Thursday 14th June - Windjana to Mount Hart

Croc spotting

Camping at Windjana Gorge WA

After a not too uncomfortable night in the tent we were up with the dawn [which is around 5:30am] and on a walk into Windjana Gorge soon after. 




Windjana Gorge WA

Windjana Gorge WA

On the inward walk we saw the sun gradually light up the cliffs and got to see and hear a large variety of birds.

The gorge has a freshwater crocodile population of about 45 and initially we didn't see any of them as it was too early to sun themselves.  We did hear one though.  There were a lot of trees between us and the river bank so we couldn't see.  There was a tremendous splash followed by a sound somewhere between a growl and a loud burp!  I think breakfast had been caught.



Freshie at Windjana Gorge WA

On the outward walk the crocs were numerous and we probably saw 20 individuals.  I was able to get a close up view of 2 just above the water line, I guess I was within 4 metres of them.  They are not considered dangerous unless provoked so I knew they would make for the water if they didn't like the look of me.

Following our walk we packed up and drove the 50km rough road into Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge on Mt Hart station where we intended to stay 2 nights.  However when we arrived we were really disappointed with APT who are now running the place.  What is more one of the two gorges was closed as the road was washed out in the last wet and hadn't been regraded.  We visited the other gorge which was not a patch on what we had seen elsewhere.  There were only about 5 other campers there and we got together in the evening around a campfire and left ASAP the next morning.