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Kimberley

The Hidden Hidden Valley

Rock formation, unknown Valley

Rock formation, Hidden Valley

We drive to the end of a suburban street, park the car and head off along a small bush track which takes us past some interesting rock formations.
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Rock formation, unknown Valley

Rock formation, Hidden Valley

Interesting rock formations.
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Small pool, unknown valley

Small pool, unknown valley

Eventually we reach a series of small pools and waterfalls.
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Small falls, unknown valley

Small falls, unknown valley

This is a taste of the best which is yet co come.
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Big Swimming Pool, Unknown Valley

Big Swimming Pool, Unknown Valley

The large pool at the end of the walk is the best wet season place for a swim near Kununurra.
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High jumps into the pool, unknown valley

High jumps into the pool, unknown valley

If you go there outside school hours, you will find it full of the local children having a wonderful time. There's no reason you can't join in the fun.
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Deception Range: Unnamed Gorge

Deception Range: Unnamed Gorge

Less than 50 km from Kununurra, we turn off the main road onto a dirt track.
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Walking into the Unnamed Gorge

Walking into the Unnamed Gorge

We can't get the vehicles very far in the Wet, but the walk is fairly easy, less than 5 km and flat.
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Head of the gorge

Head of the gorge

The track ends where the gorge begins. Even from here, it doesn't look like much but the best is still to come.
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Rock Shelter

Rock Shelter

One side of the gorge consists of a series of huge rock shelters full of Aboriginal art.
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Rock Shelter

Rock Shelter

The shelters are so big, that we can camp on dry ground in the heaviest of storms without getting close enough to chance brushing against the paintings.
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Spirit beings

Fish Painting

Some of the paintings are huge; some are small. Here is a taste of what you will see.
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Fish Painting

Fish Painting

Some are very well preserved; others are faded.
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Rock shelter and painting

Rock shelter and painting

Another view of one of the shelters and the paintings.
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Rock grooves

Rock grooves

Besides the paintings, there are a number of grooves carved into the rock. Some say this was for ceremonial purposes, others claim it was only for sharpening spears. We'll let you judge for yourself.
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The Pool

The Pool

No trip is complete without a pool. There is a nice pool at the head of the valley.
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The Pool

The Pool

The photos below were taken in early April. The pool should be a bit deeper and the waterfall should be flowing in January and February.
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  • rock formation, hidden valley
  • rock formation, hidden valley
  • Small pool, unknown valley
  • Small falls, unknown valley
  • Big Swimming Pool, Unknown Valley
  • High jumps into the pool, unknown valley
  • Deception Range: Unnamed Gorge
  • Walking into the Unnamed Gorge
  • Head of the gorge
  • Rock shelter
  • Rock shelter
  • Spirit beings
  • Fish Painting
  • Rock shelter and painting
  • Rock grooves
  • The pool
  • The pool

Mirima (Hidden Valley) National Park in Kununurra is visited by thousands of people every year. 99% of the out of town visitors stick to the tourist area. Our trip takes you somewhere very different, a place that the locals know and love.


Want more info? Green Kimberley Light trip notes



Willis's Walkabouts, 12 Carrington Street, Millner NT 0810, Australia walkabout@bushwalkingholidays.com.au

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