Pilbara Trip - Part Two

By Andrew Tyler

Sunday April 16th – Joffre and Knox Gorge

Woken up about 6:00 by a fantastic sunsrise (and slight hangover) we ended up getting up for a coffee around 6:30. We headed to Joffre Gorge for a look around. The drive there was great, bright red gravel road, clear blue sky and green vegetation and hills as far as the eye could see.

Typical Karijini Road

Had a quick look around the lookout at Joffre and took a few quick photos.

Joffre Gorge

Joffre Gorge Waterfall

Next on the Agenda was Knox Gorge. Was a long trip down, but well worth it. We started going down the gorge at 10:30 and ended up getting back to the car at 1:30. Knox gorge was fantastic. So many waterfalls and swimming pools in contrast to the dry red surroundings.

After going as far as possible in Knox, we headed back out, taking many swims on the way back. The colours in the Rock was amazing.

Knox Waterfall

Knox Waterfall

Knox Colours

Monday April 17th – Weano Gorge and Mt Bruce

Today we went down to Weano Gorge. Unfortunately we couldnt get to Handrail Pool as it was closed because of the recent flood damage. Still very nice to look at, but didnt offer the challenges of Knox.

Weano Gorge

Weano Waterfall

After Weano, we took the road to Mount Bruce. We didnt climb all the way up, it was a 6 hour return trip or something stupid like that.

Mount Bruce

In the afternoon it was too hot to sit around camp, so we went to Fern pool for a swim. Fantastic deep pool, we just swam out to the waterfall and sat underneath in the cool shade.

Fern Pool

Tuesday April 18th – Tom Price

Today we took the trip to Tom Price, a smallish mining town about an hour from Karijini. The drive there was great, saw some more mountain ranges, great views and monster road trains. We went into the Visitor Centre to find out if the Millstream National Park was open after the flood damage. Unfortunately not. This also caused us to have to take the long way round to get to Karratha when we left on Friday.

We drove up to the top of Mount Nameless, some 1100 m above sea level. The drive up was VERY steep, there is a sign at the bottom stating that you MUST engage 4wd Low Range. We took the hill in 2nd and 3rd Low, was a little scary at times, the thought of the tyres starting to spin and us starting to slide down the hill.

The views from the top were great. You could see the town of Tom Price, and the surrounding mining operations.

View from Mt Nameless

View from Mt Nameless

The drive down was a little hairy again (the mrs fingernails are still embedded in the dash), taking it very easy in 2nd and 1st low.

Down Mt Nameless

Down Mt Nameless

When we got back to camp it was still too hot, so we decided to head down to Circular Pool for a swim. Another great swimming hole, although very cold as it is in shade all day long.

Circular Pool

That night there was a massive lightning storm in the distance, which fortunately didnt make its way to us. More drinks, then off to bed.

Wednesday April 18th – Hancock Gorge

Today we couldn't wait to get into Hancock Gorge and reach Kermit's Pool. It was our last full day in Karijini, before departing a day earlier than expected. Hancock Gorge was amazing, it took probably only 45 minutes to reach Kermits pool, which was fantastic. We took some photos, had a good swim before heading back out.

Kermits Pool

ol

Plunge Pool

Plunge Pool

Later that day we went back down to Fortescue, to enjoy our last swim before heading off to Karratha in the morning.