Gibb river road – Manning and Bell Gorge
After our morning ride into the heart of Aboriginal art, we continue the Gibb River trail to Manning Gorge. And here we go 280 kms of track!
Our itinerary
On the way to Manning Gorge – 14 September
After three hours on a dusty track, a lunch break on the banks of the Gibb River is a must. It's so hot that the cows are slumped under the few trees that offer shade.
We find a shady corner where we can set up a table and chairs. It's hot and in no time the salad is done, We quickly gobble it up and quickly get back into the air-conditioned van. We spend the remaining 118kms in the cool.
We are approaching Mount Barnett, The landscape changes with this row of reddish sandstone cliffs as far as the eye can see.
Extensive cattle operations also line the Gibb River Road, which was originally built to transport cattle from Derby to Wyndham.
Stopping at Mount Barnett Station is a must because to access the gorge you have to pay💰💰! So we follow the procedure and go back on the 7kms track to the campsite.
Manning Gorge Hike – 15 September
We set off early with a waterproof bag to swim across the Manning River. The 3km trail starts on the other side of the bank and the cool early morning is good for us.
Although the first half of the track is quite flat and easy, it quickly becomes narrow, rugged and rocky with very little shade.
The gorge itself is huge, There are several pools in which one can swim.
To get close to the waterfall you have to climb. I'll let Philippe do the photo report,
While I'm making the pancake 🤣🤣in the sun!
And I'm not the 🦎only one!
Tomorrow's stage is Bell Gorge, 113kms from here.
King Leopold Range – Bell Gorge
16 September
In two hours we arrive at Bell gorge in the mountainous region of King Leopold Ranges renamed Wunaamin-Miliwundi Ranges. A name that reflects the Aboriginal culture and heritage of the region.
For once the track at Gibb River and Silent Grove weren't too bad.
As soon as we arrived, we started the 2kms of walking equipped with the essential walking stick.
I wait for the two tourists to cross the narrow passage before balancing on the rocks. Meanwhile, Philippe films all the waterfalls that flow into a deep pool surrounded by ledges and ochre-coloured rock walls.
We enjoy the tranquility of the pool for swimming, the water is still much cooler than in Manning Gorge.
Tomorrow we have a bit of a drive to Tunnel Creek, a natural cave quite touristy, then to Fitzroy crossing where we will spend a night.