20.08.07

COBBOLT GORGE

Up at six and showered then drove 45 k’s into Cobbolt Gorge Park ready for the 0800 boat trip. Lots of cattle and blue kangaroos on the road in. Went in a 4WD bus for 5/6 k’s to the Gorge which was incredible. The sides a very high but the width is only a few feet across with the punt nearly touching on both sides. The punts are powered by electric motors so it is very quiet and the water is still. This area is on a working cattle station and although it had been known for many years it was only explored at water level in 1994 when the son of the owner and some mates took a tinnie in there to explore. They were equally amazed and from this a full blown tourist venture has emerged. There is a caravan park with cabin accommodation and the normal tourist facilities but all of it done in a very plush way, no expense has been spared. A thoroughly enjoyable experience.

After a lunch at the van we went 100 k’s to the east to the town of Einasliegh were we saw another very rugged gorge, the Copperfield Gorge. A very small town with a pub but no shops, this was a copper mining area and the locals are very hopeful of it becoming a copper mine again. We stopped at the pub as the people at Gregory River (by Lawn Hill) had told us they had been looking after it while the owner was away on holidays. Also bought some hydroponic tomatoes and lettuce from a chap in the caravan park, no vans but he is ready!

Late afternoon we all gathered again in the kitchen area for drinks as some of them were leaving next day for home. A very nice day all round.