Aussie Treks
Here I will continually add information about some of the best hiking and walking areas in Australia. I will, where possible include State location. I hope that this information will help visitors to Australia discover both our National Parks and out of the way sites. Where ever you hike in Australia, PLEASE advise the local authorities of your planned route and notify them when you make your journey's end, the length of time you plan for your walk and please carry a medical kit and extra water and high energy provisions. Also include some warm clothing and shelter, even a groundsheet is advisable. Australia has some very wild and uninhabited areas and IF you become lost or injured it may take a long time to locate you.
Please be a sensible and considerate bushwalker. This is fantastic country.
Do not underrate how demanding it can be. Know the rules and follow them. Plan your walk. Register your party. Follow your plan.
As more and more people seek the experience of wilderness, knowing and following the Minimal Impact Bushwalking Code has become essential to conserve these precious areas.
Enjoy..... C'mon lets go walking!
Sydney Harbour National Park, NSW ~ Just 15 minutes from the heart of Sydney are rugged sandstone cliffs, shady walking tracks and secluded beaches. Enjoyable bushwalking for all ages. Hidden beneath the natural heathland of Sydney Harbour National Park lies a fascinating history. Daily tours explore "Pinchgut Island" which was once used as an open-air prison, transformed into a gun battery and adopted as the site for Australia's only Martello Tower, to become Fort Denison. Special tours explore the historic Quarantine Station and the tunnels and gun emplacements that were also once part of the Sydney Harbour Defence system. At La Perouse the historic Cable Station (1882) houses an Aboriginal Art Gallery and the worldclass La Perouse Museum, commemorating the voyage of the French Navigator La Perouse.
Kur-ing-gai Chase National Park, NSW ~ Kur-ing-gai National Park covers the area between the western shores of Pittwater and the Hawkesbury River. There are many splendid bushwalks along marked trails to secluded beaches, aboriginal engravings and lookouts. Visitors will enjoy spectacular views over the Pittwater Peninsula and Broken Bay from the West Head Lookout which sits on the most Northern tip of the park. Winter and spring (the months of May to August) are the best times to visit the park to observe the spectacular wildflowers and wildlife. At this time of year Heath Banksia blooms and attracts hundreds of honeyeaters. It is also the mating season for Lyrebirds. The careful observer may see the male's spectacular display as it spreads its long tail in a fan and throws it forward over its head or hear its calls which comprise of rapid random melody and mimicked calls of other birds. Lying near the centre of a large sedimentary basin, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is characteristic of Hawkesbury sandstone. The rocks are mostly sandstone with some shales and some volcanic soils at West Head. There are over 900 species of flora in the park. There are marked walking trails to several bays and lookouts includung Flint and Steel on the Hawkesbury and The Basin in Pittwater. Picnic facilities and barbeques are provided at Bobbin Head, Cottage Point and West Head, which are all accessible by car. There is a camping ground at The Basin which is also accessible by ferry. The flat grassland makes a perfect camping spot on the edge of the Basin which is connected to Pittwater by a narrow inlet. there are toilets and barbecues and the basin provides a lovely safe swimming spot. Kur-ing-gai can be accessed by car from Mona Vale Road via Terry Hills or by Pittwater Road through Church Point and Mc Carrs Creek or by Ferry from Palm Beach to The Basin.
Blue Mountains National Park, NSW ~ This park covers a total area of 247,156 hectares. It is located just west of Sydney in the Great Dividing Range. There is very limited four wheel drive access. Just an hour's drive from Sydney lies the magnificent Blue Mountains. Huge tracts of this land have been conserved by three major parks, Blue Mountains, Wollemi and Kanangra Boyd. The land is very rugged with spectacular sandstone cliffs predominating throughout. There are literally hundreds of kilometres of walking tracks but you will need to be very fit due to the rugged landscape. Made up of sandstone canyons and hills, and clad in tall forests of bluegum, the Blue Mountains are the elevated remains of what was once a vast plateau. Over the centuries, it has been weathered by rivers and waterfalls, leaving flat-topped ridges on which the white man has built towns. The Blue Mountains in reality is hard country that took the early settlers a generation to cross. The heart of the park is the Grose and Jamieson Valleys, carpeted with ferns and choked with gums. These lie north and south of the high narrow plateau on which the mountain towns of Blackheath, Katoomba and Wentworth Falls are perched. The National Parks and Wildlife Service operates information centres at Glenbrook and Blackheath and each season runs a series of guided walks to suit anyone from the most casual stroller to the dedicated hiker. It is unfortunate that service tracks that extend deeper into the park are not open to the four wheel driver as this would allow many more visitors to enjoy the park. There are many grand lookouts found at the end of various escarpments and most have rough gravel road access off the Great Western Highway and the Bells Line of Road.
Morton National Park, NSW ~ The northern section of Morton National Park has many well developed visitor sites such as Bundanoon and Fitzroy Falls. Here you can sample some of the qualities that make Morton National Park so special. The Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre can provide all the information you need about where to go and what to do. Nearby, in Buderoo National Park, the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre is the start of a journey into rainforest, ferns, huge trees and waterfalls. The boardwalk track at the centre is accessible for wheelchairs. Further south, Morton National Park offers two exceptional walks to sample the rugged wilderness of the Budawang Ranges. Pigeon House Mountain was named by Cook on the same journey as Mount Dromedary to the south. It is at the southern limit of the Permian sandstone typical of the Blue Mountains, and is of special botanical interest, as well as commanding breathtaking views.Pigeon House is situated in the southern area of Morton National Park, about 30 kilometres by road from Ulladulla, and there is a five kilometre walk from the carpark to the top. A steep but rewarding walk of at least four hours, the final section is accessed by ladders installed on the rock face. Take your head for heights with you, as well as water, and take your time. Little Forest Plateau is another excellent walk, also near Ulladulla. Spectacular views, sheer cliffs and chasms put drama into an easy walk with a marked trail and interpretive signs. Spring wildflowers, heaths and forests can be seen, and watch out for the cinnamon underbelly of the little robin-like rock warbler, found only in this small part of New South Wales. If this leaves you hungering for more, but you lack the experience, guided bushwalks in the Wadbilliga wilderness are available from Belowra Station. The two day Three Rivers Walk is an opportunity both to learn new skills, and enjoy wilderness with an experienced guide. For experienced walkers with good map reading, navigation and survival skills, Wadbilliga, Deua, Morton, Budawang, and Genoa National Parks have little road access and few tracks.
The Coastal Parks, NSW ~ From Nowra to Eden, the coastal lakes, wetlands, estuaries, headlands and bays bask in the warm ocean currents sweeping south. For walkers, these huge stretches of unspoilt coast are just paradise. Near Bega, Bournda National Park has a network of walking trails. You can explore big lagoons, sweeping beaches, and quiet creeks on marked trails. Many of these tracks are great for family walks, and there are also more demanding day walks. Further south, Davidson Whaling Station historic site near Eden gives a glimpse of our past. Interpretive signs recall the history of whaling on Twofold Bay, and the short walk is well worth it. Montague Island Nature Reserve is a very special chance to see little penguins, Australian and New Zealand fur seal colonies, prolific birdlife, and the historic lightstation. Offshore from Narooma, Montague Island's special status as a Nature Reserve means visitors to the island must join one of the two regular guided tours. Information is available from Narooma Visitors Centre. Spotted gum and burrawang forests dotted with tall Livistona palms are a feature of Murramarang National Park north of Batemans Bay. Pebbly Beach is the starting point for the walk up Durras Mountain, or a shorter coastal stroll over rainforest shrouded creeks and through tall forest. Pebbly Beach and its facilities are also suitable for people with disabilities. Jervis Bay National Park is a world all its own. White sand and clear water combine with myriad habitats to delight the senses. There is an Aboriginal community within Jervis Bay National Park, at Wreck Bay. You can join these Aboriginal people on guided walks, learning about their culture, bush tucker, and much more. Also in Jervis Bay National Park, the Telegraph Creek nature trail at Green Patch traverses several habitats in a short walk, taking in a whole-catchment view of the creek and nearby lagoon. The easy day walk to St. Georges Head from Summercloud Bay is another must. The cliffs at Jervis Bay plummet sharply into the sea, so be cautious when walking, as huge drops can appear suddenly. Many of the birds, kangaroos, and other animals in these parks are wonderfully tame and approachable, but remember they are truly wild animals, and are harmed by eating "people food". Please do not feed the animals. Exploring rock pools and roaming the beach are great activities for everyone. The seashore is a fascinating environment, harsh and changeable for the animals and plants that live there. They depend a lot on each other, so remember all animals and plants are protected. Carefully put back any creatures you disturb.
Snowy Mountains, NSW ~ Enjoy walking in the Snowy Mountains from late spring to autumn. Walk to the top of Australia, 2228m Mt. Kosciusko, from Charlotte Pass, a distance of 16km return along a prepared track. Or take the Crackenback chairlift from Thredbo for a 12km return walk also on a track. Short walks near Sawpit Creek explore beautiful montane bushland, waterfalls, and may give glimpses of wildlife. Tracks at Yarrangobilly Caves offer you both guided tours and self-guided exploration of caves, and Yarrangobilly Gorge. Sections of Yarrangobilly Caves are wheelchair accessible, but bookings are necessary as space is limited. The annual Alpine Wildflower Festival at Thredbo is a week of activities focusing on the arts and the environment, including guided wildflower walks and alpine ecology seminars. There's also walks for photographers and daily painting workshops. Long walks or short, the alpine weather can change suddenly at any time of year, so always be prepared for cold, wet, and windy conditions.
Lamington National Park, QLD ~ Lamington National Park was proclaimed in 1915 is probably Queensland's most popular park. It is situated inland from the Gold Coast in southern Queensland. The Park is the home of Albert's lyrebird as well as the rare Rufous Scrub bird and is also the largest stand of subtropical rainforest. Within its 200 hectares there are waterfalls, plunging streams and 160 kilometres of graded walking tracks. The spectacular Coomera Falls drop 64 metres. A 21 kilometre track links the two mountain resorts - Binna Burra and O'Reilly's, Green Mountains. The O'Reilly family run a guesthouse on the western side of the park.
Cooloola National Park, QLD ~ Cooloola protects the catchment of the Upper Noosa River and the large tract of natural coastline in mainland southern Queensland. Wildflower heath plains, rainforest, rich bird-life, freshwater lakes, coloured sand cliffs, exposed sand blows and relics of 19th century sawmilling number among Cooloola's attractions. In southern Cooloola you may explore the scenic waterways. You can canoe along 27km of the Noosa River. Canoes can reach the upper Noosa River from Boreen Point, Elanda or Harry's. A speed limit of 4 knots applies to boating north of Lake Cootharaba. You can walk from Teewah landing on Lake Cootharaba to the surf beach (4km return) or from Noosa River to the Cooloola sandpatch (12km return), or walk along the river from Harry's to Campsite 3 (7km one-way). The Cooloola Wilderness Trail is almost 50km from Rainbow Beach Road to the park headquarters at Elanda. You can camp at Harry's, Fig Tree Point, and the Upper Noosa River (limited sites) The Noosa River campsites north of Harry's are accessible by boat only. Advance booking is essential. **River water should be boiled before drinking** Northern Cooloola's attractions centre on the coastal sand dune system. You can picnic at Bymien, Freshwater and Double Island Point; have a refreshing swim in a freshwater lake or surf in the ocean. Walking is a good way to see the park. Carlo sand blow is a 15 minute walk from Rainbow Beach. From Bymien you can walk to Freshwater (7km) and Poona Lakes (2.2km), do a short walk through the rainforest or a longer walk (7km) to Rainbow Beach along the old telegraph line. Another track circumnavigates Freshwater Lake. Carry water, especially during hot weather. IF you plan an extended walk or off-track walk, let the Ranger at Rainbow Beach know your plans. Camping is allowed at Freshwater, Poverty Point and along Teewah Beach between the Noosa Shire boundary and Little Freshwater Creek (**Take Water!**)
Springbrook National Park, QLD ~ This national park is situated to the east of Lamington NP, and contains three sections: Springbrook Plateau, Mount Cougar and Natural Bridge. This park is near the NSW-QLD border in the McPherson Ranges and protects 3000 yr old Antartic beech trees. Take time to walk the track to Purlingbrook Falls, offering stunning views it starts at the base of the cliff and climbs up behind the cascading waterfall which drops a sheer 190 metres to the rocks below. Mount Springbrook is a 730 metre high mountain which offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. At the head iof the Numinbah Valley is the Natural Arch - a stone archway through which a waterfall plunges to a rock pool below. At night glow-worms are visible in the cave under the arch. Mount Cougar is an under-developed wilderness which attracts only the most seasoned bushwalkers.
Capricorn Caverns, QLD ~ In the hills north of Rockhampton there are limestone caves and caverns where over aeons of time, underground seepage and streams have created a variety of fascinating formations. A number of these caves can be reached from The Caves township, on the Bruce Highway. The caves are privately owned and there are guided tours. Camoo Caves are also in the neighbourhood. This system of limestone caves contains the fossilised remains of corals and primitive life forms dating from an age when this area was part of a coral reef.
Palmerston National Park, QLD ~ An average annual rainfall of 3500 million millimetres makes this area one of the wettest in Australia, and thick rainforest covers most of this national park which is situated west of Innisfail. Walking tracks at intervals along the highway lead to waterfalls in luxuriant leafy settings on the Johnstone River. Picnic areas are at Crawfords Lookout, the K-Tree, Tchupala Falls and Henrietta Creek. At Tchupala Falls, a constant mist has encouraged a prolific growth of mosses and ferns. This beautiful region is environmentally sensitive but potentially dangerous and visitors are advised to keep to the walking tarcks. The
musky rat-kangeroo is sometimes spotted on the walk to Henrietta Creek, and platypus and tortoises may be seen in the creek.
Wilsons Promontory National Park, VIC ~ Just three hours from Melbourne is one of the finest national parks in the country, the 50,000 hectare Wilsons Promontory National Park. Wilsons Promontory - which juts out into Bass Strait - constitutes the southernmost point of the Australian mainland. In many respects it is still much the same as it was at the time of Bass's first visit. It is comprised of imposing granite mountains, sweeping plains, thick forests and some of the finest beaches in the country. These range from sheltered little coves to long surf beaches. The Prom is the ideal place for bushwalking and a full appreciation of the magnificent array of native wildlife Australia has to offer. The friendliest are the parrots which flock around anyone offering food at Tidal River. Tidal River is the "capital" of the Prom. It is made up of an information centre, museum, caravan and camping grounds with some cabins. Here you will find a cairn which acknowledges the use of the Prom as a commando training camp during World War II.
Coopracambra National Park, VIC ~ Coopracambra caters for experienced bushwalkers in search of a challengeing tramp throught rough wilderness country. It is a rugged and remote park of about 35,000 hectares where tetrapod footprints, possibly the oldest fossil record of land-dwelling vertebrates, have been found. The massive Gippsland grey-box trees on the ridges are particularly striking. There are rare plant species watered by Murmuring, Beehive and other creeks, the waterways of Black Jack Gully and the Genoa River which runs
through a red sandstone gorge. This National Park is situated in north east Victoria right on the Victorian-New South Wales border. Coopracambra means 'kookaburra'.
Tarra Bulga National Park, VIC ~ Just north-west of Yarram is the famous Tarra Bulga National Park. It takes its name partly from the Aborigine Charlie Tarra who accompanied explorer Paul Edmund de Strzelecki through the area in 1840. Strzelecki's party would have perished if not for the hunting skills of Tarra. The park is the veritable jewel in the crown of what the locals call Tarra Territory". The park is comprised of two sections - Tarra and Bulga. These lush areas of rainforest are all that remain of a great forest of trees which at one time
covered all of Gippsland. Noted for their towering mountain ash and thick cover of ferns, both sections of the park are linked by the Grand Ridge Road. The Park has plenty of walking tracks, a picnic area and a host of wildlife, including the remarkable lyrebird.
Snowy River National Park, VIC ~ This park borders the Snowy River and features rugged gorges, wide sandy river beaches and luxuriant lowland rainforest. The fifteen-and-a-half kilometre Silver Mine walking trail passes by unobtrusive evidence of a brief mining period. From 1897, prospectors had high hopes of "a great number of lodes carrying lead, silver, gold and copper of a richness fully equal to if not surpassing Broken Hill, and free from objectional zinc". By 1905, most had abandoned their claims. Distinctive white cypress pines can be seen
from the track; the landscape is craggy and there are impressive river views and mountain vistas.
Hattah-Kulkyne National Park, VIC ~ Middens, pieces of shell, animals and fish bones are all that remain of the Aboriginal people who once lived in this area. Two main types of vegetation are found here. Around the Hattah Lakes are river gums, native grasses and water plants, while on the sand dunes and flood plains are mallee eucalypts, shrubs and grasses. The most outstanding feature of the lakes is its birdlife - many species of birds return to breed here, particularly when the lakes are in flood. A drive winds its way through some of the most
scenically interesting sections of the park and there is a six kilometre nature walk where plants and sometimes animals can be observed more closely than from the roadway.
Coffin Bay National Park, SA ~ The park is located 720 km west of Adelaide and 50 km west of Port Lincoln. This park covers an area of 30,380 hectares. The Coffin Bay Peninsula is a large wilderness area, almost surrounded by water, reaching out into the great Australian Bight. The exposed western and southern sides of the peninsula are wracked by the constant pounding of the ocean's heavy swells which gash their way into the shelving outcrops of smooth granite and the limestone cliffs and headlands, which form much of the landscape of this coastline. In contrast to the harshness of the coastal rocky terrain, the Coffin Bay Dunes are an area of large drifting sand dunes, while the calmer lee side of the peninsula protects a sheltered estuary of beaches and inlets. Rich in flora, the peninsula is covered in dense coastal heathland and mallee, with black teatrees being a feature. The park also has a good variety of birds, especially where they congregate in areas such as the low lying swamps and along the beaches. In fact, the beaches are breeding grounds for many seabirds. Western grey kangaroos are easily seen, while it may be a little more difficult to spy the park's population of lizards and snakes. The area has some idyllic bush camping spots (no facilities provided) and is popular with bushwalkers, divers, campers and birdwatchers. Fishermen also enjoy the region, with its accessible wide, white sandy beaches and headlands, particularly at spots such as Reef Point, where large reef areas abut the beach, making it an excellent fishing location. While conventional vehicles can gain access to Point Avoid and Yangie Bay, a 4WD vehicle is needed to get around the majority of the park and 4WD tracks lead to points of interest such as Black Springs, Misery Bay and Point Sir Isaac. To reach the end of the peninsula, vehicles have to travel along Seven Mile Beach, and drivers should use particular caution and be aware of the tide times when doing so. This beach is also used by seabirds for breeding, and vehicles should not travel above the high tide mark, keeping as close to the water's edge as possible. Numerous walking trails in the park enable the visitor to get a lot closer to nature than viewing it through a car window, and in fact the only access to the Whidbey Wilderness area at the southwestern tip of the peninsula is by foot.
Gammon Ranges National Park, SA ~ The Gammon Ranges National Park is located 750 km north of Adelaide and 110 km east of Leigh Creek. The Gammon Ranges has an area of 128,228 hectares. This wild and formidable country forms the far northeast of the Flinders Ranges, and is in fact one of the most rugged areas in Australia. The park takes in not only the rough and craggy heart of the ranges, but also a section of the surrounding plain leading to the salt expanse of Lake Frome. The geology of the ranges consists mainly of heavily dissected granites and allied rocks, rich in minerals, that were formed about 1.8 billion years ago. After millions of years of battling nature's elements, the skeletons of these once towering mountains are now worn down to awesome chasms, gorges, sheer bluffs and overhangs, with creeks that sometimes plunge downwards as waterfalls, draining the plateau wilderness. The northern Flinders is drier and harsher than the more southerly sections, and the vegetation is typical of the semi-arid and arid zones of Australia, with eucalypts being replaced by acacias and cassia bushes, as well as native poplar and others. These bushes, along with other flowering plants, add colour to the dull green and rich browns of the region, especially after rain. On the plains and low hills, the bulk of the vegetation consists of blue bush, salt bush, bindyi and spear grass, while mallee scrub, native pine and porcupine grass prefer the rocky slopes. In the valleys river red gums, coolibahs, wattles, melaleucas, hakea and cassias can be found. Probably two of the most beautiful flowering plants that occur in the park and surrounds, and that immediately attract the eye, are the magnificent Sturt's Desert Pea and the delicate Sturt's Desert Rose. The desert pea can, in places, form a velvety carpet of rich reds and blacks, while the larger flower of the desert rose is pale purple or pinkish in colour, with a large dark red blotch at the base of each petal. Animal life is common, if not a little harder to detect in this unrelenting environment. Euros enjoy rocky terrain, while again red kangaroos prefer the more open areas and the elusive yellow-footed rock wallabies find sanctuary in the gorges and ravine country. The birdlife is quite good and typical of dry range country, but can be a little difficult to see. Birdwatching is best done in the early morning or late afternoon, and is especially rewarding around water points. Although the area is rich in wildlife, and earth rich in minerals, permission is required for visitors to collect specimens. Dotted throughout the park is evidence of the activities of early pastoralists and miners who tried to tame this land, and failed. Grindell's Hut, located at the western end of Weetootla Gorge, was built by John Grindell, the first land owner to take up this arduous country in the early 1900s. The view from this hut, overlooking the Illinawortinna Pound and the Gammons, is breathtaking in its sheer grandeur, and the hut is available for rent. For details contact the Ranger at Balcanoona. Another site well worth visiting is the Bolla Bollana smelter and brick kiln, located in the far north of the park. Built in 1873, its purpose was to smelt ore from the Stanley and David copper mines. It is typical of Australia's outback that the harshest and most hostile environment yields some of the richest treasures. For the Aboriginal people they were in the form of spiritual wealth. There are basically only two vehicle tracks through the park - the main road cutting across the south of the park and the 4WD Yankaninna-Yadnina-Balcanoona track which winds its way through the centre of the park. This track will take you through some of the most spectacular scenery and along the way there are plenty of places which make great bush camping spots. While there are no formal camping areas in the park, the NP&WS have established suitable camping sites at Italowie Gorge, Weetootla Gorge and Arcoona Creek. Bushwalkers are only limited by their own experience and fitness. Remember that the Gammons are a remote, harsh, hot area and the country is hard going and unforgiving. Make sure you contact the Ranger before commencing any walk in the park and carry your own drinking water needs. Do not rely on water holes, or the like. The small tourist village of Arkaroola, is situated just outside the park's boundary in the far northeast corner of the park. This 61,000 ha wildlife sanctuary can offer the visitor a wide range of activities, as well as accommodation and a caravan and camping ground, fuel and limited supplies. A Visitors Information Centre can help with details of what there is to see and do around Arkaroola, from walking trails and scenic drives, to scenic flights, guided 4WD tours and a look at the universe from the astronomical observatory.
The Flinders Ranges, SA ~ The Flinders Ranges combine the grandeur of a boldly undulating, upland landscape with the raw but beautiful harshness of the inland. This series of often purple-hued hills and ragged ranges - sometimes softening into rolling dales carpeted with wildflowers and interrupted by the slashes of red-cliffed gorges - is, like much of the inland, a captivating but unforgiving environment. Theses ranges of character rise in the south between Crystal Brook and Peterborough and extend for more than 400 kilometres in a northerly direction to a point between Lake Torrens and Lake Frome, about 160 kilometres east of Marree. In the south the Flinders Ranges are a broad mass of ridges, cut by deep gorges on the western side. The climate of this region varies from temperate in the south, through semi-arid to extremely dry in the north. Rain in infrequent but can fall at any time of the year and often be heavy, causing dry creekbeds to quickly become gushing torrents. The ruggedness of the landscape holds a great attraction for film-makers and probably more people have seen the beauties of the Flinders - usually without realising it - than any other part of Australia. Despite their wildness, the Ranges are relatively close to Adelaide and as such have provided a convenient and photogenic background in such movies as "Robbery Under Arms", "Sunday Too Far Away", "The Lighthorsemen", "Gallipoli" and "The Shiralee". St Marys Peak (1200 metres) sits on Wilpena Pound's northern rim and is the highest point in the Flinders Ranges. There are walking tracks ariound its densly wooded slopes.
Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park, SA ~ The main feature of the Picaninnie Ponds Conservation Park is a chain of deep ponds in a reed swamp. Cave divers are lured to challenge the depths but entry to the treacherous beauty of the sinkholes is limited to only those with the appropriate scuba-diving permits. The information about who can and cannot dive is available from the Cave Divers Association in Mount Gambier.
Lake Eyre National Park, SA ~ This national park covers an area of 1,228,000 hectares and takes in all of Lake Eyre North and the Tirari Desert. A drier, more inhospitable landscape you could hardly imagine. Lake Eyre has international significance, both for its large expanse of salt pan and its occasional floodings. The Lake Eyre National Park protects a major part of the heat-hazed, shimmering salt flats of Lake Eyre, the largest salt lake in Australia. The Tirari Desert is noted for its vast north-south dunes and salt lakes; in one, Lake Ngapakaldi,
important fossil deposits have been discovered. Lake Eyre is both a dry salt lake and a playa lake (which is one that occasionally floods), and is split in two, with the north and south lakes connected by the 13 km long Goyder Channel. When the great rivers of the channel country far to the north flood, they set course for Lake Eyre, and occasionally, in times of very heavy rainfall, the life-giving waters arrive at the lower reaches of Lake Eyre, and may even span out to fill both lakes, creating an inland sea nearly one-sixth the size of Australia. This then was the
inland sea that Charles Sturt and his party set out to discover back in 1844 - a sea of salt. At times of flooding, the lakes' waters, for a short time, teem with fish life which is brought down by the flooding rivers, and the lake is considered by water birds, such as pelicans, gulls and ducks, a utopia. They flock in enormous numbers to gorge themselves and breed around the water's edge, and at these times the area is a birdwatcher's delight. As nature takes over once again and the waters evaporate under the furnace like the blaze of the sun, so too the fish life
struggle and die in the quickly evaporating waters, and the lake returns to its desolate, barren bed of grey mud, covered with a dirty, crusty layer of salt. It is a lifeless platform, sitting 16 metres below sea level in places, on which virtually nothing can exist. Vegetation in the park tends to be low and stunted, consisting mainly of samphire, saltbush and bluebush, with some acacia and cassia. Lake Eyre has only been full of water three times in the last fifteen years. Lake Eyre is a unique part of the Australian landscape and whether full with water and abounding with life, or just a glaring white expanse as far as the eye can see, it is something well worth experiencing. It is however a remote and desolate country and visitors should use caution and be well prepared. Make sure you carry your water requirements with you. Two access tracks lead to the lake perimeter; one via Muloorina Station, or the other from the turnoff near William Creek. Both tracks are 4WD only. Do not attempt to drive on the lake bed, no matter how firm it looks, as your vehicle will quickly break the hard surface and sink in the mire. Bush camping is possible around the edge of the lake, however open fires are prohibited within the national park and there isn't much in the way of shade. The park is located 720 km from Adelaide.
Witjira National Park, SA ~ The Witjira National Park (776,900 hectares), forming the western edge of the Simpson Desert, protects a vast desert landscape of sand, stony tablelands, gibber plains, mound springs and transitory river systems that includes the Finke River flood plains. The jewel in the crown of this park is considered by many to be the Dalhousie mound spring complex. The springs rise abruptly from the gibber plains that seem to continue forever. Splotches of green mark the areas of rich vegetation, dependent on the life-giving source of water hidden from view by the thick foliage surrounding the mounds. Dalhousie Springs, with its large expanse of water, is the largest, most active artesian spring in Australia, and the area around it constitutes the largest area of active artesian springs on the continent. The water in the region is very old, welling up from deep underground, it started its long journey from the Great Dividing Range over 2 million years ago. And, as the water flows out of the springs, the dissolved salts and minerals it carries are slowly deposited, hence building up the characteristic mounds around them, and hence their name. The mounds and springs are an important habitat for invertebrates, fish and birds, and there's plenty of activity to keep the avid birdwatcher occupied. The animal life isn't so easy to see, most being nocturnal, and kangaroos only very occasionally use the region. While the warm waters of the springs are the main attraction for visitors, the ruins of the original European settlement are a poignant reminder of man's battle to make a living in this remote and harsh land. The Dalhousie ruins lie some 9 km south of Dalhousie Springs and are located near another spring complex that is dominated by the tall, giant frames of date palms. Roofless, crumbling stone buildings surround the springs, while nearby decaying cattle yards testify to a dream that really had little hope of ever succeeding. Another man-made object well worth visiting is Purnie Bore, found in the east of the park, just before entering the Simpson Desert Regional Reserve. The bore was drilled in 1962 when an exploring party was searching for oil. Since that time it has been spurting forth hot water, forming a ribbon of wetlands which attracts, like the natural mound springs, a vast assemblage of plants and animals. Travel within the park is definitely by 4WD and bush camping is permitted, however the only designated camping area, with basic facilities, is at Dalhousie Springs. Mt Dare Homestead, situated in the far northwest corner of the park, offers not only accommodation and a camp ground, but also provides fuel, water, first aid and information on the park. It is also possible to obtain a Desert Parks Pass at the homestead. The park is located 120 km north of Oodnadatta and 1,200 km from Adelaide. For further information contact the NP&WS, Far North Region Office, Hawker, ph: (08) 8648 4244. The Mt Dare Homestead tourist facility can be contacted on ph: (08) 8670 7835.
Franklin-Lower Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, TAS ~ The park is located 220 km northwest of Hobart. For further information contact the P&WS, Queenstown, (03) 6471 2511. This park forms the central portion of the World Heritage Area and was the centre of controversy in the 80s when the state government wanted to dam the Gordon River to provide hydro-electric power. The area was saved and proclaimed a national park, completing the link between Cradle Mountain/Lake St Clair and the Southwest National Parks. It covers an area of 195,200 hectares. Encompassing the catchment areas of the Franklin and Olga Rivers and part of the Lower Gordon River, and protecting the undisturbed and untamed Franklin River, along with the striking white quartzite peak of Frenchmans Cap, this is a imposing wilderness area. The park's flora is dominated by temperate rainforests interspersed with beech and Huon pine. The birdlife is prolific and includes the orange bellied parrot. On the fauna side of things, night time sees the appearance of the native cats and Tasmanian Devils, but only for the very observant and quiet. The best access to the heart of this wilderness area is via raft or canoe down the Franklin River. Cruise boats also operate from Strahan across Macquarie Harbour and up the picturesque Gordon River. Vehicle access is minimal. There is however, a 4WD track nearby which takes you through some very impressive country.
The Franklin Lower Gordon Nat Park does have a well used walking track to the Frenchman's Cap. The track is located on the Lyell Highway, (from Hobart to Queenstown). It starts 52 kms from Queenstown, and has a bridge over the Franklin River.The first part of the track goes to Mt Mullins. It then traverses the London Plains all the way to Lake Vera, where there is a hut. Lake Vera is virtually right under the 350 metre high sheer cliff on the South Eastern side of Frenchman's Cap. The track then goes on all the way to the Cap. The walk is recommended as a 3 day walk return.
The Donaghy's Hill Lookout.
This lookout is located along the Lyell Highway, (not far from the Frenchman's Cap trail).
It can be found 47 Kms from Queenstown, or 35 Kms from Derwent Bridge, and is in the Franklin/Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. The walk is a fairly easy 3 Km walk return, (about 40 minutes). The views from the lookout include Frenchman's Cap, Collingwood River & Range, Franklin River and lot's of other Ranges. Signs on the lookout point out all the points of interest. (some of the photo's in my collection were taken from there).
Nelson Falls.
Located on the Western Boundary of the Wild Rivers Nat Park, and also on the Lyell Highway about 30 kms from Queenstown. An easy 20 minute return walk on a well constructed trail with interpretation signs along the way. This short but pleasant walk is
well worth it. (see photo's in my collection). Great photo's can be taken from the viewing platforms.
Montezuma Falls.
These are located near Rosebery on the Murchison Highway travelling from Queenstown To Burnie, and are well signposted. These Falls are the highest in Tasmania at 110 Meters high. The trail in follows the old North East Dundas Tramway. The walk is a 3 hr return walk along an easy grade. (photo's of these and the track in are also in my Western Tas Pics).
(This data supplied by Greg)
The Bird River Track is found approximately 30 km south of Queenstown, just off the sealed Mt Jukes Road, and is a former railway. The track passes through very dense rainforest which virtually forms a canopy over the track, and although reasonably flat, can be quite wet and muddy with ruts at times. After travelling for 8 km, you reach the end of the track at the decayed Bird River Bridge. From this point, a walking track leads 7 km to the ghost town of Pillinger on the shores of Macquarie Harbour. The encroaching rainforest is slowly engulfing the building remains of what was once a mining and railhead community back in the 1900s. The McCall track, south of the Bird River turnoff, took vehicles up the mountain for incredible views of the surrounding area. Unfortunately it is currently closed to allow the area to recover. Check with the Ranger on this track's closure and possible reopening date.
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, TAS ~ Cradle Valley is 95 km south of Devonport. Lake St Clair is 73 km from Hobart. Lake St. Clair, Australia's deepest lake, forms the southern border of the Cradle Mountain/Lake St. Clair National Park which covers 161,000 ha. The vegetation in this area includes alpine moorlands, rainforests, subalpine heaths and buttongrass sedgelands. Cradle Mountain/Lake St. Clair National Park contains several distinct mountain ranges, pine-fringed lakes, exposed moors and sheltered rainforest. Internationally it is the best-known Australian bushwalk. The 161,000 hectare Cradle Mountain/Lake St. Clair National Park has grown from a much smaller reserve, established around Cradle Mountain in 1922. Much of the credit for the creation of the reserve must go to Austrian immigrant Gustav Weindorfer. On January 4, 1910, he climbed Cradle Mountain with his Tasmanian born wife Kate, and a friend. On the summit, Weindorfer said: "This must be a national park for the people for all time. It is magnificent, and people must know about it and enjoy it." He worked towards his goal, constructing a chalet for tourists at Waldheim in Cradle Valley, continuing to operate the chalet after his wife's death in 1916. Today, the park, together with the Southwest National Park and the Franklin-Lower Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, forms Tasmania's 755,000 hectare World Heritage Area. This wild and rugged mountainous region in the heart of Tasmania was formed in the last ice age. Located in the central west of the state, its landscape contrasts craggy mountain pinnacles, deep forested valleys with gorges and waterfalls, and alpine moorlands whose surface is patchworked with dazzling glacier-formed lakes and tarns. The flora reflects the high rainfall and wild weather this region of Tasmania receives. Misty grottos of mosses and lichens can be found in the cool temperate rainforests, while tall eucalypt, native pine and beech forests find the valleys more to their liking. In the extreme climatic conditions of the highlands, only the hardiest species survive, such as cushion plants, heaths and stunted shrubs, with swamps and boggy plains covered in buttongrass. Bounteous in fauna, the wildlife most commonly seen throughout the park are Bennett's wallabies, which frequent Cradle Valley and Lake St Clair, while rufous wallabies and potoroos are best seen at dusk when they come out to feed. At night, you stand a chance of seeing native and tiger cats and ringtail possums, especially around campsites, while wombats trudge through the forested areas on their short, stumpy legs. The Tasmanian devil, though common, is rarely seen. Birdlife, though not as abundant as found in other parts of Tasmania, is still well represented, with parrots, birds of prey, and numerous smaller bush birds prevalent. One bird that is a common sight is the currawong, its song audible throughout the forests and valleys. Even though the climate might seem too inhospitable for reptiles, a variety live in the park, including tiger and copperhead snakes which prefer the habitat of the rivers, swamps and buttongrass plains In this veritable bushwalker's paradise, there are kilometres of walking trails leading across some of the finest country one could hope to experience, including the 85 km long Overland Track, a north-south traverse of the park which takes around 5 days. However, you don't need to be a fanatical bushwalker to enjoy and appreciate the magnificent scenery, and although vehicle access is only possible to Cradle Valley in the north of the park, and Lake St Clair in the south, there are many attractions within these limits that make the journey well worth the effort. Lake St Clair is over 17 km long and is also the deepest lake in Australia. The main facilities are centred around Cynthia Bay, on the southwest corner of the lake. Here, visitors will find the Ranger's office, visitor information centre, toilets and general store, while the caravan and camping ground (with all amenities) is set a littler further around the bay. The lake is ideal for canoeing and windsurfing, and swimming is popular in the warmer months. Fishing for trout in the lakes and rivers is allowed in season, provided you have a license. A number of walking trails heads out from Cynthia Bay, including the Overland Track, which skirts the western edge of the lake, and the Shadow and Forgotten Lakes walk, a moderate 3 to 4 hour walk suitable for families, which takes you to these pristine lakes on the slopes of Mt Hugel. The Watersmeet Nature Walk is a leisurely one and a half hour walk along a well formed and level track, which meanders through a variety of vegetation. In the warmer months, the woodlands and rainforests along this track are festooned with wildflowers, including the beautiful waratah. A private passenger launch ferries people from Cynthia Bay to the mouth of Narcissus River, at the northern end of the lake, and it's a great way to view the overall grandeur of the lake and surrounding mountain peaks. Cradle Valley is the northernmost point of entry into the World Heritage Area, and while there is no camping in Cradle Valley itself, there is a camping ground 2 km outside the park's boundary, accessible to both caravans and campers, it has cooking shelters with electric barbecues, open fireplaces, tables, hot showers and toilets. For those who prefer a roof over their head, there are two bunkhouses available for hire, and advanced bookings are recommended. There are also a number of cabins available at the Waldheim, an old historic building, but you need to bring your own food and bedding. The area's scenic beauty draws many people, from artists, photographers and nature lovers. Again, a variety of walks can be undertaken, from a half hour, half day or full day exploring Cradle Valley.
Freycinet National Park, TAS ~ Freycinet National Park covers an area of 11,000 hectares. Jutting from the sea along the east coast, remarkable red granite cliffs plunge straight down into the ocean's depths on both sides of the peninsula, broken only where stark white beaches, such as Wineglass Bay, soften the otherwise rugged coastline. A variety of vegetation, such as grass trees, banksia, wattles, oyster bay pine and bulloak also add to the
park's scenic attractions, and around Wineglass Bay the shoreline is quickly swallowed up by the marshy heathlands that abut it. Freycinet National Park's landscape hosts pink granite monoliths and sandy beaches. Vehicle access to the park extends for only 6 km and the only way to fully explore this park is by foot, and it is well worth the effort. Although not within the park, nearby at Coles Bay a 4WD loop track begins at Coles Bay Road heading towards the park. The track winds its way through a variety of native vegetation and coastal heathlands,
and you are sure to see some wildlife along the way. While bushwalking is the main recreational activity, there is some excellent offshore fishing around the peninsula and water sports such as sailing, canoeing, water skiing and skin-diving are popular. The western side of the peninsula offers very pleasant swimming during the summer months. Conversely, the eastern side is exposed to the Tasman Sea and can be quite dangerous. The park is located 200 km north of Hobart.
Mount Strzelecki National Park, TAS ~ This park is on Flinders Island, which is 15 km south of Whitemark on the other side of Cape Barren Island from the Banks Strait. The park, which covers 4,000 ha, is at the south extremity of the island, near the village of Lady Barron, and soars upwards from the beaches to the peaks behind and up to Mount Strzelecki, which rises to 750 m and has many surrounding peaks. The unpronounceable name comes from the Polish explorer and adventurer Paul Strzelecki, who came to the island in 1842 and climbed the mountain that bears his name. There is a walking track to the peaks in the park but by and large this is undeveloped country, with vegetation ranging from sparse heathland to thickly wooded slopes and sandy beaches. Accommodation is available at Lady Barron.
D'Entrecasteaux National Park, WA ~ The park is located on the coast between Augusta and Walpole, some 380 km south of Perth. D'Entrecasteaux National Park covers an area of approximately 115,000 ha, which includes 130 km of coastline from Black Point in the west, to Cliffy Head in the east, and extends inland from the low water mark for around 5 km to 20 km. This park comprises many different landscapes, the long white beaches, cliffs and immense sand dunes of the coast as well as the wetlands and karri forest of the inland. Rivers of the park include the Shannon, Warren and Donnelly, whose estuaries usually only break through to the ocean in winter when the water flow is at its peak. Broke Inlet, which is the largest, has an area of around 4,500 ha. The wetland areas of the park support many freshwater lakes, the majority of which have formed behind the coastal sand dunes, these include Lake Jasper, Lake Maringup and Lake Quitjup. D'Entrecasteaux National Park provides numerous opportunities for bushwalking, canoeing, camping, swimming, diving, surfing, photography and much more, but the area is probably best known for its excellent fishing both in the rivers and from the beaches. The majority of D'Entrecasteaux National Park cannot be accessed by developed public roads and tracks into the park can be rough and sandy and definitely require a 4WD vehicle. The many tracks are of varying standards and are prone to seasonal flooding and subsequent erosion.
Geikie Gorge, WA ~ Geikie Gorge is only 16 km from Fitzroy Crossing, or around 280 km from Derby. It is situated where the Oscar and Geikie Ranges meet and was formed by the mighty Fitzroy River, carving a 30 m deep canyon through the limestone. The unusual name is taken from Sir Archibald Geikie, the Director General of Geological Survey for Great Britain and Ireland, when the gorge was named by Europeans in 1883. The Aboriginal people from this region, the Bunuba, call the gorge Darngku, and in conjunction with CALM (Dept. of Conservation and Land Management) they operate a boat tour of Geikie Gorge, providing visitors with an Aboriginal perspective of the park, its plants and animals. The banks of the river are a wildlife sanctuary, meaning that no-one is allowed to set foot within 200 m of either bank, except for the permitted area along the west bank. There is a pleasant (1 km return) walk of moderate difficulty to the gorge wall but the best way to experience Geikie Gorge is on one of the boat tours. A list of over 100 species of birds for Geikie Gorge alone includes the rare lilac-crowned wren and the white-breasted sea eagle, not often found so far from the sea. Sawfish and stingrays have adapted to a freshwater life in the gorge while barramundi and schools of archer fish can also been seen. Geikie also hosts a large number of freshwater crocodiles which are commonly seen sunning themselves on rocks in the gorge. Most of the native mammals are small, nocturnal and shy but occasionally during the day or evening you may see wallabies or euros. There is no camping allowed at either Geikie Gorge or Tunnel Creek but a camping and caravan area has been designated at Windjana Gorge. Facilities include toilets, showers and water. Firewood is also available from the Ranger and portable generators are allowed in the designated area between 7am and 9pm. Varying standards of accommodation are available at either Derby or Fitzroy Crossing.
Cape Le Grand National Park, WA ~ Cape Le Grand National Park is situated about 40 km east of Esperance and a leisurely 45 minute drive on sealed bitumen roads from the town centre. Cape Le Grand was named after Le Grand, an officer on the ship L'Esperance, during a French expedition in 1792 under the command of Admiral D'Entrecasteaux. The park protects an area of 32,000 ha and is well known for its sandy beaches, beautiful bays and rocky headlands. The most spectacular feature of the park can be found in the south-west corner between Le Grand Beach and Rossiter Bay, here a chain of massive outcrops of granite and gneiss dominate the landscape. These include Mt. Le Grand (352 m), Frenchman Peak (262 m) and Mississippi Hill (180 m). Several outcrops within the park have large caves and overhangs the origins of which are not fully understood but are thought to have been formed by the action of waves and underwater currents when, about 40 million years ago, sea levels were at least 300 m higher than their present level and the peaks would have been submerged. Cape Le Grand has a mild climate with cool wet winters and warm dry summers and while the average rainfall over most of the park is about 560 mm, the "Cape" and peaks average over 700 mm. The park mainly consists of sandplains which support heathland, banksia and paperbarks. The granite hills are home to several species of mallee, some of which are found only in this area. Mammals of the park include the western grey kangaroo, pygmy and honey possums and bandicoots. The birdlife of the area is spectacular, and from the many vantage points you can see albatrosses, penguins, petrels and shearwaters as well as the smaller birds of the bush such as honeyeaters, the beautiful red-eared finch and the tiny western emu wren. Fishing and boating are popular activities and the best launching facilities are at Lucky Bay, although small boats can also be launched at Le Grand beach. Launching elsewhere is not recommended, as the beaches are treacherous and vehicles are easily bogged in the most innocent looking sand. Fish caught in the region include Australian salmon, herring, whiting, black and silver bream as well as larger species such as mulloway, blue groper and sharks. Bushwalking is encouraged and several trails of varying difficulty have been established, ranging from an easy 45 minutes to hard walking for 3 hours. Cape Le Grand National Park has two designated camping areas and facilities include toilets and showers. It is advisable to bring your own portable gas stove as firewood is hard to find. Supplies and all types of accommodation are available nearby at Esperance.
Stirling Ranges, WA ~ The Stirling Ranges are situated in the very south of Western Australia. From September to November the mountains are an awe-inspiring sight when they are carpeted with over 500 different varieties of wildflowers, 40 of which are found nowhere else on earth, making the Range on of the most outstanding botanic reserves in Australia. The Highest peak, Bluff Knoll, is only 1073m, yet the mountains seem higher because of their isolation, abruptness and jaggedness. To fully appreciate the scenery, the walk should take approximate 3 - 4 hours for the round trip. The most popular walking tracks are up Toolbrunup Peak, Mount Trio and Mount Magog, and for the more experienced bushwalker, Ellen Peak. Visitors taking one or more of the arduous walking trails should first log in at either the Maingup Springs Visitor Information Centre or at Bluff Knoll Information Bay, both on the Chester Pass Road. To preserve the flora & fauna camping and fires are only permitted where facilities are provided.
Cape Arid National Park, WA ~ This park is one of the largest in WA covering nearly 280,000 ha on the far south coast, 120 km east of Esperance and approximately 820 km south-east of Perth. The area is famous for its magnificent beaches and headlands but also includes sandplains, heathland, granite hills and in the northern section can be found Mt Ragged, the highest peak of the Russell Range at 594 m. As the name Cape Arid suggests, life in the park is dependent on rainfall, and being a windswept coastal area, the vegetation has to also be salt tolerant. Heathland and mallee dominate the landscape as far north as Mt Ragged, where they give way to woodlands of saltbush and bluebush. The granite hills and occasional pools of permanent water provide habitats for plants and animals found nowhere else in the park. On and around Mt Ragged a variety of ferns and orchids have been identified. The fauna of the park consists of animals common to the south-west of WA including the western brush wallaby, southern bush rat, along with other small marsupials, reptiles and amphibians. The birdlife is prolific, the rare Cape Barren Goose being a regular visitor, and flocks of the endangered ground parrot are surviving here. During winter, Southern Right Whales can be spotted close inshore and on occasions seals are seen on the beaches. Bushwalking is popular with several formed paths located within the park, the Tagon Coastal Walk being one of the longest at around 7 km return, and taking approximately 4 hrs to complete. Its highlight being the spectacular views along the wild unspoilt coastline. For those who prefer less organised walks, exploring the beaches has its own attractions. The coastal fishing is good all year round and some beaches are open to 4WDs; designated 4WD tracks traverse the coast and across the park, Mt. Ragged is only accessible by 4WD. Once there, the Mt Ragged Walk Trail takes you on a fairly hard walk to the top of Tower Peak at 585 m. Allow around 3 hrs to cover the 3 km return trip. Several camping areas are provided within the park, of these, Seal Creek, Jorndee Creek and Thomas River are all accessed by a gravel road. Take your own water as supplies within the park are undrinkable and a portable gas stove is recommended for cooking. Motel and caravan park accommodation is available at Esperance.
Avon Valley National Park, WA ~ This national park is 80 km north-east of Perth. Car access is by way of the Toodyay road and after the turnoff you have 19 km of unsealed road. The park covers 4,377 ha and is unusual in Australia in that a railway passes straight through its centre. The park is on the Avon River, which towards its mouth becomes the Swan River and flows through Perth. There are excellent views from Bald Hill and, after winter rains, you can see Emu Spring Brook spilling 30 m on its way down to the Avon River. The dry eucalypt forest that covers most of the slopes has mainly jarrah and marri. There are graded paths and one, which requires an overnight stop, follows the Avon down to Walyunga National Park. There is a camping site, otherwise the nearest accommodation is at Northam.
Drysdale River National Park, WA ~ The only way to see this 436,000 hectare park is by helicopter, foot or canoe - there is NO road access. The park takes in the Ashton Ranges, the forty-eight kilomtere long Carson Escarpment and a number of rivers including the Drysdale and the Carson as well as the headwaters of the King George River. For obvious reasons this park remains an undisturbed wilderness - remaining unseen except by the
occasional intrepid canoeist, pilot or bushwalking expedition.
Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve, NT ~ This reserve lies 163 km south of Alice Springs along the Old South Road and you pass by places of interest such as the Ewaninga Rock carvings and Maryvale Community. The road is sandy and corrugated in places with river and dune crossings and the drive takes you through some picturesque country along the Simpson Desert fringe. John McDouall Stuart was the first European explorer in 1860 to sight this unusual sandstone pillar which juts out above the low dune landscape. Stuart named this rock formation after James Chambers, one of his expedition sponsors. Up until the advent of the railway line, all overlanders used Chambers Pillar as a prominent landmark for their journeys from Adelaide to Alice Springs. They carved their names in the soft sandstone rock face for colonial historic remembrance. Others of less distinction have also carved their names on Chambers Pillar, which today is frowned upon and regarded as grafitti. Aboriginal people relate to the sandstone formation as Itirkawara, the Gecko ancestor from the Dreamtime. Legend has it that this ancestor grew in stature as he killed many other ancestors, then took a wife from a different skin group, which was not allowed under the law. Both he and his bride fled the desert, where he turned into the pillar, and she a low hill, about 500 metres away. Camping is allowed with picnic tables and toilets provided. Warning: Heavy fines apply to anyone defacing this national monument.
Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park, NT ~ This park is probably one of the most popular parks in the Territory. It is mainly for day use and a caravan and camping park is close by. The gorge is situated 32 km from Katherine Town along a sealed road. The gorge is open all year with quiet punt cruises up the Katherine River in the dry season and jet boat cruises in the wet season. Katherine Gorge is one of the natural wonders of the north. The river has cut through the sandstone formations over millions of years to form 13 gorges. Abundant bird and fish life inhabit this area and the freshwater crocodiles are also seen in great numbers. Activities in the area include bushwalking (more than 100 km of walking tracks), canoeing, scenic flights, launch tours, swimming and photography.
Standley Chasm in West Macdonnell National Park, NT ~ This dry chasm is well known for the noon visits by thousands of tourists each year, when the sun is perpendicular to this narrow opening through the ranges. There are walks through and beyond the chasm. The midday sun makes its walls blaze red with colour. The 1,500 m walk from kiosk to chasm follows a rocky creek, the natural beauty of which is best enjoyed on the less crowded mornings and afternoons. This site is Aboriginal land managed by the Angkerle Aboriginal Corporation. A nominal entry charge is levied.
Devonian Reef National Parks, NT ~ Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek and Geikie Gorge National Parks (see separate entries) are also known as the Devonian Reef National Parks, as the geology of this region provides an idea of what life was like during the Devonian period before the existence of reptiles or mammals. About three hundred and fifty million years ago much of WA's north-west was covered by sea, and in the warm shallow water surrounding the Kimberley, an enormous coral barrier reef existed, thought to be at least 1,000 km long and over 20 km wide. At Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek and Geikie Gorge, all located approximately 2,500 km north of Perth in the Kimberley region, the flood waters of the rivers have deeply eroded the ranges and exposed layers of fossils and a cross-section of the limestone strata of the ancient reef. The Kimberley has distinct wet and dry seasons and as all the rivers flood each year during the wet, the best time to visit the area is May through September, the dry season, when the days are clear and hot and the nights cool.
Butterfly Gorge Nature Park, NT ~ This small but attractive nature park is situated 200 km from Darwin and 130 km from Katherine. So named after the Common Crow Butterfly which looks for coolness in the damp rock-overhangs in the gorge, this park has a dense melaleuca forest and tropical spinifex grass which covers the adjacent rocky hills. The track into this park is designated four wheel drive only as it crosses black soil plains which turn to deep bulldust patches when the country dries out after the wet season. Large paperbarks and Leichhardt trees conceal the entrance to the small gorge. The gorge has colourful scenery, but a walk and some scrambling are necessary for the best views. The park is for day-use only and camping is not allowed. You may camp at Douglas Hot Springs which is only 17 km in distance from the gorge. Once you have reached the car park at the gorge, wade across the George River and approach the gorge pool from the eastern river bank and you will be there. There is safe swimming in the gorge, with the cliffs towering above. The adventurous might swim up to, or through, the narrow gorge to find peace and solitude in higher rock pools.
Edith Falls in Nitmiluk National Park, NT ~ Ever since the successful land claim under the NT Land Rights Act 1976 of Katherine Gorge by the Jawoyn Aboriginal clan, Edith Falls National Park was included. The only change to the status quo of the area has been of Aboriginal involvement with the land management processes. There have been minimal changes to the access throughout Nitmiluk National Park. Edith Falls lies 45 km north along the Stuart Highway from Katherine, and 20 km in, along a sealed road. There are facilities for caravans, camping and day use. This small water fall tumbles over a series of ridges through a number of pools to end up in a large pool fringed by a monsoon forest. This popular spot is safe for swimming or bushwalking. Campgrounds, walks onto the escarpment and swimming in the deep pools above the falls make this part of Nitmiluk not to be missed. A walking track exists which connects up with Katherine Gorge. This is normally a five day hike and permits have to be obtained.
