Gibb River Road to Manning Gorge.

It’s only 30 degrees. Just sayin! We drive back past Boab trees and termite mounds.
Termite mounds are
castles of dirt and termite spit. They are of great value even as they erode over decades or even centuries into small hills. They provide sustenance, shade and lookouts for many vertebrates apparently. From snakes to lizards to mice and birds. We look at them through a different lens now.

Into the majestic Napier Rangers we go. The Kimberly is truly a feast for the senses. The scenery is often spectacular as we drive across lush creek crossings, into gorges and all the while surrounded by wild flowers and birds. Bird lovers this is your paradise. We rise to the chorus of birds, we move to their calls during the day and lulled by their cacophony by twilight.
Around us you can actually smell the flowers in bloom. It’s a delicious nectar kind of scent. Beautiful.
Early morning before the sun rises we set off to hike to the Upper Manning Gorge. This starts with putting all our worldly possessions ( ie phone and hiking shoes) into a floating tub and swimming across the river to get to the walking track! Yes this was the only way to get to the track! Now the views to the gorge are gorgeous but nothing prepares us for the spectacular gorge and waterfall itself. As we were up so early, we have the gorge to ourselves. An early morning waterfall swim! My photos won’t do this place justice but every step of the 5 km is worth it!
I might add that to do the Manning Gorge Hike it’s been a stay in yet another very crowded bush camp. I’m going to be somewhat ungenerous here and say I simply do not understand what entices people with their enormous caravans followed with their enormous loud generators to service their air conditioning, television , heating whatever and totally spoil it for those of us who wish to enjoy nature, it’s sights, it’s sounds and scents. Maybe we just need to have designated areas. The I’m travelling in my actual house and the I’m travelling with my swag! Rant over. Manning Gorge spectacular.Read more