Our first stop of the day was the Karijini Visitor Centre. Proclaimed by Steve Martin as one of the best visitor centres he has seen which is a high accolade given Steve's wide travels through national parks across the globe. Met with traditional owners/ centre management Maitland Parker,, Margie Hughes, and their daughter Coreen who provided us with a personalised tour of the visitor centre. While speaking with us, other visitors flocked around to hear Maitland tell the story of the park and the vision of the Traditional owners to build a visitor centre. He detailed their involvement with everything from site selection, design, and interpretive elements. We viewed the displays of historical artefacts including Maitland's ceremonial spear and other culturally significant aboriginal items. There were videos and photos of elders talking about their traditional way of life and life on pastoral stations. There was an area with interpretive plaques for the native fauna and flora. The visitors wind thru the sections of the displays which are purposely arranged represent the feel of walking through narrow gorge passages. At the end is a wonderfully stocked gift shop with many souveniers bearing aboriginal designs which is sourced by Margie who explained that it us getting more difficult to find Australian made products.
We hiked into the x gorge and wandered along the river bed to circular pool. Then on to the Fortescue falls and up to Fern Pool where we hassle a refreshing swim and sat under the waterfall. The fish nibbled my legs as I rested on the ladder.
Next stop was Kalamina Gorge which was a quick hike to the river bed and a wander through the impressive rich walls and a meander around various pools and rocky outcrops.
That evening we has the pleasure of the company of Maitland and Margie for snaggers (sausages) on the barbie, with a few stubbies (beers), chatting about parks. Great food, great company and great stories about the Bunjima people. Also Mairlands life as a park ranger and his involvement with.the informal co-management activities that occur in the park. The evening ended with everyone watching the essedon verses Richmond Friday night footie (AFL). A very typical Aussie evening.
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