Gorge Walk

From the carpark down along the savannah woodlands, the beginning of the gorge walk draws you deeper into the balili (limestone) landscape that took shape in a world hundreds of millions of years ago. To enter into the gorge, you have to pass through a narrow crevasse that tunnels through the balili. Took a second to pause within the cool and imagine a world that sits at the beginnings of human history.

The balili within which you are walking, is part of an old barrier reef that formed during the Devonian Period, that spanned from 420 to 360 million years ago. This was a time when oceans covered the planet and is known as the ‘Age of Fishes’ due to the weird and wonderful creatures that swam through these oceans. It was in this environment that the Devonian Reef took shape, late in this geological period. This was a barrier reef that formed off the Kimberley Plateau Landmass.

The reef itself was not coral, but rather is formed through the layering of limestone excreting organisms and a specific type of algae. Even today you will notice pink sections of balili, this is the remnants of this ancient algae. The balili also serves to provide a glimpse into the fossilised past of the reef. If you take the time to examine the gorge walls, you may see some ancient marine creatures, suspended forever within the balili.

The balili also reads as a canvas to the warramba (flood waters) of Bunuba Country. The lower, lighter sections of the rarrgi (rock) are evidence of the median annual height of the waters. Whereas the honeycombing effect that you will notice, has been formed where grains of walyarra (sand) have been burrowed into the balili through the churning warramba.

Bandilngan was significantly impacted by the 2023 flood. A lot of the infrastructure was destroyed through this natural disaster, and we have even lost walks within the Park. For the time being we have had to combine the previous Time Walk and Gorge Trail into this one Gorge Walk today. As muwayi (country) settles in the years after the floods, we will wait and see if the Gorge walk can be extended once again. But in the meantime, please pay attention to all signs and directions, as this area is in great need rehabilitation and care after the devastating floods.

Temperatures in Bandilngan can easily exceed 40C and it is recommended that you walk during the cooler times of the day. Carry adequate water - at least 1L of water per person for each hour walking. Hats, long sleeves and sunscreen are strongly advised, along with sturdy footwear.