Manning Gorge to Elizabeth Station, Gibb River Rd, Kimberley WA

Monday 4th June 2018
What a campground. There were so many people here, maybe 100 campsites being used with about 3 or 4 tour groups and not many facilities. We didn’t even try to have a shower last night as there would have been no hot water.

We were planning to start out on our hike to Manning Gorge early today but unfortunately I had a shocking nights sleep so we delayed our start time. We headed on our walk at about 9am. The walk starts with a ride in a pulley boat across the river followed by a 45 minute hike to the gorge. The hike was pretty easy most of the way, it was just along a trail with a little rock hopping until you are almost at the gorge. Then it is down some steep rocks. Once we arrived at the gorge, it was yet again very beautiful. There was still a lot of water in the waterfall and many people having a swim. The size of the gorge accommodated the number of people well, with everyone having there own bit of space.

Once we arrived we headed up the waterfall rocks and continued further upstream to explore the area. It was very beautiful. We then headed back for a swim which was beautiful after the hike in full sun. The weather here is still very warm during the day and there was very little shade along the way. After our swim we headed back to camp for lunch then on our way again. I swam across the river this time whilst DB rode the boat with our gear. It was very refreshing after the hike back which was a total of 9km return.

After lunch we headed back to Barnett Roadhouse and bought a couple of other supplies, sultanas, 1.25L coke and a couple of ice creams for $19. Very expensive but we are grateful to be able to replenish the few things we needed to continue our journey. On our way to our next home, not sure where it will be yet. Mt Elizabeth Station 46km or Drysdale Station 170km. As it was about 3.30pm by the time we reached the turnoff to Elizabeth Station we thought we would head there for the night so I could have a little rest as I am still very tired this afternoon. After we did some washing, DB headed off for a walk to the creek whilst I did some yoga and had a well earned rest. We are having dinner most nights by 5.30-6pm and trying to be finished everything by 7ish. We are managing this pretty well which is good. Then time to blog for me and DB to research tomorrow.

We are running out of time for where we want to go so will probably give Darwin a miss this time.

Tomorrow we continue on our way to Mitchell Plateau. We will probably only make Drysdale Station or at best King Edward River Camp as we will explore here first before we head out.

: It is amazing how many tour groups we have seen along the Gibb River Road. It looks like this group even leave their tents setup here for the next group. When we got back from our hike at lunch time the tents were still here but everything and everyone was gone.

: Waiting our turn for the boat to pull ourselves to the other side to start our hike to Manning Gorge. They used to supply polystyrene boxes that you could put your bag in and swim across with it like that. So they have really improved their services.

: It is our turn now, so off we go across the river.

: It was a challenge to stand up, pull the rope and take photos of each other, but we managed somehow. I suppose we could have sat down. Hehehe.

: The walk was quite barren with many sections that had been burnt in their early dry season fire reduction burns.

: Our first view of the Manning Gorge, downstream from the waterfall.

: Manning Gorge Waterfall

: The whole gorge was quite beautiful

: We climbed up above the falls and where I am standing in this picture would be torrents of water during the wet season and early dry season.

: Quite a magnificent view back towards the waterfall.

: Looking upstream away from the waterfall. It is quite amazing how little some of the pools are that feed the waterfall, and how the waterfall can still be so big.

: Heading back to the waterfall and gorge pool..

: ..for a well earned swim. The water is a little cool, about the same as the surf at home..

: You have to be very careful on the edge as it is quite slippery, as my bottom found out again today. I had a little slip and lucky I still have lots of padding there.