This is the principal pool at the mouth of the Desert Queens Baths
gorge not far from the
campsite.
This spot is only 50 metres inside
the gorge and is a permanent source of good water. The name is due to the 3 goanna petroglyphs engraved high on
the rock wall that are only visible in the late afternoon (see photos). When looking for the goannas in the afternoon, turn around to the south and look down
the gorge approx 200m to a spot below where the shadows fall against
the rock for caves and
rock art.
The pool itself is about 70 metres long and 20 wide. It is sheltered on the western side by sheer
rock walls of
the gorge and shaded by white trunked eucalypts.
If you wish, you can continue up
the gorge from here to explore more pools deeper within
the gorge. Once past this stretch of water you have a walk of over 1.5 km across the rocky creek floor jumping from boulder to
rock until you get to the first of many
rock pools.
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 largely invisible unless you take the time to walk across
the gorge, through the gums and actually find the place (only 30 metres or so).
Be warned that Pool three is deep and chilly, getting very little warmth from the sun at any time during the day!
There are actually a series of eight (8) pools; four (4) of which are permanent and the rest semi-ephemeral dependant upon season.
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.