Today boat tours recommenced down the ancient Geikie Gorge, carved out by the Fitzroy River in the Kimberley after being suspended last season due to COVID-19.
The all-access vessel Ms Casey Ross, which seats 88 tourists, was named after the late matriarchal leader of the Danggu clan, traditional owners of Danggu Geikie Gorge National Park.
Danggu Geikie Gorge National Park welcomes more than 70,000 visitors each year and is jointly managed by the Bunuba Dawangarri Aboriginal Corporation and the State Government.
This joint management agreement provides local employment opportunities and combines traditional knowledge with contemporary land management.
Purnululu National Park is now also open after being closed to the public due to significant road damage over the wet season. Bookings for Walardi and Kurrajong campgrounds can be made online at https://parkstaybookings.dbca.wa.gov.au/map/
Wunaamin and Miluwundi Conservation Parks, including Dulundi (Silent Grove) and Bandilngan (Windjana Gorge) National Park, are expected to re-open mid May 2021 after significant repairs to weather damaged access roads.
As stated by Environment Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"For the traditional Bunuba custodians of Danggu National Park, the Danggu Dawangarri People, the connection to the land and river goes back to the Ngarranggani (dreamtime).
"The artwork for the boat embodies the spirit of the Bunuba people by including totemic animals like freshwater crocodiles, sawfish, red-tailed black cockatoos and brolgas.
"Now is the perfect time of year to visit the gorge and experience its stunning geology, wildlife and cultural significance on this special boat tour.
"The safety of visitors in our parks and reserves is paramount. I encourage people to visit https://alerts.dbca.wa.gov.au before travelling to these wonderful areas."
