It wasn’t far to get to Kalbarri National Park from Warribano chimney.
As we entered the eastern part of the park we were greeted by a huge range of vegetation along the road.
Our first stop was Ross Graham lookout. Ross Graham was apparently the first schoolteacher in Kalbarri and a great supporter for the idea of creating a national park in the area. He used to take his students out rambling and looking at nature. We took the walk down to the river here. It was the only time we made it to the river all day.
Hawks head lookout was next. We stood up the top and looked down over the river
Here we found our first orchids- lemon scented sun orchids.
At about this time we knew that Thom and Laura were actually in the air, flying home from Darwin to SA. This was the most fantastic news and I was very happy and overwhelmed by the enormity of the moment. A few hours later they sent through a photo of them in our front yard. That really pushed me over the edge.
As we entered the western inland part of Kalbarri NP we were greeted by a cloud of grey/white on the sides of the road. When we stopped to investigate further we found that the effect was being created by this. It is called smoke bush.
Z bend lookout offered the first of the wonderful metal work on display in the park. Three lovely panels made up part of the shelters at the lookout.
Unfortunately the walk we were planning to do was closed. We walked to the lookout, but not down to the river again. The recent cyclone caused flooding and some damage to the tracks here, making this walk unsafe.
The flora along the track was a real smorgasbord of variety. We loved this pink flower.
We wandered along the track discovering one flower after another. The views from the lookout into the Z shaped bend down below with dramatic red rock sides were almost an anticlimax after the wonderful discoveries we had made along the track.
Rock climbers were having a great time pitting their skills against the challenges here.
As it was lunch time we decided to head for the Skywalk, where there is also a cafe.
We enjoyed the design of the skywalk and surrounds. The walk itself is made up of two curved metal platforms that protrude from the cliff top offering wonderful views up and down the gorge along the Murchison River.
They have incorporated some beautiful design elements with sculptured metal and concrete reflecting indigenous themes. Sculptured metal creatures add a whimsical touch to the spot.
Trevor discovered white spider orchids on the way out from here.
Natures Window was our next stop. We drove around and parked. We first went and looked out towards the skywalk, getting a side view from the distance and seeing the gorge from another perspective.
Then we headed down the path to see the famous window. The layers of rock are very pronounced in this area.
We continued on a short way along the ridge line which forms the rim walk
And came upon some familiar figures coming up out of the gorge. Ev and Craig had made this walk their priority for the day and were looking hot and thirsty.
Our last stop for the day was Meanarra Hill, where you can do a short walk to a lookout and see down to the mouth of the Murchison River and the town of Kalbarri itself. Great view with great entertainment from the goats running around on the hillside.
After all this we finally headed for Big River Ranch, where we set up for the night on a slope, using the wheel chocks supplied by “OzRoamerz” to make the angle bearable.
We ate Shark bay whiting in the camp kitchen and chatted to the owners of the ranch and their friends who were also eating there. Kalbarri is doing it tough since the cyclone came through. They are still waiting to see if their home is structurally unsound now.
Last but not least I have to say that although this has been a supremely spectacular day, with dramatic views and fabulous plant discoveries this has all been overwhelmed by the fact that Thom and Laura are finally home at last. This fact is celebrated in the poem below.
Our boy is home! I cannot wait
to see his smiling face
To put my arms around him
in a genuine embrace.
To sit across the kitchen table,
share a cup of tea
And spend some time together now he’s travelled home to me
I wondered if this day would come.
It seemed so far away
And then the COVID virus
reared it’s head and came to stay
But now at last he’s in this land
I really have to say
That I wish that I was there
to see him on this special day.
Luvapuzzle 