Nele & Andrew Around Oz: El Questro Wilderness Park, Gibb River Road, WA

Day 118 – 14^th June 2011

El Questro Wilderness Park, Gibb River Road, WA

We walked to Champagne Springs this morning (9.6km return – 4h 30 mins). The start of the walk follows the Pentecost River (no swimming – we wondered if this had to do with the possible presence of salties?). Further along there are a few - challenging if you don’t want to get wet feet – creek crossings before climbing up the cliff where you get to see some beautiful rapids and the Gem Pool (inhabited by freshwater crocodiles). After some searching we also discovered the small thermal springs which gave Champagne Springs its name as they bubble from deep inside the earth. This time Nele decided to take a quick dip in a shallow pool where she could see the bottom to ensure there were no crocs swimming around (freshies are supposed to be harmless to humans but don’t want to take the chance). After lunch we drove further on the Gibb River Road to Home Valley Station to visit the Cockburn Ranges Lookout. Along this drive you are required to cross the Pentecost River (450mm deep) which was interesting as this river has saltwater crocodiles in it so you are hoping to cross without blowing a tire! We managed to get across and back without any issues and the lookout gives great views so well worth the drive.