The last walk of our Dales Gorge visit was an extension of our first walk to Fortescue Falls but this time negotiating the 286-steps was a one way trip. But it did mean we had to traverse the falls, which meant clambering down the rock face on the dry side. Dry being a temporary feature towards the end of the dry season, during the Wet the falls are a raging torrent entirely submerging the rock we climbed on.

Much less of a challenge was crossing the pool where the water from the falls narrows and heads downstream. Loose and slippery stepping stones adds some entertainment and tests the balance but the worst that could happen is you slip into shallow water losing your pride and gaining a few bruises in the process.

The walk continues through a mix of paperbark and spotted river gums, grasses and impressive views of the surrounding slabs of rock stacked precariously above. It looks as if a sneeze could cause some of these to topple but one spot in particular demonstrates just how secure some of these rock walls are – at least for the moment.

One very, very slender column of rock is holding up an enormous weight of sandstone above it though for how much longer is anyone’s guess. Just one tap from a hammer would see this structure collapse bringing down thousands of tonnes of iron-rich rock. Though being warned to the contrary, many choose to stand where the column frames the gap against the rock wall for a selfie. Again, natural selection will one day take its course on the stupid.

The walk includes many pools and small waterfalls along the way some providing further challenges and sometimes requiring stepping stones or a scramble along the rock wall. It’s a very peaceful and relaxing place and a great pleasure to be surrounded by so much greenery. Each of the gorges creates its own microcosm with often rare or unique plants and the benefit of water clearly shows. it is such a contrast to the red, dry and dusty desert with have been travelling through for many weeks now.

Now, far below the Circular Pool Lookout, the path becomes a little more of a scramble over rocks, rock slabs and boulders. As such this section of the walk is designated a Grade 4 out of 5. Despite the warnings to wear appropriate footwear  the thong wearers still aren’t deterred. Not only do they put themselves at risk but also those that have to rescue them – many of them volunteers.

Mind where you step

Just yesterday on this very walk a person was bitten by a snake, believed to be non-venomous, and had to be extracted by a team of rescuers and medics up a very steep pathway to a waiting ambulance. Death Adders and King Brown snakes both populate these gorges and surrounds and thongs offer absolutely no resistance to needle-sharp fangs.

We paused for a while looking at the delicately balanced rocks above and around us. Obviously these rocks eventually part and crash to the ground but it is amazing how they appear to hang on that little bit longer in the most unlikely positions. The park rangers have seen where new rock falls have taken place but none have ever witnessed them tumble. As you walk below many of the overhangs you have to wonder just how soon someone is going to get a piece of landscape heading in their direction.

Finally, and quite suddenly, we reached our destination of Circular Pool to be greeted by a small group of people, some who had braved the cold water already and a few about to take a dip. Circular Pool, like Handrail Pool, was created by the action of water during the wet season and abrasion from swirling rocks and boulders to produce a near perfect circular hole in the ground over 100-metres deep.

Even now during the dry season water flows into and out of the pool supporting shrubs, grasses, spotted gums, paperbark trees, maiden hair ferns and a wide variety of wildlife. It’s an impressive sight but one difficult to photograph due to the extreme contrast of light and the angle of the sun at our visit.

A rest was in order – a coffee would have been nice, or even an ice-cream – and the many boulders that had fallen over the years made convenient seats for the weary. But a little of the fauna had got there before us. Ants of every size and type, we discovered some time ago, are everywhere in the deserts and this spot was no different. They, like flies and mosquitoes, also have a predilection for anything black and in particular my camera bag it seems. I didn’t sit around for too long!

Turning around, we slid, scrambled and clambered our way back over the rock slabs to the very steep, stepped track back up to ground level, stopping many times to admire the view – or catch our breath depending on how honest we were.

A great walk and just a short stroll from our campground. Absolutely recommended. It’s easier than it may sound but good walking shoes, a walking pole, plenty of water and a good sense of balance is all that’s required. Just prepare to get hot. Even in the cooler dry season temperatures in the mid-thirties are the norm and temperatures begin to rise again in late September.