Manning Gorge

Another Rainbow Bee Eater

Allan & Jan - Manning Gorge

Falls - Manning gorge

Rock Art - Manning Gorge

Jan on track to Manning Gorge

Manning River Gorge – Drysdale River Station Friday 29th June

Early start this morning. Allan and I decided to do the 13/4 hour walk to the Manning Gorge and Falls. The first hazard was that we had to cross the Manning River and until yesterday the only way was to swim and take your belongings in a Styrofoam box. However, the rangers installed a punt that you could pull yourself across the river. We were there at 6.25 AM so the rest of the camp was still asleep. It was an arduous climb up the escarpment then we had to descent into the gorge. Really tested my athletic ability and did some of the long drops by sitting on my bottom then sliding down.  Good news is that we made it and saw the Falls. Then we had to return. The upward climb was not as bad as the downward one. Arrived back at camp at ten. I went for a swim clothes and all when we arrived back. Needed to cool down.

We then packed up and headed back to the Gibb. This section of the road was not good. After 100km we came to the Kalumburu turnoff. There was a roadside sheltered table and graded road. What an illusion!!!! 1km down the track and it was a corrugated nightmare!!! 58km of it and we were at Drysdale River Campground.

We had intended driving to the Mitchell River but after that section have decided to give it a miss.

Mornington Wilderness Camp – Manning Gorge – Thursday 28 June

Mornington Wilderness Camp – Manning Gorge – Thursday 28 June

At 8.00 AM, Joey took me out to the Adcock River and we found a blue-winged Kookaburra, Black Cockatoo, lots of honeyeaters then we went back to Annie Creek and found a couple of Purple Crowned Wrens but hard to photograph in the pandanas.  I did get a reasonable photo of a Buff-sided Robin.

When I returned to camp, we drove back to the Gibb and then on to the Manning Gorge. This camp site is packed too. Two tour buses plus lots and lots of caravans and camper-trailers.

Went to the swimming hole for a swim. Was pretty cold but most refreshing.

Gibb Road and Manning River

Allan & Pat - Giant Boab Manning River

Jan - Giant Baob -Manning River

River Crossing Manning River

Allan, Pat and Jo Imintji Store

Jan - Imintji Store

Silent Grove – Mornington Wilderness Camp – Wednesday June 27

I read in the Gibb River Road Book that this was a “must see” on the Gibb. The group agreed that we would go. It was 87km off the Gibb in a southerly direction. I thought the road was one of the nicest that we have travelled. The mountains were part of the King Leopold Ranges and they reminded me of the Eastern MacDonalds with all the shades of blue and purple.

We decided to have dinner at the restaurant that was there and got the last 4 places. We had a great night – the food was great and the wine flowed!!!

Place was packed with vans and tourist buses.

In the brochure, they talked about being a great site to see the Purple Crowned Fairy Wren and the Gouldian Finch. I sighted the Purple Crowned Wren but did not get a photo. Saw the Crimson Finch (Male).

I had asked if I could book on the birding tour but it was booked out. At dinner, the guide offered to take me after the other tour group.

Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge to Silent Grove – Monday 25/26 June.

Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge to Silent Grove – Monday 25 June.

Silent Grove is a camp ground for Bell Gorge and was once an outstation for Mt Hart. It is all part of the King Leopold Ranges Conservation Park. On the way out of Mt Hart we passed a number of the black dolerite dykes (Reminded me of the Black Mts outside Cooktown). We had to cross numerous creek crossing to return to the Gibb Road and they all had water in them. We had a steep climb up the King Leopolds but much to our surprise the road was bitumen for quite a way. Silent Grove is very popular and there are lots of people camping here. Only 3 showers but I managed a hot one with only a short wait.

Did the walk to the creek and found a number of finches including the black faced and the crimson one. Found my Rainbow Bee Eaters as well.

Silent Grove and Bell Gorge – Tuesday 26 June

Spent the day at Silent Grove. I was up early looking for the Crimson Finches and managed to find some males and females. After breakfast we drove to Bell Gorge. Had quite a steep walk down the gorge and along the creek bed until we came to the gorge. It had a lovely waterfall. You could cross the creek and then climb down below the falls. Allan got a photo of a guy who stripped and walked under the fall.

Jo - Walking to Bell Gorge

Falls - Bell Gorge

Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge 24 June

Reflections Mt Matthew Gorge

Allan - Mt Matthew Gorge

Stayed here for an extra day to do the gorge. However, it is a very rough track and rock hopping after that so we shall see. Allan and I decided to tackle the gorge. About 2 1/2km of very rocky road then a walk to Mt Matthew Gorge. We had to clamber over river rocks all the way up the gorge. There were a few really pretty spots along the way. The water was still flowing and running over the rocks. Didn’t go all the way up the gorge. Did a star trail and it was a success! Yeah!

Jan - Mt Matthew Gorge

Star Trail