Geike Gorge Cruise Then On To Derby

It’s 18km of sealed road from Fitzroy River Resort to Geike Gorge, passing through the township as we go. The one hour Danggu Geike Gorge Cruise is owned and operated by the local Aboriginal tribe and is a popular attraction.

At Geike Gorge, the Fitzroy River cuts through the junction of the Geike Range and the Oscar Range before passing through Fitzroy Crossing and on to Derby. This again is part of the 350 million year old Devonian reef which actually extends the full length of the Gibb from Kununurra to Derby.

Geike Gorge is 14km long with up to 60m high limestone walls partially polished white by floodwaters. As we make our way up river, it’s evident that the depth of the river is about 1m lower than normal at this time of the season. In the wet season, the Fitzroy River floods the gorge and the surrounding landscape and water marks can be seen near the top of some of the sandstone walls.

Straight away we spot fresh water crocodiles lying on rocks and ledges in the river. The fresh water crocodile is smaller and has a narrower snout than it’s salty cousin and has jagged teeth running exposed from the outside of its mouth. Look at his teeth. He uses his open mouth to regulate his temperature.

Further down the Fitzroy River towards Derby and the sea,, fresh water crocodile habitat become salt water or esturine crocodile territory.

Amongst other species living in and around the gorge river, you can find the Purple Crowned Fairy Wren, Black Fruit Bats, the Short Eared Wallaby, Leichardt’s Sawdish, the Coach Whip Stingray and even Sharks. It’s home to an array of wildlife reliant on the river source to sustain life.

DRIVE: Fitzroy Crossing to Derby WA (237km).
After an enjoyable and relaxing cruise, it’s time to move on again and head up National Highway 1 and the Derby Highway to Derby. It’s pure bitumen all the way and 110km/hr speed limit and Jen even gets to engage the cruise control.

On the way up, we pass the western end and the start of the Gibb River Road and we both shudder as we remember the dirt, the corrugations, the blow outs, the flies, the dryness of the land. The Gibb has been an adventure and a challenge and we have finally made it from Kununurra to Derby.

CAMP: Kimberley Entrance Caravan Park / 3 Nights

We have decided to settle in Derby until Saturday when we do an overnight adventure to Horizontal Falls. It will give us time to chill, watch the sunset from the pier and put the breaks on for a while. Kimberley Entrance Caravan Park is exactly as it’s named, the main gateway to the Kimberley and the 660km Gibb River Road journey.

Talking about Sunset, there’s an Aboriginal art sculpture a stroll away from the caravan park which faces towards us and in front of the setting sun. The sculpture has been created by Mark Norval who owns and runs The Norval Art Gallery in Derby. Once the sun reaches a certain point, the sculpture is lit up and an Aboriginal face is revealed. Quite a creative way to enjoy and appreciate the sunset and it’s a ritual that all who travel the Gibb River Road do.

Jen wants to visit School Of The Air tomorrow, a remote online school community we n Derby. I just want sit in shade at the pier cafe and drink good coffee.

Just about to retire to bed and we hear Mr Whippy Van driving around the caravan park. So I follow the sound and lights expecting kids lined up for an ice cream and then remembered, there’s no kids in the park, it’s full of adult travellers.

Well the line at Mr Whippy was building and all the grown ups come flooding in like a farmer mustering his cattle. Everyones buying choc tops, (in English, that’s ice cream cones with the ice cream dipped in chocolate). I wait my turn and grab two freshly made choc tops for me and Jen. I disappear into the night and past a few caravans and find my way back to our site to share the treats with Jen.

Talk about highlights of our trip, this one’s gotta be up there. Thanks Mr Whippy.Baca lagi