Geikie Gorge

Geikie Gorge (known locally as Darngku)[1] is a feature of the Napier Range and is located within the grounds of Danggu Gorge National Park (formerly, Geikie Gorge National Park), 20 kilometres (12 mi) from Fitzroy Crossing, 1,831 km (1,138 mi) northeast of Perth and 420 km (260 mi) east of Broome in the Kimberley Region of Western Australia. Believed to be one of the best-known and most easily accessed,[2] the gorge is named in honour of Sir Archibald Geikie, the Director General of Geological Survey for Great Britain and Ireland when it was given its European name in 1883.[3]

Danggu Gorge National Park, Fitzroy River, 2007

Along with Tunnel Creek and Windjana Gorge, Geikie Gorge is part of an ancient barrier reef that developed during the Devonian Period.[3] The walls of the gorge are 30 metres high.[4] The eight kilometer gorge was created by the flowing waters of the Fitzroy River,[5] which still flows through the region. Freshwater crocodiles, Leichhardt's sawfish and coach-whip stingrays inhabit the river.[3][6]

References

  1. Amanda Banks (2 November 2005). "Hunt for Lost German Tourist Intensifies". The Australian. Archived from the original on 3 November 2005. Retrieved 28 April 2008.
  2. Burt, Jocelyn (1996). Discover Western Australia. UWA Press. ISBN 187556084X.
  3. "Fitzroy Crossing". The Age. 8 February 2004. Retrieved 28 April 2008.
  4. "Side Trips". The New York Times. 20 November 2006. Retrieved 28 April 2008.
  5. Daly, Margo; Anne Dehne; David Leffman; Chris Scott (2003). The Rough Guide to Australia. Rough Guides. p. 779. ISBN 1843530902.
  6. Burt, Jocelyn. Kimberley: Australia's Unique North West. UWA Press. p. 71. ISBN 1920694153.


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