After a quick one night at Drysdale Station we headed off on the 200km journey to the Mitchell Plateau where the Mitchell Falls are the major drawcard. Although the road was meant to be atrocious we thought it was pretty good really.
About 100kms up the Kalumburu Road is the turn off to the Plateau.
Not far along we cross the King Edward River.
Not long after we begin climbing through hills to make our way to the top of the Plateau.
Palm trees everywhere. Amazing!
Around 2pm we make it to the camping ground. Cars unbroken and glad to be there.
Day one we walked to the falls and back which took all morning. Unfortunately I forgot to load my camera with a battery but luckily we had the small compact!
Mitchell Falls are absolutely incredible. Plunging hundreds of metres over 5 levels into a massive gorge that runs into the ocean.
Right above the falls are some awesome swimming holes including the one below which has a whirlpool to float around it.
Oh and I forgot to mention these falls (below) which are amazing in their own right. Little Merten falls are only 800m from the camping area. This creek runs into the same gorge as Mitchell Falls.
Back at camp and our second attempt at damper was a success (didn't mention the first one lol).
Below Mum cooks the veggies in the fire pit although she kinda looks like a knife wielding murderer. Lol
Checking the damper.
"The Dish Pig".This was dads favourite past time, which suited me just fine. Good work Dad.
The following day we planned to walk to the falls again (with my battery) and catch the 6 minute chopper ride back to camp. Choppers are pretty popular up here and the camp ground sounds like a war zone most of the day.
Below is "Big Merten Falls" which drops into the gorge right beside Mitchell Falls. The aerial shot shows it well.
The top of the first drop at Mitchell Falls.
Once you take off the boots to cross the river you can continue the walk right around the left hand side of the falls and literally stand front on to the falls on the end of an outcrop. Incredible spot.
The photos make it look smaller unfortunately but these falls are massive. That red cliff to the left and side must have been over 100m tall.
Then walk another 50m and look to the left and you can see straight down the gorge towards the ocean.
Next was time to board the chopper.
Wow! One of the best things I have done. Check that out.
Mitchell falls to the right and Big Mertens Falls to the left. I am left speechless at the power of the water that can carve out these gorges in the wet season.
What a day!
Back at camp and another few games of cards as usual before packing up the next morning and heading back to Drysdale Station for another night.
Crossing the Drysdale River!
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