Murchison Gorge – 10th Year Sober Celebration, ‘Adventure with Purpose’ Charity Hike

Adventure with Purpose

Murchison River Gorge Hike

Celebrating Chelle's remarkable 10-year milestone of sobriety, this charity trail adventure invites you to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Kalbarri National Park while making a meaningful impact. Drawing from our extensive experience organizing charity hikes, including memorable adventures like the Camino Salvado - The Pilgrim Trail and 9 Waterfalls in 9 Days, we've crafted an experience that blends adventure with philanthropy. Each step along the Murchison River Gorge Walk is not just a trek; it's a journey of personal growth and community support.

Chelle's personal story adds a profound layer to this expedition. As a young, 13-year-old girl, she first walked the Murchison River Gorge, completely numb from the effects of family domestic abuse, tinkering on the edge of life and was struggling with addiction. This multi-day hiking experience provided solace and to a certain extent, saved her life, although the trials and tribulations were not yet over. You can read all about Chelle's personal story in the latest 'That's Life' magazine here.

Overcoming a 23-year battle with addiction at the age of 35, she found solace and strength in the outdoors, making this hike a celebration of resilience and transformation. Walking through the ancient gorges once more, where her journey began, symbolizes a full-circle moment of healing, walking through the gorges a strong, independent, empowered woman.

The 38km trail from Ross Graham Lookout to Natures Window offers a challenging yet rewarding adventure through the dramatic landscape of Kalbarri National Park. With no marked trail or route, walkers will find ample opportunities to test their skills, fully guided of course by an experienced guide and fully supported by a team on standby. This is such a great opportunity to immerse oneself in the ancient gorges and stunning formations shaped by the Murchison River. Kalbarri National Park surrounds the lower reaches of the Murchison River, which has cut a magnificent 80km gorge through the million-year-old red and white-banded sandstone to create formations such as Nature’s Window and The Loop, Z-Bend, and Hawks Head.

This is your special invitation to walk with Chelle and her team, following in the footsteps of the Nhanda people through Nhanda Yamatji Country. Consider joining us on this meaningful journey to celebrate personal milestones, connect with nature, and make a positive impact on the community.

You can read all about the amazing adventures below!

Day 1/2 - Murchison Gorge River Walk - Ross Graham Lookout to Hawks Head

On the inaugural day of the Murchison Gorge River Walk, the adventure began with an exhilarating overnight hike through the breathtaking Murchison Gorge. With the river levels unusually high, the team faced the challenge of navigating six river crossings during the 11-kilometre return hike from the Rath Graham Lookout. The crossings and muddy banks made for slow progress, but the group tackled it with determination and enthusiasm.

The surprising warmth of the day left some using more water than anticipated, but nearby running creeks and river rapids provided a welcome solution. Supplies were safely replenished with filtered water, ensuring everyone stayed hydrated. The team set up camp just below Hawke's Head Lookout, nestled beside the fast-flowing rapids. The soothing sounds of rushing water, paired with a starry night sky illuminated by the Milky Way, created a serene and magical setting. A warm campfire brought everyone together, adding to the sense of camaraderie and adventure.

As heavy rain loomed, the group reluctantly made their way out of the gorge, cutting the hike short but grateful for the breathtaking beauty and ruggedness of Murchison. Highlights of the trek included unforgettable encounters with kangaroos, eagles, black swans, and echidnas, all framed by a stunning, ever-changing landscape of white gum trees and ancient rock formations. This was an adventure that truly embodied the spirit of perseverance and connection with nature.

Day 3 - Birgurda Trail, Kalbarri National Park

On day three, our team embarked on a breathtaking sunset hike along the Bigurda Trail, an 8-kilometer coastal walk in Kalbarri National Park. Known for its dramatic limestone cliffs towering up to 100 meters above the Indian Ocean, the trail provided awe-inspiring views at every step. We began at Eagle Gorge, winding our way towards Natural Bridge, passing iconic lookouts like Island Rock, Shell House, Grandstand, and the stunning Natural Bridge Boardwalk. The trail, which follows the rugged coastline, offered a feast for the senses. Alongside the native flora, which thrives in this arid environment, we spotted bigurdas (small kangaroos) and were delighted to witness playful humpback whales on their annual migration north.

The Bigurda Trail, a moderate Class 3 hike, showcases the park's geology and cultural heritage, with its name honoring the local Nanda people. The camaraderie and resilience of our team made the experience all the more memorable. Special thanks to Caroline, Cynthia, Dylan, Lucy, and Amber for their incredible effort and enthusiasm. A heartfelt shoutout to our support crew, Dave, Sophie, and Dylan, who ensured smooth logistics and allowed us to fully embrace this unforgettable trail.

Day 4 - The Loop Trail, Kalbarri National Park

On the fourth and final day, a deeply significant moment as Chelle celebrated 10 years of sobriety, she and Dave embarked on the Loop Trail in Kalbarri National Park. Recently reopened after flooding, the trail was unexpectedly prolific with over a dozen breathtaking waterfalls, adding a magical touch to an already iconic hike. The 9-kilometer loop began at the renowned Nature’s Window and followed a spectacular route along the Murchison River. This trail showcases the region’s dramatic red and white banded rock gorges, shaped by centuries of erosion. Tackling the technical terrain in a clockwise direction offered solitude and a unique perspective, with narrow paths and steep drop-offs adding to the adventure.

Despite being winter, the day warmed up quickly, and jackets came off early in the hike. The abundant freshwater resources from the waterfalls proved invaluable for replenishing supplies, especially for those underprepared. Experiencing the trail in winter brought a special charm, with cooler temperatures and flowing water enhancing the natural beauty. This unforgettable hike, set against the backdrop of stunning waterfalls and rugged landscapes, was the perfect culmination of a decade of resilience, growth, and connection to nature.

Chelle’s journey on this trail mirrored her personal transformation—a testament to the healing and restorative power of the outdoors.

A Heartfelt Thank You and Final Fundraiser Update!

I want to extend a massive thank you to everyone who donated, shared, liked, and commented on our journey. Although we didn't quite reach our $10k target, I am absolutely blown away by the generosity shown, especially during these challenging times. This fundraiser has been my largest to date, and it warms my heart to see so many people come together to support this cause.

After tallying up the donations, I'm thrilled to announce that, after GoFundMe's fees, we raised a total of $5,524.90 for Hello Sunday Morning. This amazing organization helps people change their relationship with alcohol, one Sunday at a time. For those who didn't know, Hello Sunday Morning played a crucial role in the beginning of my sobriety.

As I reflect on the incredible journey of the last 10 years, I’ve decided that this will be the last charity hike I hold as part of my annual events. It's time to make space for new experiences and focus on other creative opportunities. Life is precious, and I want to maximize every moment moving forward, so this marks the beginning of new celebrations.

I am incredibly grateful to all who have supported me throughout these years.