Carnarvon Gorge

We had our car serviced in Roma and the Toyota mechanic informed us our shockers were leaking. The car was upgraded last year so it could carry more weight and as a result the mechanic had to be qualified in this field. The closest specialist was in Emerald.  The mechanic confirmed that the shockers were in fact leaking and the parts would be ordered and could take four days to arrive.

We had originally planned to visit Carnarvon Gorge in late September and the opportunity to visit whilst we waited for the shockers to arrive proved to be the best decision.

In November 2018, bushfires swept through the gorge. This fire burnt through the vegetation and cleared out the undergrowth and weeds. Since then there have been two significant rainfalls, triggering a regeneration. The rivers and creeks are flowing and the undergrowth is field of waist height slender green grass. Fire burnt Xanthorrhoeas and gum trees are sprouting new leaves and the cycad is producing the most magnificent seed pods.

The animals that left due to the fire are slowly coming back.  Walking though the forest you could hear an orchestra of birds all dinging with delight. I saw a platypus, echidnas, different species of wallabies and kangaroo.

On our fifth day at the gorge our parts had yet to arrive in Emerald. “They should be In Townsville in a week.” Looks like we are heading to Townsville. It appears the shockers are determining our itinerary.