Geikie Gorge National Park

3100ha (mostly a wildlife sanctuary closed to the public).

Geikie Gorge National Park is of great geological interest. During the Devonian period, 350 million years ago, a reef 1000km long and 20km wide was formed in a huge tropical sea (Geikie Gorge is now more than 300km from the sea). In the course of time the Fitzroy, a perennial river flowing throughout the year, cut deep into the limestone of the former reef, carving out an impressive gorge and exposing the various fossil-bearing strata and rock formations. Most of the gorge is closed to the public; only a narrow strip on the west bank of the river is accessible. During the winter the Fitzroy is a quiet river, but in the tropical summer it turns into a raging torrent over 16m deep and the national park is flooded to a depth of up to 7m.

The river is bordered by dense greenery, tropical paperbark trees, river red gums and freshwater mangroves. This area is the home of a rich and varied fauna, including flying foxes and numerous water birds. The freshwater crocodiles, often to be seen on sandbanks in the river, are unlikely to seek human prey. Two unexpected species are the sawfish and the sting ray, saltwater fish which have adapted to life in the Fitzroy River. The marksman fish literally shoots down its insect prey by projecting a stream of water at its target.

The best place for swimming is at the junction of the Margaret River with the Fitzroy, where there is usually a long sandbank. Swimming is not allowed on the east bank.

Flat-bottomed tourist boats sail through the gorge twice daily, offering excellent opportunities for observing wildlife.

There is a walking trail along the west bank of the river to the west rock face before the beginning of the gorge. The variegated strata in the walls of the gorge are reflected in the calm waters of the river, particularly at sunrise and sunset.