Searching for a Secret Spring, and myself...
Exploring the best swimming holes in The Kimberley, Western Australia
Tom knows I have a thing about waking up with a view; when possible. We’re still discovering each other’s quirks - most evident when we travel together!
It’s taken a painful divorce and being single again to get me thinking about what I want for myself. Not as a mother, wife, or daughter, just moi-même.
Who am I in this renewed relationship with myself?
“When we let ourselves feel, our inner-self transforms. When we act upon our Knowing and imagination, our outer world transforms.” Author Glennon Doyle writes in her brilliant book Untamed.
I’m finally learning to acknowledge and ask for what I want, I don’t find it easy. But I realise it’s the only way to honour ourselves, and for others to understand what’s important to us…
Like a good view!
Tom thoughtfully positions our gear ‘the right way around’ when we arrive at night… We wake under a Boab tree on a splendid Kununurra winter morning. Mid 20s, clear skies, large lizards sashay by, birds busy with their dawn chorus; our backdrop long grasses, native bush, and glimpses of the distinct rock formations of Mirima National Park. He’s a keeper.
We’re both keen to get out exploring - but first coffee!
![Mirima National Park in the distance, but coffee first!](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fccc4f217-d605-41e0-a775-08dcd8bcc497_1000x1000.jpeg)
![Mirima National Park in the distance, but coffee first!](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fac1eed77-ec2d-4c5a-a994-42f23e1c400f_1000x1000.jpeg)
Mirima National Park, Hidden Valley.
Our first stop Mirima National Park is on the outskirts of Kununurra; with stunning views over the East Kimberley, it’s accessible all year round.
It’s early in the day so still cool(ish). We walk all three gentle trails, perfect for easing into the awesomeness and spectacular colours of Meriwoong country. Birdsong ricochets off the ancient rock formations dating back 350 million years.
Chasing waterfalls at Ngamoowalen Conservation Park.
Over a cold one, we chat with a local at Hotel Kununurra, the pub’s buzzing. We mention our delight in exploring the waterfalls near Kununurra.
He gives us a knowing wink and a nod, and tells us to head past Black Rock Falls, in the Ngamoowalem Conservation Park, towards Secret Spring….
“Look for the Spring Creek turn-off, head down the dirt track, turn left before the water crossing, drive through 11 water crossings (I count 13), park, and follow the trail to Secret Springs! Use the rope to climb the rock face to get to the deeper pool.”
Right, we’ll give it a go!
From Kununurra, it takes us about 30 mins to the turn-off and then another 45 mins down the unsealed track. High clearance 4WD is a must to get through the rough and tumble track - crisscrossing the creek many times!
Found it!!! There’s a clearing where you can park, then just a short walk to a most picturesque oasis amongst palms and pandanus. WOW!
The waterfall flows at right angles down the cliff into the sparkling, clear pool below - keep your eyes open for darling little fish darting by.
Feeling fit? Grab the rope and climb up the waterfall; pass an imposing, red rock cliff-face to discover a deep, dark pool and waterfall above; then keep climbing for more pools if you’re game!
![Exploring Spring Creek near Kununurra, Western Australia](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3897fbb4-4f48-49c0-8a5b-d1b8e2b746e3_1000x1000.jpeg)
![Exploring Spring Creek near Kununurra, Western Australia](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff980f69f-f347-4e50-a4a3-de0dbc5d82e2_1000x1000.jpeg)
![Exploring Spring Creek near Kununurra, Western Australia](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F9c59f98b-de5e-4a84-89f5-311e0991cb6a_1000x1000.jpeg)
![Exploring Spring Creek near Kununurra, Western Australia](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4f1db3c1-1dd0-478f-914d-d66a392ae66f_1000x1000.jpeg)
We’re the only ones here. Total bliss! It’s hard to leave this ‘secret’ spot but as the sun starts to dip we need to head off - don’t want to be stuck on that trail in the dark!
My heart is full; I know I want more of days like this!
“In all things of nature, there is something of the marvellous” Aristotle
Happy exploring amigos xxx
Mirima National Park
Park information, fees and pass here.
Aboriginal Guided Tours: Waringarri Aboriginal Arts, explore rock art and learn about traditional plant uses.
Spring Creek aka Secret Creek
Drive: Approximately 30 kms from Kununurra, off Parry Creek Rd. Took us just over an hour each way.
Access: High clearance 4WD only, no camping, no dogs, no overnight parking allowed, road may be closed in the wet season.
Nearby: Valentine Spring, Barndawooba, Middle Spring, Mayiba, Black Rock Fall Thegooyeng and Molly Spring, Galjiba
Please be crocwise, respect sites with cultural significance; and be mindful that insect repellent & sunscreen are a no-no when swimming in falls and waterholes.
Do you love wild swimming?