- Chart AUS 727

Koolama Bay

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Falls

The King George River is at the head of Koolama Bay on the SW coast of Joseph Bonaparte Gulf just 210 nm southwest of Darwin. The River can be accessed from secure anchorages to the southeast (Seaplane Bay & the Berkeley Falls River) or to the northwest (Glycosmis Bay, Jim's Bay & Cape Talbot Bay) so that arrival can be timed for high tide. Anchorage due north of the river mouth is calm in south- easterlies and light sea breezes, and is useful if arriving in the bay at night. There are also anchorages off the sandy beaches on both the eastern and western sides of Koolama Bay providing protection from the easterlies and the north-westerly sea-breezes respectively. THE RIVER ENTRANCE The easiest entrance to the King George River is straight across the outer sandbars at high tide on a direct line between Lesueur Island light tower and the mouth of the river on a bearing of about 160oT. The channel can be clearly seen on the Air Photo of the river entrance between waypoint A at 13o 57.00'S, 127o 19.45’E and waypoint B at 13o 57.00'S 127o 19.45’E. The shallowest sandbars on this line, about 1nm from the river mouth, have about 0.5m water over them on a zero tide at Lesueur Is. At the river mouth there are pleasant anchorages either to the north or to the south of the sand spit. TIDE LEVELS The tide times and heights at the mouth of the river are the same as for Leseuer Island. The tidal cycle is a bit weird. Most days there is one high tide and one low tide (diurnal tides) with either a flat spot or a small high/low in the middle. On a few days of the month around the neap tides, there is a normal semi- diurnal tidal cycle. PLACES OF INTEREST Crocodiles have been sighted on the western beach at the mouth of the river and on the top of the beach and in the swamps behind the eastern beach. When cruising up the river, keep to the southwest side of the river for the first mile or so to avoid the shallow sandbars, then follow the outside of the bends.

Approximately 2 miles upstream there is a calm anchorage in the lee of the mangrove fringe protected from both the ESE and the seabreeze. This is the spot to leave the boat while heading up the shallow eastern arm in the dinghy to the foot of the waterfall.

The navy had rigged two heavy ropes on the face of the cliff (left) to assist people to climb the 25m up to the safe swimming hole at the top. If these ropes have been removed (as was the case in early 2006), access to the upper pool is via a rough climb commencing about 100 m downstream from the waterfall. Page 2 of 2

There are some interesting rocks, gorges and waterholes upstream of the first large deep pool, and of course there is a great view back onto the pool from higher up. Further up the gorge on the right hand side there is an amazing balancing rock (right) and about 1 km further on, there are four art galleries with art like this fine bradshaw action figure (left). There are plenty more rock art figures similar to this one in nearby gorges.

About 5 miles up the main river there is a sharp bend to the left immediately preceded by a gap in the mangroves with a sandy beach (left) and the overhanging cliffs behind the gap. The Darwin Stress Busters (right) have named this spot "Bar-b-q Beach" as there are handy flat rocks for tables, no bugs or mozzies, and some firewood available on the beach. There is usually a 3 m croc patrolling this section of the river so take care. Opposite the beach there is a spectacular narrow gorge with very cold water swimming holes. This gorge is a great place for lunch or to relax on a hot day. One mile further upstream the saltwater reach terminates in the 100 m high twin falls (left & right). From the anchorage, a short dinghy ride followed by a strenuous uphill climb over a rough track leads to the top of the falls where there are great views of the gorge downstream (right).

Upstream of the twin falls, there is good hiking on flat rocky country with many tranquil croc-free swimming holes such as the one pictured left. If the holes close to the falls are dry, there are always permanent holes about 1 km further upstream. Cattle, dingoes, kangaroos, rock wallabies, brolgas and abundant smaller bird life gather around the lagoons late in the season when the surrounding countryside is dry.

Back on the main river, there is a most beautiful "hanging garden" of maiden hair and herring-bone ferns on the eastern side of the eastern falls. The rock ledge in the eastern falls amphitheatre provides another shady "go ashore for a picnic" option. CONCLUSION The King George River is a "must see" for all cruisers heading up or down through the Kimberley. But, beware of the crocodiles! Crocs have been spotted between Koolama Bay and the base of the twin falls.