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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 have been carved into fantastic natural sculptures and are a natural work of art.
The rocks are limestone that 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 (stromotopooroids) which built reef structures as high as 200 metres and were estimated to be up
to 1000 kilometres long. As the sea floor slowly subsided the reefs continued to grow upward and in places reached 2 kilometres thick.
395-345 million years ago the area the gorge is in was covered by a vast tropical sea that has been given the name, the Canning Basin. The Fitzroy River,
having cut into the surrounding rock creating Geikie Gorge, has uncovered layers of fossils giving us a window into the past.
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.
Bird species found in the area include darters, little pied cormorants, brahminy kites, white bellied sea eagles and restless flycatchers.
The Gorge was originally 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 Danggu (Darngku) and this is now the official name for the gorge.
Tours of the gorge are conducted by NPaW 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 to 6.30 pm (April to 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.
Theree are three walking trails in the park. The 800 metre Bungu walk that follows the rver, Jarrambayah walk, a three kiometre trail upstream from the car park
and the one kilometre Rarrgi walk.
NPW Website for more information
Best time to visit:
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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