Manchos Gap Year

Manchos Gap Year Brendon and Lynice are on our "Gap year " , traveling around Australia with our Dog " Murphy "

📍Dales Gorge Our final gorge of Karijini! I promise Oh yeah… the big “LET’S DO THIS!” gorge , was that our legs say that...
03/09/2026

📍Dales Gorge

Our final gorge of Karijini!

I promise

Oh yeah… the big “LET’S DO THIS!” gorge , was that our legs say that not us ?

And I have to say… we were seriously impressed.

Lynice has officially claimed Dales Gorge as her favourite gorge overall — and I reckon she might be onto something.

It had the lot:
Amazing views
A technical walk that kept us honest
Swimming pools that were absolutely next level
Waterfalls
And enough scenery to make you forget your legs were quietly filing a complaint.

The swimming pools were bloody good. And then you get to sit under a waterfall.

Very unique experience.

Although sitting under a waterfall does make you realise one thing…

Turns out Mother Nature has a pretty aggressive shower setting,

We sat there getting absolutely pummelled by water, grinning like a couple of kids who had just discovered the world’s biggest shower.

Or was it because we just got rid of all that red dust we collected ?

And after all the gorges we’ve tackled, Dales was a bloody good way to finish.

Karijini Gorge Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Views: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Swimming: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Technical bits: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Legs after the walk: “We need to have a serious chat.”
My Dad jokes walking through the gorge :⭐️⭐️
( Lynice said they were horrible )

And just like that… the Karijini gorge challenge is complete! , amazing !!



📍Kalamina Gorge Gorge number #6The road in was… average. About 7 km of corrugations, if you’ve got false teeth, definit...
02/09/2026

📍Kalamina Gorge

Gorge number #6

The road in was… average.

About 7 km of corrugations, if you’ve got false teeth, definitely take them out before you reach the car park.

The walk is rated Class 4, but after the last few gorges, this one actually felt more like a Class 3.

Either it was easier…
or we’re officially becoming gorge walk fit.

Walking through Kalamina Gorge felt like we’d wandered straight into a Tomb Raider movie.

You’re wandering through the overgrown gorge thinking:

“Surely there’s a poison dart coming at us any second…” or a native comes running at ya with his tongue hanging out

And there was certainly plenty of vegetation!
Actually… probably a little too much.

The gorge was so overgrown it looked like it had bad hair day at times

To be honest, this was probably our biggest disappointment. It felt a little forgotten and could definitely use some love.

There were some nice spots and the gorge itself was interesting, but compared with the other walks we’ve done, it didn’t quite have the same WOW factor.

Still, another gorge ticked off the list… and another day where we managed to avoid falling on our backsides! ( or chased by natives )

Kalamina Gorge Ratings

Walk difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐ — Apparently Class 4… our gorge fitness says otherwise.

False teeth survival: ⭐⭐ ⭐️⭐️⭐️— The road in definitely is a tested one , prob the hardest bit of the gorge

WOW factor: ⭐⭐⭐ — Nice, but the other gorges have raised the bar pretty bloody high!

Chance of landing on your backside: ⭐⭐ — We’re getting good at this gorge thing!



📍Knox Gorge Gorge walk #5Knox Gorge — and yep… this one was NEXT LEVEL! The track down was definitely the hardest one w...
31/08/2026

📍Knox Gorge

Gorge walk #5

Knox Gorge — and yep… this one was NEXT LEVEL!

The track down was definitely the hardest one we’ve done so far. It’s rated Class 5 and for once, we actually thought, “Yep… fair call!”

The chance of falling on your backside heading down into the gorge was a solid 4 stars

Every step was basically a negotiation between your boots and gravity and Rocks

Then you hit the gorge bottom … and once again the wow factor kicks in again

You walk along the bottom, scrambling over rocks , climbing with chains, lots of which was is best , Questioning life choices

You reach the end of the gorge.

We stood there and stared at it for about 30 seconds.

No words.

Just taking it all in.

Then we turned to each other with the biggest cheesy grin…

“Yeah… I get it.”

That pretty much summed up Knox Gorge, Absolutely bloody loved it!

Knox Gorge Ratings

Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( Mainly the track down and UP !! )
Chance of falling on your backside heading down: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
WOW factor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( loads of neck turns )
Fitness required: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( a bit needed, maybe give the Maccas a rest the night before ) ￟



31/08/2026

📍Joffre Gorge

📍Joffre Gorge Gorge Number #4We rolled up to Joffre Gorge, wandered over to the lookout and had a look…Personally, I we...
31/08/2026

📍Joffre Gorge

Gorge Number #4

We rolled up to Joffre Gorge, wandered over to the lookout and had a look…

Personally, I went:

“Oh yeah… it’s a gorge.”

No swimming in this one because of the stagnant water — which was disappointing

The walk down was actually pretty quick and easy. It’s rated Class 4, but the ladders certainly helped.

Then we reached the bottom and…

“Ahhhhhh… NOW I get it!”

You can go left or right down there. Left takes you towards a pool-type area, but head right and YEP

That’s where the WOW factor kicks in.

It feels like you’re walking into a massive natural arena. Huge gorge walls towering above you, incredible colours and scenery everywhere you look.

And you can’t help but stand there looking up thinking…

“Bloody hell… how cool would this be as a man cave !!

The lookout gives you a little taste, but down the bottom is where Joffre brings out the main course.

Joffre Gorge Ratings

WOW factor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ + ⭐ BONUS STAR
That natural arena was gorge-eous.
Yep… I went there.

Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐
Not too hard. A few ladders and chains, but nothing that had me calling for the helicopter.

Neck Strain: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spent so much time looking up at the gorge walls I’m pretty sure Lynice was sick of me going “that’s cool “

Swimming Rating: ⭐
Stagnant water…
So unless you’re a mosquito, probably best not attempt it

Joffre Gorge — definitely worth getting down into it!



📍Karijini — Kermit’s PoolNext stop… Kermit’s Pool! Gorge walk Number #3And yes, we were half expecting to see a sign “...
30/08/2026

📍Karijini — Kermit’s Pool

Next stop… Kermit’s Pool!

Gorge walk Number #3

And yes, we were half expecting to see a sign

“It’s not easy being green…”

This place is another little Karijini beauty. Beautiful rock walls, crystal-clear water and that classic red Pilbara scenery that makes you stop and think, “How the bloody hell is this real?”

A proper walk… and yep, this one earns its Class 5!

This walk has THE LOT.

Hanging off the side of cliffs
Swimming
Absolutely ridiculous colours
And enough claustrophobia to make you question why you thought this was a good idea!

You start off thinking, “Yeah, this isn’t too bad.”

Then the gorge gets tighter…

Then you’re squeezing through the rocks…

Then you’re hanging onto the side of a cliff thinking:

“Well… this escalated quickly!” Hanging off the side of cliffs

The walk in made ya feel like your doing a Ninja warrior obstacle course but like everything in Karijini, there’s always a little bit of “well… this looks more difficult than it did from the car park”

Once you reach the pool, it’s hard not to want to jump straight in.The water is surrounded by those amazing gorge walls and the whole place has a real Jurassic Park meets Kermit the Frog feel ( if that’s a thing )

Kermit’s Pool Rating

Walk: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Class 5 and yep, we agree!
Cliff-hanging: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Not recommended for anyone whose balance is described as “a bit average after two beers.”

Water temperature: Fresssssshhhhhhhh the first 3 seconds hurt

Colours: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Karijini showing off again
Claustrophobia: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — if you don’t like tight spaces, this might not be your cup of tea!
Scenery: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ it has the wow factor

This one really does have the lot.

Walking, climbing, swimming, squeezing through gaps and hanging off cliffs… basically a full adventure park, except nobody gave us a waiver!

This one really does have the lot.





📍Karijini — Handrail Pool Gorge Walk #2 — Handrail Pool!We eased into this one… Class 4.Which basically means: “It’s an...
29/08/2026

📍Karijini — Handrail Pool

Gorge Walk #2 — Handrail Pool!

We eased into this one… Class 4.

Which basically means: “It’s an easy walk… until it suddenly isn’t.”

The walk itself was pretty easy, then you get to the end and discover the next part involves climbing onto a handrail and lowering yourself into the end of the gorge.

So naturally, we approached this with the confidence of two professional stunt people… who had absolutely no idea what they were doing!

Once you’re down there though — WOW!

The colours are incredible. Those bright red gorge walls are absolutely spectacular. Karijini really does look like someone turned the saturation up to 100%.

And the echo…yes I had to try it

Yep… definitely works!

Unfortunately, there was NO SWIMMING in this pool.

Which was disappointing because after hanging off a handrail and climbing into the gorge, a swim would have been lovely.

Handrail rating

Scenery: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — bloody spectacular
Colours: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — redder than my face after attempting the handrail
Walk difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — pretty easy
Handrail section: ⭐⭐⭐ — hang on… literally!
Echo rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — plenty of “hellooooo” potential

Swimming: — the biggest downer of the gorge!

Great scenery, brilliant colours, easy walking and just enough climbing to make you question your life choices.

Karijini Dad Joke of the Day:

Why did the handrail get promoted?

Because it was always there to lend a hand



We started our Karijini leg of our trip , let’s see what’s all the hype about 📍Karijini — Hammersley Gorge & Spa Pool Go...
27/08/2026

We started our Karijini leg of our trip , let’s see what’s all the hype about

📍Karijini — Hammersley Gorge & Spa Pool

Gorge number #1

Place of stay : Buddha’s free Camp

Well, we thought we’d ease ourselves into Karijini… so naturally we picked a gorge with slippery rocks and a freezing swimming hole.

We left early and arrived at Hammersley Gorge around 7:30am — and there wasn’t a soul there!

No crowds, no queues, no one taking selfies in the background… just us and one very fancy-looking natural spa pool.

The gorge was absolutely stunning. The colours, red rocks and towering walls were unreal — although the photos really don’t do it justice. You have to see this place in person.

The walk down was pretty easy with a few rock hops, not a place for a young Giraffe learning to walk but it was ok

Then came the big moment…

The Spa Pool!

The water was surprisingly “not bad”.

Nice once ya got in

Which, translated from Australian, means:

“Bloody hell it’s cold… but I’ve come this far, so I’m getting in!”

Trying to get a selfie in the spa pool was another story.

One minute I’m trying to look like a bloke enjoying the wonders of nature…

Next minute I’m underwater with a mouthful of Karijini!

Nothing says adventure photographer quite like nearly drowning yourself for a selfie.

But I reckon the photo came out alright… if you like half my chin and Lynice’s closed eyes

Our Karijini rating

Scenery: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Colours: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Water temperature: “Nice once ya get in.” It was ok
Walk difficulty: Easy
Rocks: Bloody slippery up the top near the spa pool , you can’t be graceful at all
Selfie difficulty: no comment
Chance of falling arse-over-tit on the slippery rocks: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A bloody ripper first gorge and a pretty spectacular introduction to Karijini National Park.



📍 In the middle of nowhere Remoteness ? Is that a word ? Overnighter on the way to KarijiniJust Red , Dirt, Hills , Roa...
24/08/2026

📍 In the middle of nowhere

Remoteness ? Is that a word ?

Overnighter on the way to Karijini

Just Red , Dirt, Hills , Roads, Murphys Paws

Pilbara sunsets and remoteness at another level.

We saw absolutely no one.

No people.
No animals.
Nothing.

Just us, the caravan, the sunset and the sound of the nothing

Bloody good place to stop, and remember just how big and empty this part of Australia really is.





📍Dampier — The Beauty Behind the IndustrialOne way you look and it’s pristine turquoise water, beautiful islands and boa...
21/08/2026

📍Dampier — The Beauty Behind the Industrial

One way you look and it’s pristine turquoise water, beautiful islands and boats cruising around…

Turn your head the other way and it’s all business!

Massive trains, ships, wharves and factories moving serious amounts of iron ore around the Pilbara.

Dampier really is a place where Mother Nature and big industry decided to become neighbours!

But Dampier isn’t just about rocks, trains and ships. It’s surrounded by stunning coastline and islands, and it’s also home to one of WA’s most famous four-legged legends — Red Dog

We also found a great little coffee spot at Soak, and of course, no Pilbara adventure would be complete without visiting the local brewery to sample a few of the “finest” refreshments!

From turquoise water to iron ore trains — Dampier really does have a bit of everything!

📍Got ‘Em On Sports Fishing

What a cracking day out with Got'Em On Sportfishing Charters at Point Samson!

Glen took us out on a 30-foot centre-console beast, and the fish clearly didn’t get the memo to stay away!

We caught so many prize-table fish that we were starting to panic about finding room in the fridge/freezer. At one stage I was seriously considering eating the tackle box just to make more space!

And then there was Lynice…

Not only did she catch some absolute beauties, she out-fished me!

I’m calling it beginner’s luck.

She’s calling it skill.

At one stage I was catching the bait while she was catching the prize fish and taking photos of her trophies. I’m pretty sure I was just there to carry the esky!

Big thanks to Glen for an awesome day on the water — great boat, great fishing, plenty of laughs and a bloody good feed heading our way!

Now we just need a bigger freezer… and possibly my old mate Andrew Blackberry back as my fishing partner!

Because apparently I need backup!



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