Danggu (Geikie Gorge) is a spectacular gorge carved by the Bandaralngarri (
Fitzroy River) through an ancient Devonian
limestone reef about 20km north-east of
Fitzroy Crossing. The towering
limestone walls rise above the river, with distinctive pale sections showing where seasonal floodwaters have scoured
the rock.Danggu is the Bunuba name for
the gorge and means “the area where the
water is very deep under the
cave”. Bunuba people are the Traditional Owners and jointly manage Danggu National
Park with the Parks and Wildlife Service.
The gorge and surrounding ranges are remnants of an ancient barrier reef formed around 350 million years ago when this part of the
Kimberley lay beneath a tropical sea. During the wet season the
Fitzroy River can become an enormous, fast-flowing river, while in the dry season it retreats to deep pools and quieter stretches beneath
the gorge walls. Freshwater crocodiles inhabit the river and a variety of birdlife can be seen around
the gorge.2023 flood damage and current accessRecord flooding associated with ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie in January 2023 caused extensive damage throughout Danggu National
Park. Floodwaters destroyed or damaged the former
ranger base,
boat ramp, floating jetty, car
park, paths, shelters,
toilets and other visitor
infrastructure. More than 1,000 tonnes of rubble and
debris were subsequently removed from the riverbank.The
park reopened to day visitors in 2024 following initial recovery works and is currently open with limited facilities, including a car
park and
toilets. Visitors must remain within the designated visitor-use area.The former
ranger-operated Geikie Gorge boat tours have not operated since the 2023 floods. Although surveys indicate the river may again be deep enough for boating, further assessment of the riverbank, launching area and river conditions is required before safe vessel launching and tour operations can be determined.Recovery and redevelopment are continuing in consultation with Bunuba Traditional Owners. Planning for new visitor
infrastructure is scheduled through 2025–26, with new visitor facilities proposed from 2026–27. Future boating access and visitor experiences will depend on the outcome of these assessments and planning.At present, the main way to experience Danggu is on foot from the day-use area. A short walking trail follows an uneven sandy riverbank and provides
views into
the gorge, its
limestone walls, river environment and wildlife.Access from
Fitzroy Crossing is via a sealed road and 4WD is not normally required. No
camping or overnight stays are permitted within the
park and there is currently no
park entry fee. Conditions and available facilities may change as flood recovery works continue, so visitors should check current DBCA
park alerts before travelling.Geikie Gorge was given its European name in 1883. The name comes from Sir Archibald Geikie, the Director General of Geological Survey for Great Britain and Ireland. The traditional owners call
the gorge Darngku.