Munjina to Tom Price

Day 8^th 4^th May
Munjina to Tom Price

Odometer 18025 Temp 29

We were on the road by 8.45 after refueling ($1.83.6) at the roadhouse. On the way north the previous night we drove through a gorge. With sunset fast approaching we didn't stop to take in the view so decided to get some photos on the way south this morning. We initially drove through the gorge then did a U turn, stopping at what we now new to be Munjina Gorge East to take photos and videos.

                                             Unfortunately the photos don't do justice to this gorge.

We arrived at the pay station at Karinjini NP (which consisted of an honesty system box). The entrance fee was $11 per day. It was a further 10km drive to the visitor information centre.

Margie one of the staff at the information centre was extremely helpful and assisted us to upgrade to the monthly pass ($40 for 28 days). Following a quick look around the information centre we headed out to Dales Gorge and the Circular Pool Lookout. I was keen to hike the gorge. Margie advised us to walk into the gorge at the Fern Pool end if we were going to walk the gorge as the descent down to Circular Pool was extremely steep and their had been some fatalities.
We drove to the Circular Pool Lookout

Circular Pool from the lookout

The view up the gorge from Circular Pool Lookout

before continuing back to the Fortescue Falls car park where we had morning tea before setting off down into the gorge.

Mark was all smiles before we took off down the path to the gorge

The view of Fortescue Falls from the top of the gorge

The hike down into the gorge is a class 3 and requires a moderate level of fitness. We walked past Fortescue Falls continuing onto Fern Pool

where we both took the plunge and swam over to the waterfall. The water falling over the waterfall was warm and gave a lovely massage. It was a bit slippery trying to sit on the ledge under the waterfall.

Our first view of Fern Pool

Fern Pool

Julie enjoying a massage

Mark enjoying a massage

Mark sat in the water for about 20mins chatting to a couple from Queensland and allowed the little fishies to nibble on his feet.

We walked back to Fortescue Falls where we found a spot in the shade and ate our sandwiches.

Looking down into Fortescue Falls

Looking up to FortescueFalls

We had to clamber down these rocks to get to the path to walk through the gorge

We had to clamber down these rocks to get to the path to walk through the gorge

I convinced Mark to hike the gorge floor to Circular Pool a 2km Grade 4 hike. Grade 4 trails are described as 'often rough and require a moderate to high level of fitness'. We did find the trail difficult at times with some high steps up and down and some narrow ledges to traverse. A bonus was spotting a Perenti beside the track.

Perenti

We had to climb down

across

and around

Mark decided to stop before reaching Circular Pool, about half way between the gorge exit and the pool.

I was determined to get to the end of the trail to get a photo. I had almost reached the end when I had to climb up onto a rock ledge from 3 rocks balancing on each other. Thankfully I removed my cameras and hat. Even standing on my tippy toes I couldn’t reach the ledge and managed to fall backwards into the slimy green water, cutting my right knee in the process. Still not deterred I found another way across the waterfall

I fell into this green pool of water in my quest to get to Circular Pool

to ensure I was able to continue to the end and the ultimate goal of a photo of Circular Pool. 

Circular Pool

By the time I returned to Mark I was bleeding profusely from my knee and we still had to climb the very steep steps and ladder up out of the gorge.

Our car was still parked at the Fortescue Falls car park so we still had a 2km hike back to the car. We managed to get lost walking along the gorge rim so turned around and walked back to the car via the road. I cleaned the wound and did some basic first aid before we headed on to Tom Price. The drive to Tom Price was approximately 100kms and took us an hour. Mark drove me straight to the hospital where I spent almost 3 hours getting cleaned up (only 2 sutures to allow the wound to drain and a tetanus shot). Whilst I was waiting I sent Mark off to check in at the caravan park. Thankfully they had had a late cancellation (an hour earlier) so we were able to upgrade to a Deluxe cabin which had an ensuite. We were disappointed they charged us full price for both cabins as they would have received full payment for the deluxe cabin. It was almost 8pm by the time we left the hospital and we still hadn't had dinner. We bought takeaway Chinese from the Moon Palace Chinese Restaurant. Payment was cash only. Once we arrived back at the caravan park I took lots of drugs as by now my leg was excruciatingly painful. I was not looking forward to the next couple of days.
Mileage 218kms
Total Mileage 5298