To the south east of the parking and camping area is
the entrance to the
gorge and the series of water holes. Allow 2.5 hours minimum for the return walk. Wear stout shoes and take water with you.
DQB is one of the highlights of the
Rudall River National Park. The access drive is 18 kilometres of narrow, rough track that winds through the rocky Throssell Ranges. The track basically follows one of the many stoney valleys that are so typical of the Throssels. In many
places the track had become overgrown by vegetation or cut deeply into the softer soils by water and wind erosion. A fire in late 2007 totally devestated the western most reaches of the track and burnt into the DQB
gorge. This certainly cleared the area but the fire burnt scrub on has become a forest of tyre-destroying stakes to be mindful of. The fire has also afforded a once in a generation opportunity to explore the surrounding countryside unhindered by spinifex, bloodwood and mulga.
The DQB
campsite is now quite barren. There is a principal pool we know as "3 goanna's pool" only 50 metres inside the
gorge. This is a permanant source of good water. The reason for its name becomes obvious if staring at the sheer overhanging
rock wall at sunset (no other time of the day will do). There are three goanna petroglyphs engraved high on the wall that are only visible in the late afternoon.
The second major pool in is "Kangaroo Pool". There is a large
Cave and
rock art on the left hand side of
the pool which is largly invisible unless you take the time to walk across the
gorge, through the gums and actually find the place (only 30 metres or so). When looking for the Goannas in the arvo, turn around to the south and look down the
gorge. Under where the shadows fall against
the rock wall you'll see on the left 200 metres distant is where you'll find
the caves and art.
There are actually a series of eight (8) pools that form the DQB four (4) of which are permanent and the rest semi-ephemeral dependant upon season. The first of this series is the most impressive in breadth and all require you to either swim across and clamber out the other side, or make like the mountain goat and climb around. Be warned that Pool three is deep and bloody chilly, getting very little warmth from the sun at any time during the day!
The upper reaches of the creek are shallow and sandy leading to an eventual 'pound' catchment area of several square kilometres. This is a fantastic spot to rest a while and wander the rugged ranges. It will hook you.