Danggu Geikie Gorge was carved by the Fitzroy River through part of an ancient limestone barrier reef which snakes across the west Kimberley. It was laid down in an ancient sea that covered a large part of the Kimberley in Devonian times, some 350 million years ago.
Boat tours
Danggu Geike Gorge boat tours take place from May to October and give an insight into the wildlife and geology of the gorge. Birdlife abounds and you may see white-bellied sea eagle or even a rare purple-crowned fairy-wren. Freshwater crocodiles sun themselves in full view on river banks and exposed rocks.
Visitors are advised to book tickets in advance. Tickets for the tour can also be purchased at the gorge up to 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time, subject to availability.
Boat tour times:
1 - 31 May 8am, 4pm
1 - 30 June 8am, 9.30am, 2.30pm, 4pm
1 - 31 July 8am, 9.30am, 11am, 2.30pm, 4pm
1 - 16 August 8am, 9:30am, 2:30pm, 4pm
17 August - 16 September 8am, 9.30am, 4pm
17 September - 16 October 8am, 4pm
Commercial Tour Operators must contact the Parks and Wildlife Service West Kimberley office by email or on (08) 9195 5500 to book in advance to ensure that seats can be allocated.
Indigenous tours
Cultural boat tours are guided by Bunuba Aboriginal people whose connection to this land goes back to the Dreamtime. Tours depart at various times. For further information please contact the operators direct on 0417 907 609. Tickets must be booked on (08) 9191 5355.
Boat ramp and Tour Boat Zone access
From May to October the boat ramp and Tour Boat Zone are open to private boat users before 7.30am, from 12.15pm to 2pm and after 5.15pm.
Paddle craft are permitted in the Tour Boat Zone from 6.30am to 6.30pm.
Please notify rangers before launching your boat or paddle craft.
Bushwalking
Balili Rarrgi Trail
This short walk over a mostly sandy surface branches off the Jarrambayah Trail and meanders around weathered remains of limestone reef from the Devonian Sea.
Distance: 1.6km return. Time: Allow 1 hour. Difficulty: Class 3
Jarrambayah Trail
Follow the trail markers along the sandy bank of the Fitzroy River floodplain to the West Wall of Geikie Gorge. Pass by limestone reef outcrops sculpted by seasonal flooding.
Distance: 4.4km return. Time: Allow 2 hours. Difficulty: Class 3
Bun.gu Trail
Learn about the local Bunuba people’s knowledge of plants, animals and landscape by reading the signs along the way. Follow the river downstream to above the sandbar (bun.gu walyarra) where the Margaret River meets the Fitzroy River. Take care if you leave the trail to descend the sandbank to the sandbar.
Distance: 1.2km return. Time: Allow 30 minutes. Difficulty: Class 3
Larrgari Trail
You will walk along the banks of the Fitzroy River to the savannah woodland in the upper of the flood plain. This trail connects with the Bun.gu Trail.
Distance: 1.75km loop. Time: Allow 1 hour. Difficulty: Class 3
Your safety
When you are entering the Kimberley or Pilbara regions, you are entering crocodile country. Two species of crocodile occur in Western Australia: the estuarine (or saltwater) crocodile and the freshwater crocodile. The estuarine crocodile is the largest living reptile and is considered to be a dangerous predator. Freshwater crocodiles are smaller and not as aggressive. Freshwater crocodiles inhabit Danggu Geikie Gorge. Saltwater crocodiles have not been known to occur in the area but this may change. Be CROCWISE in Western Australia's north and download our Crocodile safety and myth-busting factsheet and Crocodile brochure. For more information on Be CROCWISE see www.nt.gov.au/becrocwise
Getting there
Danggu Geikie Gorge is located 20km from the Fitzroy Crossing township, 280km from Derby and 390km from Broome. The road accessing the park is sealed bitumen and a four-wheel-drive vehicle is not required.
