The Far North Australia
measures 30 meters deep. This gorge, called the Geike Gorge is in the Australian far north area. To actually be able
to see the Geike Gorge, you will need to travel by cruise boat. The banks along the gorge are filled with the red
river gums, which provide a sanctuary for the area wildlife. Therefore, the banks are off limits to all tourists.
The cruise boat ride will be well worth your time though, because here is where you will be able to see the only
place where you will find fresh water barramundi, stingrays, prawns, and mussels. There are also fresh water
crocodiles lurking about.
The Geike Gorge was named after a British General of Geological Survey named Sir Archibald Geike in 1883.
Here also in the Australian far north land of Geike Gorge, are located some ancient coral reef. There is another
kind of reef here too, called the Devonian reef, that was not built by corals, but instead was built by algae and
lime secreting organisms, which are now extinct.
The original owners of this land were called Bunaba. They called this gorge Darngku. A little story needs to be
inserted here regarding this gorge. It is said that there was a blind man who wandered away from his tribe and ended
up drowning in what is called the Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½Dreaming’. But as he went under for the last time, he sighed and sneezed. The
story goes on to say that, you can still hear his sighs when all is quiet at the gorge. SPOOKY!
The neat part of this cruise ride is that your tour guide will be a Bunuga. So as you are listening to what is being
said, the stories and information will a part of the actual heritage and culture of your guide. In addition, your
guide has been given permission by the local Department of Conservation and Land Management, or CALM, to take
passengers to areas that are not normally accessible to the public at large.
Along the base of one of the gorge wall is a return walkway that totals 3 kilometers. It is suggested that you take
this walk either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Be sure to carry plenty of water and wear
conmfortable sneakers. You are also asked to not climb the reef wall because of the dangerous terrain.
There is another walk along the banks of the Fitzroy River over to the Sandbar. Here is where you can go swimming,
at your own risk. You should not dive because logs and other snags are submerged in these waters. This area is also
a popular spot for fishing.
Private boats are allowed in the waters after 4:30 pm when all the tours are done. However, you are required to
notify the rangers before you do launch a boat or canoe. These hours are only during the months of April – November.
The park is only open during the dry season from April – November. It is closed from December – March because of the
wet season and the flooding of the Fitzroy River. Facilities at the Geike Gorge National Park include toilets,
water, gas barbeques, an information shelter, tour boats and accessibility for the disable. Geike Gorge is a day use
park only. There is no camping allowed. To accommodate you there are facilities at Fitzroy Crossing which is about
20 minutes away.
Come to the Australian far north county to do some sightseeing, take a lot of pictures, and swim and go for some
very scenic walks. Just a reminder of two things. The east side of the gorge is a wildlife sanctuary and you are not
allowed entry. In addition, there are freshwater crocodiles that are in the gorge, but they are not harmful to us
humans. If you have children, it is suggested that you keep a close eye on them, though. We all know how quick
children can be to take off on their own little adventure.
