Karijini - Gorges Paradise (East)
Trip Start
Apr 29, 2011
1
57
107
Trip End
Feb 29, 2012
Where I stayed
Dales Gorge Campground
Karijini National Park, Western Australia, Australia
Sunday, August 28, 2011
The road to Karijini National Park was again pretty boring but this time we were approaching mountains so the landscape finally has changed and we could admire nice views. Great Northern Highway leads to Newman, the other big mining town. In a half way, there is M… Roadhouse. We stopped there to have a snack and rest. The shop was well supplied and many people were standing there. Mostly they were workers in the nearby towns.
Once we got to Karijini National Park we drove to Visitor Centre to get some maps and ideas how to spend the time. From there we went to Dales Gorge Campground. Here, we were surprised. First time on our trip, the campground was extremely 'well' organised. As usual, there was an information table to register and pay the fee. Normally we ignore it and drive through, setup and then come back and do the paper work. This time there was a shock. Once we drove up, an old man stopped us and asked if we registered already. Obviously we did not, and then he said to drive back with 10 km/h, stop at the sign and walk to his ‘office’ patiently and ‘beg’ for a site. Normally in similar spots, I mean Kakandu or Litchfield there is no problem. Whoever comes first, can pick a site and pay the fees. Not here though. Strict assignment and rules. I think there was something wrong with his ego. We did not like the place anyway as he set us up in a sun.
In the afternoon, I took Nell (Kasha was exhausted) to see Fortescue Falls and Fern Pool, Dales Gorge. The walk to Fortescue Falls was very step but young Nell managed it well. It was quite easy access to the falls as the rocks are stairs structure so we could climb down to the base of the falls. Fern Pool was 200 meters down the creek and it was very nice natural water pool were many people were swimming. The water in both attractions was deep so due to not having a safety jacket for Nell we gave a pass, but it was worth going there.
