Day 105 06/07/2011 Kalbarri (exploring Kalbarri National Park)

Day 105 06/07/2011 Kalbarri (exploring Kalbarri National Park)

Today we set out to explore Kalbarri National Park on foot, I had convinced Pete and the kids that we could complete the 8km loop walk. The loop walk takes in several lookouts positioned to provide different views of the winding gorge below.  The loop walk began after we walked to Nature’s Window, a natural rock arch that superbly frames the upstream view, to the kids’ delight they could climb into Nature’s window.



Nature's Window



The walk was great, we traversed the top of the gorge for about 2.5km and then slowly wound our way down to the river.  We then found a lovely spot to catch our breath, enjoy the view and eat our picnic lunch.  The track then took us clambering over rocks as we followed the meandering Murchison River almost 5km’s.  This was a good walk with the kids only becoming tired towards the end. The end of the walk saw us scrambling back up the gorge to Nature’s Window. 

Once we got back to the top the kids declared that they had earned the right to go fishing when we returned to the caravan. Pete and I declared that we were off first to check out Z-Bend. 



Our lunchtime view from the river bank



The kids mutinied in the back and refused to get out of the car, each of them claiming exhaustion and whipping their shoes off.  I wasn’t convinced but let them stay in the car whilst Pete (I’m sure he wanted to join the mutiny!!) and I walked the 500m track to the most breath taking scenery in the National Park.  From the safety of the lookout we could see the gorge plunging 150m below us to where the river is framed by huge red gums and the earthy hews of the Tumblagooda Sandstone.  This was a beautiful lookout.

When we got back to town we quickly rigged up some rods and headed down to the local jetty to “throw a line in” We had a great time with the kids all getting lots of bites!! Zac landed a small jew fish and I caught a small cod.

Pete meanwhile had headed to the pub to watch State of Origin with Ken.



Fishing from the jetty at kalbarri



When the kids went to bed I am confident they were asleep in seconds, that great sleep, the one that comes when your mum has walked your legs off!!

Pete came home very happy as once again the Maroons were victorious.

P.S either the mouse jumped ship or it is very quiet!! The traps are bare and there is no tell tale mouse evidence around the van!!  Maybe Pete's driving scared it out!!

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