National
Parks, Camping and Walking Trails around Western Australia
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Visitor
Information Centre at Karijini National Park Western Australia Camping in Western Australia's National Parks By: Jill Harrison Author Bio here The stars of the Milky Way shine down on us like a million sparkling diamonds on a cloth of black velvet. The total silence and stillness of the night air envelope us in their soft embrace. The Aboriginal people have many stories about the stars and how they came to be there, but I am just enjoying the peace I find sitting here in my camp chair gazing up at the universe above. We are camped in the Karijini National Park in the heart of Western Australia’s Pilbara Region, one of around 164 national parks and reserves that spread across Western Australia, from the Bungle Bungle Range (Purnululu) in the far North East Kimberley, to Cape Leeuwin in the South West corner and Eucla National Park on the South Australian border. The WA Department
of Environment and Conservation (DEC) manages more than 27 million
hectares of national, marine and conservation parks, state forests,
nature and recreation reserves containing some of the most stunning
natural treasures, an extensive network of camp sites and walk trails.
Their location ensures you can experience coral reefs and pristine
beaches, towering forests and tumbling rivers, mountain ranges and
savannah, sand dunes and deserts, rugged gorges and wilderness areas
and a chance to escape from the stresses of modern urban living. What
better way to relax than to sleep under a canopy of stars and wake
up to the sound of birdsong! Whilst not all parks allow camping or camping is restricted to designated sites, many include well maintained walk trails. Some attract a daily visitor fee for entry, or a small camping fee, however, the most economical way is to purchase an annual or four-week holiday pass. All monies go to park maintenance of facilities and the provision of new safety equipment. The most famous walking tracks are the 1,000 kilometre Bibbulmun Track from Armadale near Perth to Albany on the south coast, and the Cape to Cape Track, which stretches 135 kilometres between Cape Naturalist and Cape Leeuwin in the south west corner. For those who prefer peddle power, the Munda Biddi Trail runs 320 kilometres from the Perth hills to Collie. The Dryandra Woodland near Narrogin offers a bridle path, as well as walking and cycle trails. City dwellers and visitors to Perth don’t have to go far to find somewhere to relax and enjoy natural environments. DEC has a number of parks within close proximity to Perth. One of these is Herdsman Lake, a significant bird breeding area only seven kilometres from the Perth CBD. The pathway encircling the lake is suitable for wheelchair users. The State’s oldest parks, the Yanchep National Park, nestled in tuart and banksia woodland, 45 minutes north of Perth, known for its caves, boating, wildlife and walk trails. The Avon Valley National Park near Toodyay features forests and granite outcrops and the Avon River, which attracts canoeists in winter and the Avon Descent race in August. Some of the state’s most spectacular scenery is found in the remote parts of the Kimberley Region. One of these is the rugged wilderness area, the Mitchell River National Park, which features the spectacular gorges and waterfalls of the Mitchell Plateau (Ngauwudu). Only accessible by helicopter, boat or high clearance 4WD, the track is often impassable especially during the wet season (November to May). Visitors are warned to check road conditions with local shires and to carry all provisions. Its most famous attraction is the four-tiered Mitchell Falls. Accessed only by foot or by air, the falls and the plateau are one of the most remote and inaccessible regions of Australia. More easily accessible, although only by 4WD, is Purnululu National Park south of Kununurra near the Northern Territory border. The orange and black bee-hive like sandstone mounds of the Bungle Bungle Range which towers 300 metres over the surrounding plains is one of the most fascinating landmarks in Western Australia. There are few facilities and no accommodation, so visitors must carry all food, water and fuel however, camping here will provide a remote wilderness experience. One of the most remote national parks in Australia is the Rudall River National Park, between the Great Sandy and Little Sandy Deserts. Covering around 1.5 million hectares, it is WA’s largest national park. A central rocky area lies between the sand ridges of these deserts. The Rudall River is a major watercourse with reliable water sources however, you should not visit the park unless you are well prepared and carry all supplies. South of Karijini is Mount Augustus (Burringurrah), a solitary rock eight kilometres long which rises 717 metres high above a stony, red sand plain of arid scrubland. It is about twice the size of Uluru (Ayers Rock). There are short and full day walks to view the rock formations, creek beds and Aboriginal rock art work. Camping is not permitted in the park however, accommodation, caravan and camping sites are available at Mount Augustus Outback Tourist Resort. From here you can drive further north to Cape Range National Park and the Ningaloo Marine Park in the North-West Cape Peninsula. The Ningaloo Reef which stretches 260 kilometres along the coast and covers 5,000 square kilometres, is the jewel of WA’s Coral Coast. It is one of the largest fringing coral reefs in the world, home to 250 species of coral and 500 species of fish, and a prime conservation and sanctuary area, as well as one of Australia’s great nature based tourism locations. It is also one of the few places where you can swim with the world’s biggest fish, the Whale Shark which visits Ningaloo Reef from late March until July each year following the mass spawning of coral. In the central wheatbelt near Narrogin is the Dryandra Woodland, one of the largest remaining woodland areas in the wheatbelt. There are seven walk trails suitable for all levels of fitness, ranging from one to 13 kilometres and a 27 kilometre trail for horse riders. Dryandra’s woodlands of white-barked wandoo, powderbark, brown mallet and thickets of rock sheoak are a prime habitat for birds and native animals. DEC’s Western Shield project, “Return to Dryandra”, is re-introducing endangered species to the wild through breeding programs. In the Warren Area which centres around Pemberton in the South West, visitors can explore towering karri forests, walk along tumbling rivers and discover exquisite wildflowers in the understorey of the Beedelup, Gloucester, Warren and Shannon National Parks. Climbing Gloucester Tree and Bicentennial Tree will give you a birds’ eye view, 60 metres above the ground. The pristine beauty, D’Entrecasteaux National Park, features spectacular coastal cliffs, beaches, rivers, lakes and heath lands and the Yeagarup Dune, a huge moving inland sand dune. Further along the south coast is the Walpole Nornalup National Park. The vast landscape of the Walpole Wilderness Area is an important component of the biodiversity hotspot. Old jarrah, karri and tingle forests surround granite peaks, rivers, coastal heath, wetlands and inlets, overlooking sandy beaches, sheer coastal cliffs and the Southern Ocean. The Valley of Giants is the most popular destination for visitors to the area. A boardwalk meanders along the forest floor beneath towering tingle “giants”, whilst a 38 metes high Tree Top Walk takes you through the forest canopy. North of Albany the towering peaks of the Stirling Ranges National Park rise dramatically from the surrounding coastal farmland, spreading over 64 kilometres and providing some of the best mountain walking in WA. Over 15,000 plant species grow in the park. A scenic drive along gravel roads takes you through the park, and well-marked tracks provide plenty for bushwalkers, wildflower and bird enthusiasts to explore. The 1,095-metre climb to the top of Stirling’s tallest peak, Bluff Knoll, rewards you with spectacular 360-degree views from the south coast to the north and across the length of the ranges. A boardwalk around the carpark area enables wheelchair access so that everyone can enjoy the views. East of Esperance on the south east coast is the Cape Le Grand National Park and Cape Arid National Park characterised by wild coastal scenery, white sandy pristine beaches and rugged granite peaks. Cape Arid National Park includes south-western and more arid vegetation types, providing a broad array of bird habitats supporting more than 160 bird species, making it an important park for bird conservation. The most south eastern park is Eucla National Park on the edge of the Great Australian Bight. Highlights include the vast Delisser Sandhills and awesome coastal views from the limestone cliffs at Wilson Bluff. Western Australia’s National Parks spread from desert sands to coastal corals. By visiting them you are sure to be immersed in the natural beauty of this vast State. Trip Notes A high clearance 4WD is recommended for parks in remote areas as tracks may become impassable, especially during the wet season (November to May in the North West), so visitors are warned to check road conditions with local shires first. Depending on the remoteness of the park, walks can take from 30 minutes to all day, even overnight. It is important to research before you go. Many of them are only recommended for the physically fit. Contact local Visitor Information Centres or DEC offices for updated information. Some parks provide Camp Hosts to assist visitors during busy periods. General hints
for safe bush walking Minimum Impact
Code Travellers to
remote areas are advised to attend one of DEC's Bushcraft Courses.
The course provides a basic understanding of the skills required to
survive in the outback, and how to prevent a mishap becoming a disaster.
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