Mitchell Falls

The road from Drysdale Station to Mitchell Falls was a doozy! Full of deep corrugations that lasted for kilometres and a really rough road. It was 100km to the turn off on Kalumburu Rd then another 70km into Mitchell Falls NP. We were about halfway into the first 100km when we were flagged down by a camper on the side of the road. Their U bolt from their leaf spring suspension had broken off and they had camped by the side of the road last night. A passing car had given them the right part but it was too big and Michael happened to have in his box of tricks a file that could file his U bolt down, otherwise they were stuck. We waited til they were back on the road and then kept in contact all the way to Mitchell Falls. They were from Kariong, Central Coast NSW. Just near where Michael grew up.

 The landscape near Doongan on the road into Mitchell Falls NP changed dramatically as  Palms lined the road with Eucalyptus. It was burnt on one side of the road. It was a great drive through this area with vibrant red dirt with lush surrounds.

As you can see we have showered everyday and managed to keep all clothes clean. The clothes in the background are the clothes that didn't dry o'nite at Drysdale and were soaking in the morning because of the dew. They took an hour to dry out once we set up camp.

We set up camp with Desley, Mark, Will and Cooper whom we met en route. It also made for an easier walk into the actual Falls as Rubes and Will pretty much ran the whole way. It takes about an hour and a half to walk to the Falls from the campground and it was a very interesting walk with lots of things to see along the way. 

Big Mertens Falls. As if they weren't impressive enough?

The top pool above Mitchell Falls.

 You can swim above the Falls in designated areas but not in any pools below the Falls, due to the saltwater crocodiles. The day before though, 4 backpackers were sighted swimming in the lower pools with them. Not sure if they were into risky sports or just couldn't read English but they are very lucky to be alive!

We and the girls loved swimming with this little rapid and it would take you all the way down to the next rapid on the right which had a much better swimming area. The swimming area was nice but you were really there to see the ferocity of the Falls. They are truly spectacular.

Michael is fine with heights but I am not, since marrying! This is as close as we got.

Yep, we splurged and instead of walking back to camp we booked a chopper taxi back. Majority of people do, but even though it's not a hard walk it's just simply amazing to view the Falls from the air.

Olive cried as soon as the propeller started but she then calmed down and loved it.I don't blame her when the only thing keeping you inside the Helicopter is a lap belt!  Rubes was absolutely loving it and encouraging Olive through the internal headsets. I was gripping onto Rubes for dear life as on the other side of me was lots and lots of ground below!! I tried to reassure Rubes by gripping her tight, but she knew why I was holding tight and it wasn't to reassure her, but me!!!

Keep calm and look straight ahead!!!