Windjana Gorge National Park/ Tunnel Creek

8.30 am was the “roll out” time, and we joined the Browns, and a family we met the day before – the Romanis’s.   First stop was the famous Prison tree, which was a huge boab tree which, historically, had been used to hold Aboriginal prisoners before they were taken to be slaves in the pearl industry, or sent to gaol.  Again, another glimpse into the dark history of our country.  Second stop - Derby to visit the information centre, buy a new pair of boots for Sam and top up on fresh bread and treats for the next few days in the bush.  Third stop was at the Mowanjum cultural and art centre – to learn about Wandjina paintings- and purchase our first painted boab nut.  We pulled into Windjana Gorge in the afternoon to discover that “bush camping” we were ready for had flushing toilets, showers and optus coverage!  Yay!  We really appreciated these facilities given the 100% humidity in 39 degree heat.  Never before have I sweated so much just from sitting still – and that’s after dark! 

Prison Boab Tree

As 1am rolled around we were relieved to feel some slightly cooler air however, with the cooler air, also came the thunderstorm.  40ml of rain in about 1 hour.  Anything left outside was now drenched, including Ben who had to redo a peg for the awning… and the noise!  We all sat up in bed together, excited by the adventure of it all, and wondering when it would end.  No use in trying to sleep – so Sam told jokes (some of them were ok) and we listened to the thunder echo off the huge walls of rock around us, taking in an experience of the “wet season”.  Occasionally we would peep out the window during the lightning, which would sustain enough light for us to check out what all the other campers were doing to survive.

Needless to say the next day we woke a little groggy, but we stuck to our plan and set about to explore the gorge.  Windjana gorge was stunning – we took a walk along the gorge, spotting a few freshwater crocodiles along the way – great excitement, as this was our first spotting yet.  Due to the previous nights’ rain, we could not see many of the hundred crocs we were told about, as the water had turned brown and doubled in size.  After lunch, we drove out to Tunnel creek to explore – and to check out the road conditions after the storm.  Lots of mud on the car, and some cool crossings.  Tunnel Creek itself was magic – a dark walk (thank goodness for head torches) through a massive cave system, following a creek.  A few fresh water crocs, bats, load of tiny frogs to catch and some water crossings to be refreshed by.  Our party of 9 children and 6 adults had a good time, with just enough adventure to keep everyone happy.

Tunnel Creek.

cinema under the stars...

 

The last night was special - with cinema under the stars.  Madagasca 3 was the movie of choice.

With a confidence about getting through the roads, and a weather forecast of more “chance of showers” (thanks Jon for being our weatherman) we decided to leave Windjana a day early and make our way along the dirt road to Fitzroy Crossing.  A few creek crossings and slides through the mud, and we were there without too much drama at all.