Monday 14 March 1994

Day 4

Predicted to be the main obstacle to a successful run to the mouth, the Kalbarri gorges were an unknown quantity.

Some members of the group had been told that river in this section was impassable -- or very nearly so.

With a few hours to spare before it was necessary to head off to Perth, an investigation of these spectacular gorges was a high priority.
 

On the way to the gorges an old lead mining area was explored.  The group then walked down to the river and looked over a small rapid.

A number of similar rapids had been encountered the previous day from Coolcalalaya Station down to the Galena Bridge (the North West Coastal Highway).

In convoy the expedition headed west on the Kalbarri Road to find a couple of tracks into the gorges.  Both tracks were unsuitable for the bus.

It was decided that it was too much trouble to empty the gear from the back of the 4WD to make room for people so half the group jumped into the boat tied to the roof rack.

A combination of walking and riding on the vehicle got the group to the floor of the river valley at a place known as Emu Point.

A considerable quantity of water was flowing through the gauging station at Emu Point.  Later enquiries with the Water Authority revealed that the water level was “low”.

After a swim and a short exploration upriver it was time to make the steep, five kilometre walk back to the Kalbarri Road, battling the heat and the flies.  John’s decision to wait in The Bus was a wise one.

The final 130 kilometres of the river yet to be covered will make an exciting expedition. Access is limited, the scenery is spectacular, the rapids are large and numerous and, if the water is up, the action will be exhilarating.

Overheating problems continued to plague the 4WD on the return trip to Perth.

It was a happy crew that returned to Perth, content in the knowledge that they had completed a journey that had never before been made.