Windjana Gorge National Park
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2100ha.
High jagged limestone walls line the gorge cut by the Lennard River through the Napier Range. The hills - remnants of a reef of the Devonian period, when much of the northwest was covered by a tropical sea - rise to 90m above the surrounding plain. During the wet season in the tropical summer the river becomes a raging torrent and floods the national park. The park can therefore be visited only during the dry winter, though even during the dry season the river leaves pools of cool water on the bottom of the gorge. Along the banks of the river are trees, mainly river red gums and fig trees. In the walls of the gorge are caves with Aboriginal rock paintings. In the Classic Face, the north wall of the eastern section of the gorge, the succession of strata in the Devonian limestone is clearly seen.
Freshwater crocodiles may be observed in the gorge, which also has a rich and varied bird life. Swimming is usually possible in the pools in the gorge.
Unlike the impassable Geikie Gorge (Fitzroy Crossing), the Windjana Gorge can be walked through during the dry season. A 3.5km long walking trail runs along the bottom of the gorge from the camping ground, with ample opportunity for observing birds and flying foxes, and with luck also crocodiles.
High jagged limestone walls line the gorge cut by the Lennard River through the Napier Range. The hills - remnants of a reef of the Devonian period, when much of the northwest was covered by a tropical sea - rise to 90m above the surrounding plain. During the wet season in the tropical summer the river becomes a raging torrent and floods the national park. The park can therefore be visited only during the dry winter, though even during the dry season the river leaves pools of cool water on the bottom of the gorge. Along the banks of the river are trees, mainly river red gums and fig trees. In the walls of the gorge are caves with Aboriginal rock paintings. In the Classic Face, the north wall of the eastern section of the gorge, the succession of strata in the Devonian limestone is clearly seen.
Freshwater crocodiles may be observed in the gorge, which also has a rich and varied bird life. Swimming is usually possible in the pools in the gorge.
Unlike the impassable Geikie Gorge (Fitzroy Crossing), the Windjana Gorge can be walked through during the dry season. A 3.5km long walking trail runs along the bottom of the gorge from the camping ground, with ample opportunity for observing birds and flying foxes, and with luck also crocodiles.
Address:
Department of Conservation and Land Management Kimberley District Broome Office, Box 65, Broome, WA 6725, Australia
Tips: Best time to visit: winter and spring.
Access on Great Northern Highway to 42km before Fitzroy Crossing, then unsurfaced track to north, 75km to Tunnel Creek, 38km to Windjana Gorge. Alternatively from Derby on Gibb River Road (150km).
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