist souvenirs and gifts to purchase. We were lucky enough to be given an “Outback Survival Pack” which contained a variety of useful things. 

 We set off for Dales Campground, just a few km’s down the road from the centre. We were allocated a nice quiet caravan bay, number 86# in the Euro loop.

Bay 86 in the bush.

 This campground has no power or water, is all gravel but luckily it has toilets, even though they are the "drop" variety they are cleaned every day.. The whole campground had 100 bays and by mid- afternoon most were taken. It is quite busy out there and almost like a little town centre!   After setting up we made our way to the Dales Gorge. The lookouts allowed you to view the gorge and pools, and a bit further on there was an accessible track leading down into the gorge itself.

Circular Pool

Dale Gorge

At the lookout.

 Most people were almost running down the track, which was comprised of huge rock steps and a shear drop at your side. There was a hand rail for about 15 metres, the rest was just some old fencing wire with nothing to hang onto. With my shaky knees and jelly legs, and Johns help and guidance we managed to descend Down..  Down.. Down..  to the bottom. I don’t mind admitting I am terrified of heights and so found this  challenging and terrifying. After what seemed like an eternity (or at least a very long time) finally we were there. Lizzy had been waiting at the bottom level and had already taken a huge pile of photos. She just sits and waits for us oldies very patiently.

Part of the waterfall/pool area

The Fortescue falls and Fern pool (a short stroll further) were well worth the gruelling descent. The waterfalls and pool areas made you just feel like jumping in. There were many who were and it just looked so refreshing after the climb.

Fortescue pool

A little rest

Fern Pool.. Stunning

The undergrowth along the gorge walls seemed like a magical fairyland at times.

This must be where the water fairies live!

Really should have taken some bathers

After enjoying all of this scenery it was time to contemplate the journey back up. With John by my side and Lizzy miles ahead I did finally make it, although there were a few times when I thought I would not and that John would gladly toss me over the side. I could see the insurance $$ signs in his eyes. This journey is definitely not for the faint hearted or the wonky kneed (sorry Chris).

After a refreshing afternoon tea (beer and a Pepsi) we took a 3km stroll along the rim of the gorge to Circular pool. As you can see from the pictures this is another stunningly tranquil and beautiful swimming pool.

Circular pool

 Lizzy prepared a feast of hamburgers, eggs and salad on the hotplates provided at the campsite and we dined in the twilight of the Karijini bush.

Enjoying dinner in the bush (Lizzy cooked).

There are warnings everywhere not to leave food, rubbish or esky’s out at night as the dingoes have learnt to scavenge from campsites. The dingoes have been known to be aggressive in the past and have been shot.

We spent a lovely, peaceful night managing very well on both battery and gas power. Lizzy was able to watch a DVD on the computer.  As we drifted off the sleep that night we could hear the faint guitar strumming of an aspiring musician somewhere in the park. There’s something rather nice about sleeping under the stars  in the middle of nowhere with the peace and quiet of the bush. This was one of my favorite nights and John and I have both agreed to return and stay for at least a week sometime in the near future. 

 And so goodnight to everyone,

 talk soon J

John, Son & Lizzy xx.

 (mum, dad, nana and grandad and aunty xxxx)