Australia So Much to See

In an Aboriginal area within the Timmallallie National Park, Dandry Gorge is accessed via the unsealed Number One Break Road (logging road) from Baradine for from the Newell Highway, then Top Crossing Road south to the Gorge parking, picnic and camping area. The Top Crossing Road is wide and well maintained.

Entry to Dandry Gorge Aboriginal Area (at right).

The Creation of Dandry Gorge

Gurrea (The Rainbow Serpent) is one of our great creators. Gurrea created the rivers, lakes, and the creeks, as he moved through the landscape that was created by Gurrea back in the dreamtime.

The three kilometre Sculptures in the Scrub gorge walk follows the top of the ridge on the north side, where there are a number of very different sculptures, all which have appeal and a story to tell.

The return walk is down at the base of the gorge. Although you need to go to the top of the ridge (steps at right), then down again for the return along the gorge floor, and a few steps back up to the car park, the walk is not difficult.

Scrub Spirits, Yurrul Dwuhi. Sculptor Col Henry.

This sculpture consists of three parts. Firstly there are the Spirit figures, a cross cultural image, 3.5 metres tall, looking out over the gorge. Secondly there are the hunting sticks; look for the tiny heads in the top of each stick. Thirdly, engraved concrete pieces are on the ground.

The clean and neat picnic area has picnic shelters and free gas barbecues (at right). There is tank water (recommended to boil before drinking) and pit toilets.

The camping area consists of sites in a bush setting around a loop road (below). These are suitable for tent camping, camper trailers, small caravans and campervans. There is no charge for camping, and sites cannot be booked.

Many different wildflowers can be seen along this loop walk in season.

First Lesson, Dhayaanduul Waanda, a bronze sculpture by Brett Garling

“The site was a sacred Aboriginal site, but what particularly took my interest was that it was used as an Aboriginal hunting ground and campsite. I came up with the idea of a father teaching his son about the gorge and its uses as far as hunting.” The father, holding a boomerang, is pointing down into the gorge.

When down on the gorge floor, look up and see this figure standing proudly on the edge of the ridge above.

See more of the Dandry Gorge Sculptures on the next page

Respect Mother (above). See next page