Day 18: Karijini National Park (Dales Rim Walk, Circular Pool, Dales Gorge, Fortescue Falls)

The Australian air suits us very well. In addition to the adults, our youngest now sleeps through the night. The eventful days and the short afternoon nap certainly contribute to this.

Today, we want to go hiking. Although we are all awake soon, it takes a while until we are ready to go. With three little kids, the preparations (carrying on our backs, food/drink, diapers, spare clothes, swimwear, camera, with lots of persuasion we can leave the doll in the camper) and getting ready (sunscreen, getting dressed, using the toilet) are already quite a challenge.

Originally, we only wanted to do a morning hike on the Dales Rim Walk. But during the hike, we change our plans. We make good progress, the kids are having a great time, it's not too hot, and we are well equipped. So we decide to turn it into a day hike, covering a total of 7.2 km. The first part of the hike takes us along the Dales Rim Walk from the campground - a very easy sandy path. We see a small gecko and some termite mounds. Otherwise, the trail is rather monotonous. We decide to venture down to the Circular Pool. According to the signs, this part is difficult and is marked with a caution note due to rocks and a ladder. We carry Elija and Maxima. Samuel walks on his own. The difficult passage (descent into the gorge) is very short and the ladder can be easily managed with the children. Once we reach the gorge, Maxima also walks on her own. The kids have a lot of fun on the varied climbing path to the Circular Pool. Once we arrive, we have a picnic and splash in the pool (which is more refreshing than at the Fortescue Falls). Since hiking has been going so well until now, we decide to continue through the gorge to the Fortescue Falls. Maxima and Elija are tired. They sleep in the carriers. Samuel walks most of the way. He briefly rests on Michi's shoulders. The trail through the gorge is beautiful and highly recommended. Shortly before reaching the waterfalls, we encounter an iguana. The adults and I enjoy a swim at the Fortescue Falls while Michi retrieves the camper.

After our extended swim, we take a drive around the park with the camper. Then we grill T-Bone steak with wedges and corn at the picnic area near the Dales Day Use Area. Then we head back to the campsite. Elija is already very tired and I put him to bed first. The older kids continue to play with Lego and we read a few Pixi books. But they too are exhausted from our wonderful hiking day in Karijini National Park and quickly fall asleep. Today is undoubtedly one of the highlights of our trip!

September 29, 2018

Accommodation: Dales Campground / Karijini National Park (1 night, 22 AUD, national park campground with 140 pitches, simple site on red sand, very spacious and expansive, good distance to the neighboring campsites, pit toilet available)

Weather: sunny & cloudy, 30 degrees Celsius

27 kilometers traveled today, total of 2,677 km