GEIKIE GORGE

The mighty Fitzroy River has carved an eight mile canyon deep into the surrounding rocks. The river’s flow in the wet season would fill Sydney Harbour every twenty six hours.
 

The rocks are limestone which was laid down during the Devonian period in the form of a huge reef. Unlike modern reefs that are formed by coral, the reefs that existed in this area were created by a now extinct organism which built reef structures as high as 200 metres. As the sea floor slowly subsided the reefs continued to grow upward and in places reached 2 kilometres thick.

The permanent water in Geikie Gorge attracts both bird and animal life to the area and this in turn feeds a population of fresh water crocodiles.

The Gorge was named in honour of Sir Archibald Geikie (a British geologist) by Edward Hardman, himself a geologist who explored the Kimberley region. The Aboriginal name for the area is Darngku.

Tours of the gorge are conducted by CALM and depart during the main tourist season at 8am, 9:30am and 3pm. The Aboriginal people in this area are called the Bunaba. They operate tours of the gorge and share their cultural heritage with visitors.

The Gorge is only 18km north of Fitzroy Crossing - unfortunately Fitzroy Crossing is a long way from anywhere else.

Park opening times: Open 6.30 am–6.30 pm (April–November). Entry restricted during wet season (December–March) when Fitzroy River floods.

While swimming is allowed you swim at your own risk. Although freshwater crocodiles are not as dangerous as estuarine crocodiles people have been bitten either by mistake or by territorial males defending their territory. Freshwater crocodiles can grow to be 3 metres in length and are to be respected at all times.

In order to maintain the quiet atmosphere in the gorge private water craft are not permitted on the water until after 4:30pm.

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