We left Eighty Mile Beach and headed for our stop for the night De Grey River. It was a free camp right on the river. We set up camp in the afternoon and had a relaxing night.
The next morning we drove the last 80ks into Port Hedland. I'm not sure what I was expecting but it was very industrial and very much a mining town. A bit disappointing after all the beautiful towns we had seen on the coast. We stocked up with supplies and we also met up with Sue and Jason. Mum and dad had chosen not to go into Karijini so we said goodbye and headed off. We set up camp at Dales gorge part of the Karijini National park. The camping ground was great with lots of shade and not many people :).
The next morning we all headed off to explore Dales gorge. It was a 3k return trip and after a steep descent down some rocky steps and a ladder we made it to the half way mark Circular Pool. It was a hot day and the pool was crystal clear and cold. It was great to dive down and see everything below, and so refreshing. We spent almost an hour cooling down then we headed for Fortesque Falls. We walked along the river through a shady oasis for another kilometre before we came to the falls. We were not disappointed with another crystal blue swimming hole at the bottom of the falls. We had another swim before making our way back up the side of the gorge and back to the car. We finished the day having drinks with our new travelling partners.
The next day we headed off to Weano Gorge for our next adventure. We stopped at the visitor centre to ask about the different walks. The kids were given a booklet to fill out so they could get a junior ranger badge.
Our first walk was along the lower part of Weano Gorge to Handrail Pool. The start of the walk took us down the side of the gorge along big rocky stairs until we reached the bottom. We walked along through the gorge, through water in some parts. After about 500m we came to the Handrail Pool. You have to walk through a small chasm then using the handrail climb down the edge of the cliff to the pool below. It was a challenge for the parents, but the kids loved it. Once at the edge of the pool you have to leave any bags and swim to the next chasm. From there on you swim through the chasm until you reach the end. I have never done anything like this in my life and I loved it. In certain parts the water was so deep and you had to hang on to the rock sides. Kaden went through on Luke's back. At the end you come to a beach area that is roped off. Further down the gorge are bigger holes that provide no way of climbing out. It would be scarey to be down there in a storm. We turned around and swam/hiked back out of Weano gorge. After some food and drinks we headed off on the other walk to Hancock Gorge and Kermits Pool. This walk started in the same way lots of big rocky stairs straight down the gorge. Once you survive the stairs you are met with two long ladders. We made it down in one piece and walked/swam through another couple of water holes, before we came to the Spider Walk. This section allows you to walk like a spider holding onto each rock face...I chose to swim :) we reached Kermits Pool and took another swim in the beautiful water. An hour later we headed back out of Hancock Gorge soaking wet and exhausted but very happy.
We headed back towards our camp and stopped at the Visitor centre again. The kids were given their junior ranger badges for picking up rubbish and spotting wildlife. We were also shown a couple of photos of the massive python that lives in Hancock Gorge. I'm glad we hadn't seen that before going in :/.
We spent another quiet night before packing up for Exmouth the next morning. Im so glad we got to explore Karijini with the Wells family and hopefully we can tag onto their trip for a bit longer...