Gorgeous Gorges between Mornington and Manning

Today we left Mornington Wildlife sanctuary heading towards Manning Gorge. Along the way we planned to stop off at two gorges for a look and swim.  The first was Adcock Gorge.  By the time we had travelled the 90kms from Mornington back onto the Gibb River (GRR) and the extra 20kms to get to the Adcock Gorge turn off we were ready to get out of the car.  Adcock gorge is only 5kms off the the GRR but it is a rough track with deep washouts, rocky sections, and a pretty challenging water crossing.  Apart from the turn off sign there were no other directions.  We thought we were going to be the only ones there but were surprised to see about 4 other cars parked at the end.

              An Australian Bustard                                                Road block by a hungry Dingo
The short walk into Adcock Gorge was really pretty.  It took us along a Lily pool, over rocks, and through narrow crevices.  It was shady and cool with beautiful gums, palm trees and Boabs before coming out to a deep green pool lined with ferns along the towering walls.

Ben and I swam across to the other side and walked back over the rocks to the Lilly pond where we met up with Scott and Hannah on their way out.  The water was crystal clear and cold with lots of fish swimming around us.  There was a large duck sitting on a rock watching the tourists at play.

Galvins Gorge was our next stop.  Its car park was right on the GRR another 15kms along. It was about a 10min walk in to a stunning deep pool with a great waterfall.  Before I could blink the kids had jumped in and were across the other side climbing up the face of the waterfall to jump off one of its ledges.........Don't worry Mum, Dad, Norma and others that may be concerned about our irresponsible parenting......we have a rule.....don't be the first to jump!!

                                                                                         Hannah also found a tree swing!
After taking some action shots i was talked into doing the jump.  The kids proudly declared me "The only Mum to do it!".....I think my scream put the other Mums off.

          Me plucking up the courage                                            Lunch at Mt Barnett Station
We stocked up at the Mt Barnett Roadhouse (and paid a fortune for next to nothing) as we are getting low on food.  All this activity is making us so hungry! Hannah found a 'safe' date cake mix so we will give it a go in the camp oven at Manning Gorge tonight.