Australia National Parks

WA Broome National Parks

Geikie Gorge National Park

The Geikie Gorge National Park, situated 16km from Fitzroy Crossing, covers an area of 3,136ha. This exquisite gorge has been formed by the Fitzroy River, which over the years has sliced through an ancient limestone barrier reef it is 14km long and approximately 30m high. Flood action reaching a height of 16m above the normal level has left the cliffs white and fossil deposits are visible.

Geikie Gorge contains permanent fresh water throughout its length and supports sawfish, stingrays, freshwater crocodiles and many other varieties of fish, bird life and animals. A Cruise up the Gorge with one of the Park Rangers will offer an insight into the park's features as well as a relaxing view of nature at work.

The park normally opens in early to mid April after the mighty Fitzroy River has subsided.

Daily boat tours of the Gorge leave at 9.00am and 3.00pm sharp. (April October). Private watercraft are not allowed in the Gorge immediately prior to these tours. Half day Aboriginal tours conducted by Darngku Heritage Tours include a gorge cruise.

Windjana Gorge National Park

The Windjana Gorge National Park, covering an area of 2,134ha, consists of a 3.5km long gorge formed by the Lennard River, which snakes its way through an ancient limestone reef, approximately 350 million years old.

The river only flows for short periods in the Green Season and isolated pools support an abundance of animals including birds and fish. Freshwater crocodiles can often be seen sunning themselves in the afternoon.

With its sheer cliffs, water and natural vegetation, Windjana Gorge offers a number of interesting walks, and the opportunity to closely examine the barrier reef which was formed under the ocean in the Devonian geological period. Trailside signs interpret features in the gorge and on the savannah grassland outside. Access to the Park is via a good dry weather gravel and dirt road. In the Green Season, check with the Shire of Derby West Kimberley or the Derby Tourist Bureau for road weather conditions. From April to October, Rangers are based at Windjana Gorge. The camping facilities provided include toilets, showers and rubbish bins. There are separate areas for camping, caravans and coach tours. Power is not available but wood can be purchased from the ranger to whom a camping fee of $5 must be paid. Light aircraft access available.

Tunnel Creek National Park

Situated 184km east of Derby, the Tunnel Creek National Park extends over a 91ha area. Although small compared to other Kimberley parks, it offers the unique opportunity to explore a creek as it tunnels through the Napier Range, south of Windjana Gorge.

The tunnel is 750m long and contains permanent pools of fresh water. For those carrying a torch, the walk through to the other entrance is fascinating and includes a short wade through cold water. The walk is broken into two parts by a roof collapse from the top of the range about half way, offering extra light and fresh air. Near the North entrance to the tunnel cave paintings can be seen and at the other, the black dolorite and basalt rocks used by the natives for making stone axes. Tunnel Creek is classed as a "day visit" only park and visitors are requested not to camp.

Pigeons Cave at Tunnel Creek was the hideout of an Aboriginal outlaw who was active in the region between 1894 an 1897.

Pigeon Heritage Trail features sites of significance in the life of the Aboriginal outlaw Jandamaura better known as "Pigeon".

Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater National Park

130km south of Halls Creek on the Tanami Road, is Wollfe Creek Meteorite Crater National Park, covering an area of 1 460 ha. Formed by a giant meteorite. which crashed to earth thousands of years ago, the crater measures 800m wide and 25m deep. The second largest meteorite crater in the world access can be gained by an unsealed road off Highway 1. The road is generally passable from May to November but a check with the Halls Creek Shire Office for a road condition report is recommended throughout the year.

Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungle)

This 3000 square km National Park is hailed as one of Australia s greatest natural wonders.

The ecology of the park is very delicately balanced and the striped beehive like rock formations are extremely fragile. They have thin outerskins of black lichen and orange silica which, if broken, will expose the soft sandstone beneath to the torrential rains of the green season resulting in erosion.

Vegetation in the area contrasts from unique Bungle Bungle Fan Palm, to tough eucalypts and spinifex in the plains. and open areas.

At the southern end of the park is Piccaninny Creek where the spectacular formations and side gorges are awe-inspiring.

Vehicle access is extremely difficult and limited to 4WD with good clearance. No caravans or trailers allowed.

Visitors are requested to stay on authorized tracks. New tracks can cause huge erosion gullies in the Green Season, destroying large tracts of land and preventing access. Due to seasonality and the fragility of internal roads, this national park is closed during January, February and March. The period may be extended dependent on weather conditions.

There are three camping areas inside the park, Kurrajong, Walardi and Bellburn. All have drinking water, and toilets and Bellburn is specifically used by tour operators.

Visitors are asked to be self sufficient and refrain from lighting camp fires and take all rubbish with them.

Mirima National Park

This National Park covers an area of 1817ha and is adjacent to the Kununurra township. Often described as a mini Bungle Bungle, it is a rugged area of sandstone hills and valleys approximately 300 million years old.

Mirima National Park is of great significance to the Aboriginal people in the area and examples of ancient Aboriginal rock art can be found there.

There are several pleasant walks marked along the valley and ridges, which offer spectacular views of both the Park and Kununurra.