We left Wilpena Pound and started our way back towards Port Augusta (we had the Ranger booked in for a service). We only drove for about ten minutes when we had to stop and climb a hill. The landscape surrounding the Pound is as different as it is beautiful.
It didn’t take Peter long to find more dirt road (a mere three days after he had just washed Chunky Bum and Big Ears) after a gruelling forty-nine minute drive, 😊 we decided to call it a day and made our home for the night in the Brachina-East Gorge campsite. Once again the landscape had changed from rolling hills with jagged peaks in the distance to steep ravines and gorges.
There’s really not much to say about this except, the scenery just keeps getting better!
We camped that night at the Brachina East camp ground, and the scenery is simply stunning. The photos just can’t do it justice, it really is a ‘you have to see it for yourself’ kind of place.
A few days ago, I posted photos of some wallaroos. We had never seen them before and that made the sighting exciting. Driving through Brachina Gorge we were lucky enough to see a Yellow-footed rock wallaby. Again, neither of us had ever seen one of these, and with good reason. With population numbers around 2000, these pretty little creatures are considered to be vulnerable in SA. In NSW their numbers are between 20 and 250 and are listed as an endangered species. QLD has the same classification, but the population of the Yellow-footed rock wallaby are unknown.
You have to admit they are gorgeous. The unique markings, pretty face (complete with eye shadow) and that tail; now that is one impressive tail. The good news is that their numbers are on the rise. Great steps are being taken by conservationists to protect and preserve their habitat, their food and to eradicate predators (feral cats and foxes). Let’s hope that in the years to come, these wonderful creatures can bounce back in numbers and once more reclaim their territory.
Oh, and the little lady we saw had a tiny Joey in her pouch, 😊 I think she’s going to be a good mum.
If you’d like more information, you can check this link. https://www.australianwildlife.org/wildlife/yellow-footed-rock-wallaby/
As we drove out of the gorge Peter and I were having a debate. We couldn’t decide if we were driving along a road or a river bed. Turns out it was both.
Gorgeous colours on the wallaby.
She is super cute.
What a special find. Stunning markings on the wallaby but you are putting in the hard yards to see the rarer side of Oz. Travel safe. We say that to everyone but it really applies to you.
Thank you my friend, we will.
We still hope to catch up with you and Ross on the road, fingers crossed.