Another catch-up blog. Cobbold Gorge is an amazing natural phenomenon, and is situated on Simon and Gaye Terry’s Braham property, Robin Hood Station. The family’s vision was to run the Cobbald Gorge Tours with minimal impact on the environment, creating the 4720 hectare nature refuge and wildlife corridor, to protect this unique landscape for generations to come. The bus was loaded up for the short 50 minute journey to the property. It was an easy walk down the boardwalk to the waiting boats.
A couple of boats on the Gorge, and another waiting to be filled
Cobbold Gorge is rather unique due to it’s extreme narrowness, closing in to a tiny two metres wide in some places, with 30m cliffs on either side. It is fed by several springs keeping the water level constant, allowing boat access even in the “dry” season. And yes, crocodiles make their home in the waters too.
Stunning scenery in the gorge
The guide kept up a running commentary, giving out facts and figures and pointing out items of interest. Sadly no crocs were spotted on the trip. After a wonderful 90 minute cruise everyone was returned to the Visitors Centre.
Beautiful reflections and the rocks all sculptured by nature
Everyone had been entertained on the bus ride to the gorge to learn the true tale of Swampy the Braham bull, which happened some time ago, and get to meet up with him, so to speak, inside the Visitors Centre . This friendly bull with the larger than average spread of horns was a gentle boy and a family favourite, and when he escaped from his paddock the owner went looking for him to bring him safely back. But there was no sign of Swampy anywhere. Just as he was about to give up, the owner saw something flashing on the riverbank – it was Swampy, his head and horns being thrashed around on the ground as a croc was trying his darndest to swallow him whole. Chills ran down the owners spine – most of his beloved Swampy was inside an enormous crocodile, and it was only the bull’s massive spread of horns which stopped him being swallowed down. Quick as a wink, the rancher reached for his knife and slit the croc down his belly, and helped pull Swampy out of the jaws of death. Once the bull had tottered to his feet and recovered a little strength from this ordeal, he walked slowly back to his paddock with the owner, and never went missing again, enjoying several more years of life on the range.
Swampy the bull – crocodile survivor
Cobbald Gorge from the air
1 comment:
I've enjoyed reading of this part of your trip. You've certainly seen some interesting places since leaving Cairns. You're making me jealous. Thanks for taking us along.
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