June 2 – 3 Windjana Gorge National Park

We left Derby mid morning after stocking up on supplies to head into the long awaited Kimberleys, and onto the somewhat dreaded Gibb River Road. We had heard a number of tales before we left about the Gibb River Road including shredded tyres and breakdowns, but the first 60 kilometres were bitumen. Eventually we hit the gravel, but the road is constantly graded and the road was in excellent condition.

We made camp at Windjana Gorge National Park, and relaxed playing cards and carving boabs. We were surprised to find that camping next to us was a guy that Sam and I had gone to University with, so it was nice to spend an evening chatting.

Early the next morning we ventured into the gorge with the Serisiers for a 7 kilometre return trip. We enjoyed the cool of the morning and spying crocodiles (freshies) skulking around the sandy river banks. Although freshies are not meant to be aggressive, we had been advised by the ranger not to swim because of the large number of crocs and the small size of our children. Tender little morsels. We probably progressed about 2 kilometres before the heat became too much and we returned to the campsite.

The Webbs arrived at camp late morning so our group of 10 children was now complete!
In the afternoon we all headed to Tunnel Creek. This was a fantastic 800 metre walk through a dark cave and underground river aided by torchlight. We spotted some small fish in the river which ran through the cave, and reportedly some small freshies, about a foot long. At the end of the cave the kids enjoyed splashing around in the river.