Just a few minutes out of town on The Curry Road (road to East to the town of Cloncurry) you will find a turn of on your right for Warrigal Water - home to some lovely Kalkadoon Rock Art. Mount Isa and it's surrounding area has been home to the Kalkadoon People for many thousands of years. They were known by other indigineous clans to be "Fearsome Warriors" - for more information on the Kalkadoon People refer: Kalkadoon History by Chern'ee Sutton
Once you pass through the gates (Please remember to shut them as this land is a working property with cattle) take the left turn and continue on. This track is safest travelled by a 4wd. If you have the time - look around the other tracks you see - you may find something interesting.
Following is ALOT of photos that I have accumlated over the years and I have put them altogether into one blog. You will see the waterhole in some images with water and at the end of the blog - sadly, it is empty. With no real promise of rain this wet season, it may be a while before it is full again.
Please remember - that if you chose to visit the waterhole; DO NOT leave your rubbish behind, DO NOT take anything but photos and always leave the gates as you find them.
The Road to The Waterhole
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| This tree was most likely struck by lightning during a storm - it is fortunate that it did not catch fire and burn off what is left of the precious feed for grazing cattle. Over to the right you can just see the stacks from town and a little further over is the 'Lollypop" (BOM Radar tower) |
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| It never ceases to amaze me when we find what is left of cars on our travels. The roads are hard enough in a 4wd - can you imagine what it must of been like to travel on virtually no roads at all in these old lovely cars! |
The Waterhole
Once you have travelled the 4km (there abouts) from the bitumen - you will come to a smallish parking area. From here, head toward the top of the waterhole. When it rains this area will flow and create a waterfall to the waterhole below.
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| As you head further through the rocks to the top of the waterhole - you will pass this lovely rock formation. I have been told that this is solidified lava flow - but I am not so sure - if you know what it is - could you please send me a message and let me know. |
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| From here is only a few more steps to look over into the waterhole - and get your first glimpse of some wonderful Kalkadoon Rock Art |
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The Waterhole - it is from this point if you look to your left you will see a large Kalkadoon Warrior and a smaller one painted on the rocks.
To get the Waterhole from the "Back"
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| This riverbed leads to the Waterhole - it also flows when there has been some rain |
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| From the edge of the waterhole looking up to the top of the waterhole - you will need to look around carefully as there is quite alot of rock art to be found, it is however all on that far wall that you cannot get to when the waterhole is full |
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| This is what the waterhole looks like when it is virtually empty. As you can see my kids (6 & 8) are pretty much dwarfed by its size. |
Rock Art
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| The most easily viewed piece of rockart - a large Kalkadoon Warrior and a smaller one |
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| The two Kalkadoon Warriors - but taken from a different angle and time of day - you can also see a rock carving on the left. |
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| Technically not a rock painting - but my kids call this spider an "Indigenous Spider" due to his markings. He really is quite pretty - and if you know what sort of spider he is - please let me know |
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| Emu Prints - Markings by the Kalkadoon People to let other tribes know this is "Emu Province" or Kalkadoon Land - Do Not Trespass |
The Road "Around the Back" of the Waterhole
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| To get to the back or bottom of the waterhole - you will need to continue on the dirt track around the rocky hill - at the bottom you will find a lovely open area, that is a great place for picnic and when then water if flowing it is a great place to spend a hot summers day - get in quick though - it it quite popular. |
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| The view from the top of the rocky outcrop that you drive around to get to the bottom of the waterhole |
From the Belly of Waterhole at Night
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| A passing satelitte |
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