Hoʻopuka ʻia: 05.11.2022
Wednesday, 02.11.2022
Today it should work! Whether we can still reach Carnarvon Gorge? There is still time for a morning tea and a short walk until the petrol station in Rolleston opens at seven. Coal is mined at Rolleston; it doesn't seem to be a completely poor community. The rest area is nicely designed and at the same time a kind of open-air/heritage museum.
Then we start with a full tank, second attempt to Carnarvon Gorge. And behold, the water levels have dropped and today we can easily get through and the last 30 kilometers to the destination lead across huge pastures and past fields with ?sugar cane?.
The campsite is idyllic and is now only moderately busy in the off-season, which enhances the idyllic character even more. We set up our tent and set off. The hike through the wide gorge is unique. The frequent river crossings are particularly funny, where you balance on stones and get slightly wet feet. 😊 Steep cliffs repeatedly rise up and detours invite you to enjoy special views, a waterfall, and Aboriginal rock paintings. A special highlight is a rock formation called 'Amphitheatre', which can only be reached through narrow rock crevices and steep ladders. Inside, the surrounding cliffs rise to an estimated 60 meters in height and there is a breathtaking silence.
Birds, lizards, and kangaroos come across, especially on the way back when there are hardly any other hikers.