Dales Gorge*****
Look carefully, then you will find out the top part of this picture is the world that we normally see, this gorge is like more than 100 metres drop down from the land where we standing. Simply amazing!!
After a hectic night in Port Hedland struggling to find accommodation, we head to Karijini National Park which is about 3.5 hours drive. The first place we stop by is the visitor center, which is really informative and explains a lot about this mining area.
FACT from Department of Environment&Conservation: The rocks exposed at the gorges originated as fine grained sediment which accumulated on an ancient sea floor 2,500 million years ago. At this time, the atmosphere contained much less oxygen and the only forms of life were simple bacteria and algae. Many of these sediments laid down in the oceans were rich in iron and silica. Over hundreds of millions of years, the iron-rich deposits were transformed by the pressure of further sediments laid down over them, and they gradually turned into tough well-bedded rock. The gorges were eroded when a sharp drop in sea level caused the rivers to downcut rapidly - a process enhanced by the onset of a more arid climate, which depleted the protective vegetation cover on the valley sides.
A look from ground level... This is Circular Pool, a walking track provides access to this pool but this water is not where you want to swim in =P Cause its the coolest among the pools in Dales gorge...
At Dales Gorge, we took a steep walk down to this stunning waterfall.
Fortescue Falls
Fortescue Falls
Had a dip in this water, but is quite cold too! Can't stay longer than 15 minutes. So a hot MILO after the dip is always heart warming =)
Can see the sediments layers in the rocks at Karijini.. Rich in iron (red layer) and silica (white layer) and algae (black layer)...
Simply amazing...
Beautiful spring flowers around the national park... Love the spring season! Pretty flowers blooming all around Western Australia..
We stayed at Dales Gorge camping ground for $7 a person with bush toilet and bbq facilities. There is also the Karijini Eco Retreat camping ground with more facilities and powered site but it's located on the way to Weano Gorge, about 30kms from the visitor center. So some people might explore around Dales Gorge and spend a night there then next day go to Weano Gorge and stay at the Eco Retreat. The park entrance fee is $11 per vehicle.
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