Mid West Attractions
The coastal area round Geraldton, north of Perth, attracts many visitors. Geraldton, the 'Sun City', is a favorite holiday center, particularly during the cool, rainy winter of the south, and large new resort complexes have been developed in recent years. Off the coasts of the central mid-west region is a chain of islands and reefs. To the south of Geraldton is the old pioneer settlement of Greenough, which was soon abandoned because agriculture in this area proved unproductive but has now been well restored. To the north of Geraldton is Kalbarri National Park, with impressive cliffs and rock formations on the coast, scenic gorges on the Murchison River flanked by walls of multi-colored sandstone and a sea of wild flowers after rain. Inland are endless monotonous expanses of grazing land, punctuated by windmills drawing up the necessary water supply.
Badgingarra National Park
13,100ha.
The park is an area of gently undulating areas of sand covered with heath vegetation which flowers in spring. In the park is found the rare kangaroo paw plant along with relics of a wetter flora of the past.
There is good walking along the fire-breaks round and through the park; otherwise there are no tracks. There is a 2km long wildflower trail.
The park is an area of gently undulating areas of sand covered with heath vegetation which flowers in spring. In the park is found the rare kangaroo paw plant along with relics of a wetter flora of the past.
There is good walking along the fire-breaks round and through the park; otherwise there are no tracks. There is a 2km long wildflower trail.
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Kalbarri, Australia
Kalbarri (pop. 2900) is a popular holiday resort which has been growing rapidly in recent years. Situated at the mouth of the winding Murchison River, with constant sunshine, the nearby Kalbarri National Park with its spectacular gorges, good fishing and an extraordinary abundance of wild flowers, the town is attracting increasing numbers of visitors.
Kalbarri National Park
Kalbarri National Park takes in an area of magnificent country on both sides of the Murchison River with awe-inspiring gorges and wide sandy plains. The windings of the river have cut deep into the sandstone. There are tracks leading to a number of fine viewpoints with a prospect of sheer sandstone walls and gorges up to 150m deep (the Loop/Nature's Window, Z Bend, Hawk's Head Lookout, Ross Graham Lookout).
On the coast south of the estuary of the Murchison River (on which canoeing is possible after rain) and the town of Kalbarri are imposing cliffs, which also continue northward, outside the National Park, to Shark Bay. They demonstrate the effects of erosion (Red Bluff, Mushroom Rock, Rainbow Valley, Pot Alley Gorge, Eagle Gorge, Shell House, Island Rock, Natural Bridge). In summer it can be very hot, and long climbing trips should not be undertaken at this time of year. Rain falls mainly in winter (June/July), after which the wild flowers blossom.
From the parking lots there are short signposted paths to various viewpoints and longer waymarked trails.
The roads within the park are unsurfaced tracks, but perfectly negotiable.
(Mid West)
186,000ha.Kalbarri National Park takes in an area of magnificent country on both sides of the Murchison River with awe-inspiring gorges and wide sandy plains. The windings of the river have cut deep into the sandstone. There are tracks leading to a number of fine viewpoints with a prospect of sheer sandstone walls and gorges up to 150m deep (the Loop/Nature's Window, Z Bend, Hawk's Head Lookout, Ross Graham Lookout).
On the coast south of the estuary of the Murchison River (on which canoeing is possible after rain) and the town of Kalbarri are imposing cliffs, which also continue northward, outside the National Park, to Shark Bay. They demonstrate the effects of erosion (Red Bluff, Mushroom Rock, Rainbow Valley, Pot Alley Gorge, Eagle Gorge, Shell House, Island Rock, Natural Bridge). In summer it can be very hot, and long climbing trips should not be undertaken at this time of year. Rain falls mainly in winter (June/July), after which the wild flowers blossom.
From the parking lots there are short signposted paths to various viewpoints and longer waymarked trails.
The roads within the park are unsurfaced tracks, but perfectly negotiable.
Department of Conservation and Land Management Midwest Regional Office
Box 72
Geraldton, WA 6530
Australia
Box 72
Geraldton, WA 6530
Australia
Best time to visit: winter and spring.
Access from the south, on Brand Highway; from the north, on North West Coastal Highway; or on road running through the park from Kalbarri. Flights from Perth and Geraldton; coach tours from Perth and Kalbarri.
Warning: Swimmers should beware of sudden high waves on the cliff-fringed coast, and walkers should keep away from the edges of the cliffs, which tend to be crumbly.
No camping in park. No drinking water. Open fires prohibited.
Meekatharra, Australia
Meekatharra (pop. 1000) was formerly of importance as the railhead for cattle which had been driven here from the tropical north. Later it prospered from the working of copper, gold and other minerals; and it is now the administrative center for the surrounding cattle and sheep farming area and a base of the Flying Doctor Service (259, Baedeker Special).
The airport, with a 2000m long runway, is an alternative airport for Perth.
The Royal Mail Hotel (1899) recalls the heyday of the gold boom.
The airport, with a 2000m long runway, is an alternative airport for Perth.
The Royal Mail Hotel (1899) recalls the heyday of the gold boom.
Morawa, Australia
This little town of Morawa is the commercial center of a wheat-growing area in the Mid West. It is famed for its brilliant show of wild flowers in spring.
The features of most interest are Holy Cross Church, designed and built by the priest and architect John Hawes (along with other churches in and around Geraldton), and the little hermitage behind it, which looks like a miniature church.
The features of most interest are Holy Cross Church, designed and built by the priest and architect John Hawes (along with other churches in and around Geraldton), and the little hermitage behind it, which looks like a miniature church.
Morawa Tourist Information Centre
34 Winfield Street
Morawa, WA 6623
Australia
34 Winfield Street
Morawa, WA 6623
Australia
Mount Magnet, Australia
The old gold-mining town of Mount Magnet (pop. 1000) has benefited in recent years from the reopening of some of the old mines (e.g. the Hill 50 Mine, previously worked from 1897 to 1915). Pastoral farming also makes a contribution to the local economy. The town lies at the intersection of the Great Northers Highway with the road running west via Mullewa to Geraldton.
To the north of the town, at the Granites (rest area), are aboriginal rock drawings.
To the north of the town, at the Granites (rest area), are aboriginal rock drawings.
Tathra National Park
4300ha.
Tathra National Park, which is surrounded by arable land, was established to protect the natural heath vegetation and woodlands on the sandy plains. It has a profusion of wild flowers, including rare species.
Tathra National Park, which is surrounded by arable land, was established to protect the natural heath vegetation and woodlands on the sandy plains. It has a profusion of wild flowers, including rare species.
Yalgoo, Australia
On the road from Geraldton to Mount Magnet, is the little township of Yalgoo (pop. 430), which after the finding of gold here in the late 19th C became an important center in the Murchison goldfields. Occasional nuggets of gold are still found in the area, and the old Emerald Mine has been reopened, leading to an increase in population.
Features of interest are the old courthouse and a Dominican chapel (restored).
Features of interest are the old courthouse and a Dominican chapel (restored).
