Cobbold Gorge

We have found another favourite spot - we’ve been hearing and reading about Cobbold Gorge for some years and it certainly lived up to our expectations. It’s a privately owned resort style complex with everything about it presented at an exceptional standard. We were camped in a lovely quiet picturesque site and we took advantage of the infinity pool after a 5km hike to a lookout.

The route from Georgetown to the gorge was so pretty with lots of inquisitive cattle along the way and some pretty river crossings. 

We were very surprised to see these beautiful picnic facilities at Lake Charleston, just out of Forsayth. Unfortunately no camping is allowed here. The shire of Etheridge, is very remote, very large in area but very small in population - only 400 odd ratepayers so we reckon they’d be pretty happy with the tourism created by the Cobbold Gorge and the Undera Lava tubes. 

The only way you can access the gorge is on a tour which we took and loved every bit of it. The tour involved some walking to the top of the gorge then across a glass bridge, allowing for spectacular views. You will notice we all had to wear hospital booties  over our shoes - very classy! 

Our tour was completed with a boat trip up the gorge, which narrows in one place to a boat width. The rock formations were beautiful and we even saw a fresh water crocodile sunning on the bank. 

The money spent on walkways alone - including the glass bridge which cost $1.2million, have made the gorge accessible to most visitors. All in all, we loved our stay and the tour and cannot be impressed enough with the whole place. 

From there we travelled through the tiny towns of Forsayth & Einasleigh and read about the pioneering mining days - how tough those people had it in those days. We saw the Copperfield Gorge and the could see where the waters rose over the rail bridge in the floods earlier this year. Unbelievable really. 

We were unsure if the road to Hughenden was open as it’s been closed for ages due to water damage - it has only just opened to 4WD and we could see why as they are busy laying huge rocks for drainage. This bit was rough but doable. 

To finish off our gorge route, we called at the Porcupine Lookout - we stayed here 5 years ago and had forgotten how spectacular it is. We’ve now entered Dinosaur country - we did a stock up at Hughenden and are now at Richmond. 

We keep in touch with our fellow travellers - Dennis & Tops have been wending their way south and will be at Ipswich tomorrow. Mark & Kerri are still in Cairns - they were there to support Chloe who completed the iron man (or woman) competition yesterday. That’s a huge feather in her cap. We’re noticing the weather is cooling down and last night used our diesel heater and the rug has been more than decorative! But  we guess the 24 degree days are better than down south! We trust all are well and till the next episode, love from Darryl & Marg. ❌❌