This 1995 Expedition was to be a 125 kilometre journey from Galena Bridge on the North West Coastal Highway through the Gorges of the Kalbarri National Park to the mouth of the river at Kalbarri.  The unknown but suspected dangerous nature of the gorges indicated the need for inflatable dinghies.  Members of the cancelled 5 Rivers Expedition had first crack at being involved, then previous members of the Murchison River Expedition.

The trip was planned for the period 2 - 6 March 1995 (a long weekend).

Mike Lenz very quickly organised a flotilla of five inflatables.  A shortage of experienced drivers with race ready motors was a temporary problem but one that was soon overcome.

Tropical Cyclone Bobby’s path of destruction and heavy rainfall crossed the headwaters of the Murchison on 24 February, ensuring that there would be water in the river by early March.

Initial indications from Kim’s telephone calls to pastoral stations along the length of the Murchison were that conditions would be “right” for the planned dates.  Phone calls over following days elicited more information, prompting Kim to postpone the Expedition to 9-13 March.

All was in readiness by the long weekend before the trip.  With a complement of fifteen the Murchison Gorges Expedition would be the biggest venture since the 18 man Darling Descent ‘82.

Reports from various sources indicated that the water level would be ideal.  Cyclone Bobby’s rainfall had created the biggest flood on the Murchison River in nearly fifty years and it was to peak, virtually to the hour, as the Expedition departed from Galena Bridge.

The weather conditions and forecast were good and it looked like being perfect for the first power dinghy trip through the Murchison River Gorges.