Geikie Gorge
It is supposed to be 38c today so we are off to and early start. Left van at 7.30 to do a Geikie Gorge Boat tour at 8am. The 1 hour Ranger guided boat tour travels 3km up the Gorge. The Gorge was quite different to what we had seen before. Canoes are also allowed on the Gorge, but after 4pm when the tours finish. Freshwater Crocodile live in the gorge. Although not usually a danger to people, swimming is not recommended. The river may be fast flowing after rain and at the start if the dry season. They have some walks. A Reef Walk which is along the base of the gorge. A River walk which is a 20 minute return walk along the banks of the Fitzroy River to the Sandbar, which is also a popular fishing and swimming place. 350 million years ago the gorge was an ocean. The limestone walls contain white which is the colour of washed limestone. Black which is oxidisation, algae growth. Red and Ochre which is minerals, principally iron that has been washed into the reef while it was under the ocean. The rocks are carved into many different shapes by flood waters or rain.
We then went onto Tunnel CREEK. It was partly corrugated dirt road about 115 kms from Fitzroy Crossing. The Tunnel was amazing and well worth the drive. The tunnel is carved out of limestone by flowing water. The creek once flowed across the top of the Napier range, the original course is still marked on the top of the range. Water seepage gradually enlarged fractures in the limestone until the creek reached today's underground course. It is 12 metres high and 15 metres wide and contains permanent pools of fresh water in which fresh crocodiles are found. In earlier times the tunnel was known as the Cave of Bats as at least 5 species of bats are known to use the tunnel. You must where shoes and carry a torch as you have to walk through a water. The tunnel also has stalactites descending from the roof. It was well worth the drive. Highly recommend it, if your in the area.
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