Learning from a local- Mimbi Caves

Mimbi Caves, The Kimberley, WA

Sunday 11th September

We were lucky enough to go on a tour of Mimbi Caves with local Gooniyandi man Harrison. The caves were his childhood playground so he had lots of stories about the significance of this area to share with us. Aboriginal people have inhabited this part of the Kimberley for more than 40,000 years (determined by radiocarbon dating on ancient fireplaces) so the area is steeped in culture. The caves were once part of a reef system so there are fossils in many of the rocks, and tunnels and crevices everywhere. The whole cave system stretches for about 300km, with only a few areas accessible to the general population. We all thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to explore this section of the caves and get an insight into the local beliefs and customs.

After the tour we were given permission to visit Galeru Gorge, up near the community. It was lovely and we had the whole place to ourselves. As well as swimming in the silky cool water, a highlight was the discovery of a freshwater crocodile jaw (complete with teeth). We collected all the teeth we could find and have taken the jaw as a memento.

We would definitely recommend visiting Mimbi Caves and also camping at the excellent campground they have built nearby. We were impressed at how well the camp was set up and the location afforded us wonderful views of the nearby rocky mountain range.

Although we were only there for about 24 hours we had a very memorable time. Jackson listened intently when Harrison explained the way Indigenous people make use of different parts of plants for various means, and that evening he made ‘glue’ from dried up and ground boab nut mixed with water, before running his own ‘tour’ to show us how!

The pictures give more of an insight into this unique area, although none really truly capture the beauty and spiritual feeling of the place.

One of the many wildflowers around the rocky mountain range on the walk we did next to the Mimbi campground.

Enjoying the colours on the other mountain range, whilst Jackson cooked us dinner.

We went on a morning walk and explored the area around the campsite.

Off to explore the caves with our guide, Harrison.

Harrison prepared a smoking ceremony for us to welcome us onto the land. After he added the wet gum leaves and the fire was smoking well, we all had to walk around the fire place and let the smoke cover us.

The rock formations were so interesting- it felt like we were in a unique city.

A rock chess set made by a group of fossickers who set up camp in the caves in the 1980s. They also built a hut and apparently lived there for a number of months until Harrison's uncle discovered them and chased them off the land!

Going in the first cave, Jackson was very keen!

There was a creek flowing through the cave system that kept it very lovely and cool

Some of the rocks were such an interesting shape and texture - this one was very sharp.

Rock art depiciting the Rain Man and the good and evil spirits (which are separated by the crack in the rock as they can't be near each other). Rain man is the only one who can hold back the evil spirit. 

Rock hopping out of the first cave

The swimming hole in the cave where the 4 of us braved the cold water (and the darkness) for a swim.

Safety First! We had to wear helmets into the second cave.

The calcite slowing dripping through the sandstone has created such an interesting effect.

Some of the impressive stalactites and stalagmites in the second cave we explored.

Jackson listening intently as Harrison explained how a python was living in the small waterhole a few weeks ago.

Jackson and Daniel climbed up into this crevice and discovered heaps of bats

Enjoying some damper and golden syrup.

Swimming out from the caves- it was a bit scary getting in the water in the dark inside the cave......

...but lovely once we got in.

The private locals' gorge (Galeru Gorge) we were given permission to swim in.

Ellendale Pool overnight stop, enroute to Broome

Monday 12th September

The lovely station owners have opened up a piece of their land right next to a permanent dam. The bird life was incredible, as were the lovely boab trees that were scattered around. This is where Jackson collected dried up boab nuts and ground the seed into a powder before, adding some water to make 'glue'.

Concentrating on the job!

Proudly displaying off the tools he used to make his bush glue.