Carnarvon Gorge Destinations - Part One

 Carnarvon Gorge twists and turns for an astounding 30 km. We hiked about 5 kilometres along Carnarvon Creek, the main trail of the gorge.  We then took the side trails to the narrow side canyons and amphitheatre on our return journey. We were in total awe wherever we looked. 

The visitor centre and Art Gallery had photos and information on the gorge. Their quotes are highlighted in yellow 

The spectacular white cliffs of the gorge, tower above as you walk the main trail. These cliffs are made of Precipice Sandstone created from sediments deposited by vast rivers when the dinosaurs roamed about 200 million years ago.  100 million years later, deep tectonic forces caused the area to begin uplifting creating vertical joints and fractures. Then, 27 million years ago, volcanic lava flowed across the landscape forming a dark basalt layer on top of the sandstone. From that time on the elements of water and wind have carved their way through the cracks in the basalt and into the sandstone layers to form these sheer cliffs. 

1] The Art Gallery - a side trail from the main Carnarvon Creek walk, approx 5 kilometres from the Visitor Centre.

Views from the side trail.

A creek crossing and views up and down the creek.

Art Gallery entrance.

The Gallery - The walls of the gallery feature over 600 individual stencil motifs and include some of the most significant examples of this form of imagery, not only in Australia but in the world.

The stencils were composed using natural mineral pigments [ochre] found in the sandstone sediments. Reddish colours are basically haematite with some magnesium. Yellow ochres are hydrated iron oxide, and black is magnesium dioxide or charcoal. The white colour of kaolin appears to have been more common in recent art.

The gallery is a long storyboard of the Mundagurra People. All the symbols have a specific purpose. They record important events, mythology, beliefs, rituals and totemic associations. Their stories have been recorded in three different ways - by stencilling, freehand painting with pigment and engraving.

The stencils were applied by blowing a finely-ground mixture of powdered pigment mixed with water and a little animal fat, from the mouth around an object held against the sandstone wall. The spray, and the story, were absorbed by this ancient porous rock. These stencils have never been touched up!

Sharpened stone tools were used to etch the story of the family totem. The oval depressions seen here represent a nest of emu eggs. Our totem connects us through kinship with humans, the trees, the rivers, the land, all living things - we are inseparable. 

Lunch whilst viewing the gallery cliffs

View in front of us and behind us. 

And the retreat back to the main trail.

2] Ward's Canyon 

We walked approximately one kilometre back down the main trail to the entrance to the canyon trail. About a half kilometre in we were greeted by this huge boulder that was hiding a delightful cascade.

Steps took us to the top of the falls where we could look down on these majestic tree ferns, before entering the canyon.

The canyon stream about to tumble gently over the cliff face.

Looking up the canyon, a length of about 500 metres.

This was as far as we could hike and on the right, King Ferns, the world's largest fern.

The permanent water of Ward's Canyon is essential for its survival. It was interesting to learn that this fern has no woody tissue. At up to five metres in length, the fronds fill with water that exerts pressure outward, keeping them rigid.

Looking back down the canyon. Tall tree ferns on the left.

3] The Amphitheatre - 2 kilometres back down the trail and another kilometre into its entrance.

Spot Leanne entering this narrow, incredibly high, chasm.

About to exit into the Amphitheatre.

With the daunting effect of water gouging these 60 metre cliffs, over many centuries, the Amphitheatre is a spectacular sight. As you step out of the chasm, you are entirely surrounded by soaring rock walls with an opening to the sky far above. Just magnificent!

4] Mickey's Creek Canyon - 4 kilometres return.

This trail was only a short drive from our campground. A short walk but with a variety of landscapes.

Following the creek.

The base and top of a magnificent Eucalyptus tree.

Getting closer to the gorge.

Nearing the entrance.

The designated trail ended here but we had been told by an official source, that if we were prepared to rock hop, continuing on would be very rewarding. I was the only one in our group to continue. 

The rock hopping was not taxing and I was well rewarded for the extra effort. Lush ferns, brilliant green mossy rocks and a gently trickling stream led me to the entrance of this picturesque gorge with its towering walls and its rocky floor.

There was so much to explore but with my friends waiting, I reluctantly turned round.

Views leaving the gorge.

We were overawed by the magnificence and grandeur of this ancient sandstone country. We have left with precious memories of its natural and seemingly untouched beauty.

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