On to Sandstone Park at Carnarvon Gorge

We were lucky enough to have water at our free camp so I took the opportunity to wash my hair and a few small items, as we won’t have any water while staying at Carnarvon Gorge for the next few days, other than what is in our tanks (about 180 litres) plus another 20 spare in the car plus 20 litres of drinking water.

As we drove the scenery once again was completely different to what we’d seen the last few days. We could see escarpments of the Gorge and the passing fields seemed greener and irrigated.

We arrived at the campsite (part of Bandana Station) early afternoon and found a spot to settle with a bit of shade and close to the portaloos. What breath taking scenery of the Gorge from every angle, and several wallabies were grazing within meters of our caravan.

Later in the afternoon we went to a talk in the park about Indigenous history of the area by Indigenous elder, Milton. In his soft spoken (difficult to hear) voice he spoke about his own connection to country, his upbringing and his people, as well as giving us guided information on what to look out for while walking in the park. Finally, he left us with his view, which we found similar to those of the elder we did a guided tour with in Brewarrina, NSW) - that his people do not own the land but rather they belong to it. He spoke of differing views among indigenous people when native title took place, with the younger members pushing the elders aside, saying they did not have the education to negotiate in the white man’s world. He said these younger people were only interested in financial gain, and this has caused deep long-held dissension among his people, and indigenous people from other areas too.

After the talk we finished off setting up our site and prepped dinner before taking in a lovely sunset against the bare rock face to our west.

A chat to our neighbours followed by dinner of chicken fillets marinated in sweet chili and kejap manis on the Weber, with quinoa and a salad. Oh, and some indulgence in some chocolate cheese cake (thanks Sara Lee!) and a slice of chocolate mud cake (thanks Woollies Roma!).

And time to call it a night and make preparations for Gadi’s long day of hiking in the park early tomorrow.

Sweet dreams from Carnarvon Gorge xxRead more