Windjana Gorge National Park
- Introduction
- Fact file
Introduction
Windjana Gorge National Park, in the Kimberley’s Napier Range, is renowned for its dramatic scenery and geological significance. The 3.5-kilometre-long Windjana Gorge was carved by the Lennard River out of the limestone of the Napier Range. The range is part of an ancient barrier reef, formed during the Devonian period 350 to 375 million years ago. Cross-sections through the one-time reef can be seen in the gorge walls, which rise abruptly from the flood plain to a height of 100 metres in places. The gorge is also noted for one tragic episode. In 1894, Aboriginal leader Jandamarra killed a police officer at nearby Lillimilura homestead and then killed two stockmen as they tried to drive cattle through the gorge. Three years later, Jandamarra was tracked down and killed by an Aboriginal trooper near Tunnel Creek.Rock figs and spinifex cling to the gorge walls; below them, Leichhardt pines, native figs and cadjeputs line the riverbanks. Beyond the gorge lie vast grasslands dotted with grey box and bloodwood. During the dry season the Lennard River shrinks to a series of pools; in the wet season, the park can be inaccessible due to flooding. Windjana Gorge is a place for photography, observing nature and bushwalking. Start with a short loop walk from the camping area (30 minutes, easy) and progress to the longer walk to the ruins of Lillimilura homestead and police station (6 km return, 2 hours, medium difficulty). The Gorge Walk (7 km return, 2 hours, easy) follows the course of the Lennard River along the full length of the gorge, and walkers may encounter flying-foxes, corellas and freshwater crocodiles.
Fact file
Camping
Campsites at the gorge
Location and access
145 km east of Derby via Gibb River Rd; 150 km north-west of Fitzroy Crossing via Great Northern Hwy and Leopold Downs Rd
Park Information
CALM Broome (08) 9192 1036
Size
2134 ha
Where to Stay
Derby (08) 9191 1426, 1800 621 426
Campsites
Explore Australia’s National Parks
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