Follow the Red Dirt Road: Feral Invaders

As one travels through this vast country it is hard not to be a little disheartened by destruction of the wilderness caused by introduced pests like rabbits, foxes, cats, cane toads and tourists. Even in the remotest parts of the country, like the Mitchell Plateau, you can find them by the dozen if you know when and where to look. By day, they venture forth in small groups in search of scenic attractions. By night, they cluster in large mobs within safe distance of amenities blocks.

We should know, we are part of the invasion.

Like so many times before on this trip, we arrived somewhere 'remote' only to find a campsite full of fellow tourists all intent on walking for an hour down a rough track to watch water fall over a cliff. In this case, a lot of water fall over three big and beautiful cliffs. The Mitchell Falls campsite had one cacophonous difference, a helicopter base with four choppers making regular, noisy trips to the falls and beyond.

The intrusive presence of the choppers certainly divided opinion among the campers. Some thought that they diminished the whole experience of walking to and viewing the falls. Others thought that they were an exciting way to see the falls from the best vantage point. While we certainly agreed that the presence of helicopters detracted from wilderness experience, so did the throngs of people and their four wheel drives and camper trailers. Its all a matter of degree. In the end we decided to drop any pretence of being pinkogreenies and opted for an extended flight down to Admiralty Gulf, over Crystal Head and back up the Mitchell River to the falls. The walk back from the falls gave us the opportunity for swimming in some creeks and viewing some more of the fascinating Bradbury art. The whole day was as exciting and spectacular as it was selfish and decadent. Lord make me environmentally pure, but not just yet.

We'll see you when the dust settles.