Karijini National Park - Kalamina Gorge

Kalamina Gorge was not as challenging as the other gorges, but was still pretty. We still found ways to add a Class 5 element to our walk; the boys decided to climb up to Rock Arch at the end of our walk.

Karijini National Park - Oxer Lookout

Oxer Lookout is the point where Weano, Hancock, Red and Joffre Gorges meet.

Chris with Red Gorge in the background.

Karijini National Park - Hancock Gorge

After completing Weano Gorge we were all looking forward to Hancock Gorge. Hancock Gorge did not disappoint. It was more challenging, but we thoroughly enjoyed it. We now appreciate Class 5 walks and Karijini is one of favourite places on our trip.

Steps down into the gorge.

Ladder to help.

The pool we had to cross. it was freezing.

The ledge we walked climbed so we did not
have to walk waist deep in the freezing water.

The Amphitheatre

Spider Walk

End of Spider Walk

Kermit Pool 

Karijni National Park - Weano Gorge

Weano Gorge was spectacular and well worth the return to Karijini. The reward of doing the walk was going to Handrail Pool. But firsy we had other obstacles to over come.

Walking down path.

Walking along ledge to avoid water.

A pool along the way.

Cross through the water.

We had climb around this outcropping.

Narrow path to Handrail Pool.

Continuing along the path.

Down the Handrail.

Into the pool.

Karijini National Park - Hamersley Gorge

We took the Rio Tinto road to Karijini. The road is parallel to the train line that transports iron ore to Karratha. the trains here are up to 3km long.

We stopped at Hamersley Gorge on the way into Karijini. The walls of the gorge were colourful and showed the geological processes of the past.

Milstream Chichester National Park

Chichester Range 

The Chichester Range is known for the old camel trail that was used to transport goods into Cossack by camel. The walk itself is very similar to the Isa; hills, rocks and spinifex.

McKenzie Spring: where the camels stopped for a drink.

Chichester Ranges

Python Pool

Due to the recent unseasonal rain we were lucky to see some Sturt Desert Peas in flower. Mitch was particulary interested in these.

Milstream

Milstream is the first national park where they offer bike tracks as opposed to walking tracks. We were looking forward to this, however, the signage was confusing and we were unsure of where we could ride our bikes. Nonetheless, we found a track and gave it a go.

Hamersley ranges in background.

Fortescue River

Deep Reach is popular swimming whole at Milstream.

The wetlands located near the old homestead were beautiful. The water is crystal clear, but you cannot swim in it for cultural reasons.

Homestead kitchen

Dampier

Dampier is located just south of Karratha. We decided to go the North West Shelf to learn about how gas is mined out at sea and processed on land. the North west Shelf is the one of largest liquid and natural gas fields in the world.

At the visitors centre the boys campleted a quiz and received prizes. They had a ball.

The gas piplin; note the hats the boys received for completing the quiz.

The refinery. Can you spot the flares?

On our way out of refinery we stopped to look at some Aboriginal Art. This art was 25000 - 30000 year old and was different to the other types we had seen. Firstly, the art was completed out in the open and not in a cave or under a shelter. Secondly, the art was more like etchings instead of using clays or ochre.

Emu in centre

Kangaroo at the top and smaller animal towards bottom.

We also went to the Dampier Markets where there were free rides and Prue purchased some cakes from the stalls.