Danggu (Geikie Gorge) National Park

About the park

Danggu National Park, still widely known as Geikie Gorge, lies near Fitzroy Crossing in the Kimberley. Bunuba Aboriginal people are the Traditional Owners and joint managers.

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) says the Bunuba name Danggu means "the area where the water is very deep under the cave." The gorge was carved by the Bandaralngarri (Fitzroy River) through an ancient limestone barrier reef. DBCA notes that around 250 million years ago, much of the Kimberley region was an ancient sea.

The gorge's towering walls are white and grey. Look for the white, rounded sections of limestone, which DBCA says are aptly called the meringues.

Culture. DBCA quotes the joint management plan for the area. It says water places and flows hold special cultural significance for Bunuba people. Many are associated with sacred Junba song-lines, or are homes to the Ungguds, the rainbow serpents of the creation time.

Floods and recovery

Heavy rain in late December 2022 and early January 2023, linked to ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie, caused record flooding across the Fitzroy catchment. DBCA describes it as a 1-in-100-year flood. It had major impacts on Danggu:

• A significant loss of cultural sites for Bunuba Danggu Traditional Owners.
• The loss of many significant trees.
• The loss of the car park, paths, a boat ramp, a gazebo shelter and the ranger base.
• Damage to the power station compound, floating jetty and toilet block.

DBCA's recovery project lists the stages since then:

1. Damage assessments (2023).
2. Planning and recovery operations with Traditional Owners.
3. Reopening the walk trail with limited facilities.
4. Continued remediation and planning for visitor infrastructure (2025 to 2027).
5. New visitor facilities (planned for 2027 to 2028).

Current status. At the time of writing, DBCA says Stage 2 of the recovery works is complete. The park is open with limited facilities, namely the car park and toilets. DBCA's timeline lists a reopening date of 3 October 2026. Please stay in the designated visitor use area. Conditions are still changing, so check the DBCA park alerts before you go.

What you can do

Walk the riverbank. DBCA says the best way to experience the gorge is to walk on the sand bank, listening for birds and looking for wildlife. There's one trail. It's a short, challenging walk on an uneven, sandy surface, with no wheelchair access.

Fish. The park FAQs say fishing is permitted from the shoreline.

Watch wildlife. Look for white-bellied sea-eagles and, if you're lucky, rare purple-crowned fairy-wrens. Freshwater crocodiles bask on the riverbanks and exposed rocks, so bring binoculars. If you see rangers, DBCA suggests saying hello and asking about the wildlife and geology.

Boat tours. The FAQs say the river access doesn't currently allow safe boat launching, so you can't launch your own boat. DBCA's recovery page says the riverbed depth appears suitable for boat tours. However, the gradient and stability of the riverbank still need further assessment. DBCA and the Danggu people will make a public announcement if tours become available.

Getting there

Danggu is in the Fitzroy Crossing area of the Kimberley. The park FAQs say that when the park is open, you can reach it in a 2WD vehicle. Access depends on current road and weather conditions.

Never try to use closed roads, or unsealed and management tracks, inside the park. Check DBCA park alerts and updates from the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley before you travel. There's parking for long vehicles as well as standard cars.

Fees and rules

• Entry: free.
• Pets: no dogs or other pets.
• Drones: don't fly them.
• Rubbish: take it with you.
• Where to go: stay within the designated day-use areas, and walk carefully.

Safety

The park FAQs warn that the recent flooding has increased the risks:

• Unstable ground. Trees and cliff edges are unstable, and the riverbed will keep changing.
• Water. Keep away from the water's edge. There are submerged hazards and the water is shallow, so swimming isn't recommended.
• Heat. Visit in the cooler part of the day. There's limited shade, and temperatures can exceed 40°C.
• Drinking water. There's none in the park. Carry at least 1 litre per person per hour, and sip regularly.

Crocodiles. DBCA says freshwater crocodiles live in Danggu Geikie Gorge. Saltwater crocodiles haven't been known to occur there, but this may change. To stay safe:

• Follow warning signs and supervise children.
• Don't clean fish, prepare food or leave scraps near the water.
• Report aggressive crocodiles, or people interfering with them, to the Parks and Wildlife Service in Broome on (08) 9195 5500.

DBCA also suggests carrying a personal locator beacon.

When to visit

Like the rest of the Kimberley, Danggu is most comfortable in the dry season. DBCA's planning advice for nearby Windjana Gorge describes the dry season as late April to late November, with clear warm days and cool nights. Wet-season rain can close roads, so always check alerts first.

Combine with

• Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek, also in Bunuba Country.
• Derby and Halls Creek, elsewhere in the Kimberley.
• Purnululu (Bungle Bungle Range), further east.