Landmark gorge reopens to visitors after 'huge job' fixing flood damage
A popular tourist attraction and major cultural site in Western Australia's Kimberley has reopened three years after serious damage during the state's worst-ever flood disaster.
In 2023, ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie dumped record rain along the Fitzroy River catchment, triggering devastating flooding in Fitzroy Crossing, with 1,500 people evacuated.
The flooding wreaked havoc on the area's natural wonders, including Danggu Geikie Gorge National Park.
The visitor centre was washed away as the Fitzroy River rose. (Supplied: DBCA)
One of the town's major tourist attractions and an important cultural hub, it was reduced to rubble and mud when the Fitzroy River broke its banks.
At the time, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) said 37 hectares of riverbank washed away, including all tourism infrastructure.
Fitzroy Crossing and surrounding communities were devastated by the floods. (Supplied: Shoal Air)
Lengthy process
DBCA operations manager Elise Nelson said the restoration and rehabilitation had been an arduous process.
"It's different to how it used to be," she said.
"It's been a long process of accepting that and understanding that, and finding a way to move forward with the way the park is now."
Kerry Wallis (left) and Elise Nelson say the long journey has been worthwhile. (ABC Kimberley: Vanessa Mills)
More than 12,000 tonnes of concrete, fencing, cabling and other debris had to be removed, along with the shattered remains of more than 100 trees.
Ms Nelson said despite all this clearance, massive amounts of debris remain.
"We had the park closed to build an access ramp down to the water and use an amphibious excavator to remove the debris that still lies in that water," she said.
A freshwater crocodile swims in the Fitzroy River as it flows through the gorge. (ABC Kimberley: Sam Tomlin)
"The arborist works are ongoing; they still continue every year because the impact of those floods is still seen on the riverbanks despite revegetation. It's a huge job."
A feasibility study is underway to assess when and how boat tours, one of the more popular past attractions, can resume.
The entire park is now open, excluding water access, and will remain open throughout the northern wet season.
DBCA hopes that boat tours could return to the gorge as early as next year. (ABC Kimberley: Ruby Littler)
'Hurts a little less'
The flood destroyed significant cultural sites for Bunuba traditional owners, who manage the park with DBCA.
Danggu Bunuba traditional owner Kerry Wallis said it had been a tough three years.
The gorge has long been a drawcard for grey nomads and backpackers. (ABC Kimberley: Ruby Littler)
"It was a sad sight to see after the flood; we had such a beautiful park there, and it was a site for everybody to come, sit and enjoy; now it's a little bit different," she said.
"So a bit heartbreaking; but also it's been a long road to try and fix what we can.
"(But) you can't repair what nature has torn away, hectares of country gone with that."
The walls of the gorge show the high-water mark from heavy flooding in previous years. (ABC Kimberley: Sam Tomlin)
There was feedback and collaboration with traditional owners throughout the restoration process.
Ms Wallis said the hurt was still "raw" for many, but each time she went back to Danggu Geikie Gorge, it hurt a little less.
"It's feeling more stable, feeling more and more (like) home," she said.
She urged visitors to be respectful and to remember the park is on Danggu Bunuba country.
"We understand a lot of people come up to the Danggu and love to fish and camp," she said.
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