Desert Queens Baths - Rudall River National Park WA
DQB is one of the highlights of the Rudall River National Park. The access drive is 18 kilometres of narrow, rough track that winds through the rocky Throssell Ranges. The track basically follows one of the many stoney valleys that are so typical of the Throssels. In many places the track had become overgrown by vegitation or cut deeply into the softer soils by water and wind erosion. A fire in late 2007 totally devestated the western most reaches of the track and burnt into the QDB gorge. This certainly cleared the area but the fire burnt scrub on has become a forest of tyre destroying stakes to be mindful of. The fire has also afforded a once in a generation opportunity to explore the surrounding countryside unhindered by spinifex, bloodwood and mulga.
The QDB campsite is now quite barren. There is a principal pool we know as "3 goanna's pool" only 50 metres inside the gorge. This is a permanant source of good water. The reason for its name becomes obvious if staring at the sheer overhanging rock wall at sunset (no other time of the day will do). There are three goanna petroglyphs engraved high on the wall that are only visible in the late afternoon.
The second major pool in is "Kangaroo Pool". There is a large Cave and rock art on the left hand side of the pool which is largly invisible unless you take the time to walk across the gorge, through the gums and actually find the place (only 30 metres or so). When looking for the Goannas in the arvo, turn around to the south and look down the gorge. Under where the shadows fall against the rock wall you'll see on the left 200 metres distant is where you'll find the caves and art.
There are actually a series of eight (8) pools that form the DQB four (4) of which are permanent and the rest semi-ephemeral dependant upon season. The first of this series is the most impressive in breadth and all require you to either swim across and clamber out the other side, or make like the mountain goat and climb around. Be warned that Pool three is deep and bloody chilly, getting very little warmth from the sun at any time during the day!
The upper reaches of the creek are shallow and sandy leading to an eventual 'pound' catchment area of several square kilometres. This is a fantastic spot to rest a while and wander the rugged ranges. It will hook you.
24 Sep 2008 18:55 Pyroyd
This place has some spetacular rock formations. The waterholes in the gorge are a great place for a swim. There are some interesting caves that were full of bats. We also found some large snake skins and some Aboriginal rock art. The camp ground was recently been burned out and is a rather bare and baron place. Suppose it will be like this until the next decent rain. July 08.
REGION: > WA > Rudall River National Park
Trk S off Telfer Mine Rd
Rudall River National Park WA 0
GPS:-22.46464,122.2613
GPS:S22 27 52,E122 15 40
GPS:S22 27.8784,E122 15.678
