The best Western Australian national parks to adventure in

Western Australia is a gem of natural wonders, with some of the best national parks in the country. WA has so many different landscapes – ancient gorges and formations, pristine beaches and forests – so if you’re an adventurer or just want to see some amazing views, national parks are the place to go. This guide will take you through the must-see parks and give you a taste of what makes them special and how to get around this amazing area.

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Western Australia’s Natural Wonders

WA is renowned for its natural beauty and unique environments. The state’s national parks have some of the most stunning views and most diverse habitats around. Karijini National Park has ancient rock formations and deep gorges, and Cape Le Grand National Park has white sandy beaches and turquoise water. The WA coast is famous for the clarity of these waters and the environment that supports whale sharks and more.

National Parks in Conservation & Recreation

The national parks in Western Australia are for conservation and recreation. They prove the state values nature, like Purnululu National Park with the Bungle Bungle Range or Nambung National Park, where you can find the Pinnacles Desert. For example, they have different recreational facilities like bushwalking trails, hiking paths and wildlife viewing, and conservation comes first. The different types of plants, including indigenous species and multicoloured wildflowers, are protected in these parklands.

How to Get Around WA’s National Parks

To make the most of the many opportunities in Western Australia’s National Parks:

• Plan Ahead: Each park has something different – walking tracks or picnic tables – so may require a Park Pass or special permits so research each one before you get here.
• Be Prepared for Weather: Weather can change quickly across the state. Be prepared for hot and cold days.
• Hire a Local Guide: A local will give you insights into the cultural and natural history of the parks. They can tell you about ancient landscapes and geological formations.
• Be Environmentally Aware: Stick to the rules so your actions don’t impact the ecosystem. Stay on marked trails, be considerate of animals and remember to leave no trace for future visitors.

Things to Consider When Visiting WA National Parks

When visiting national parks in WA:

• Check the Climate: The weather can be extreme. Summer is hot, and winters are cool. So check the weather forecast before you plan your day.
• Park Fees & Permits: Some parks require a Park Pass or an entrance fee, and others may need camping reservations or special permits for activities.
• Itinerary: Plan your trip with a mix of short trips and long stays. Cape Range National Park and Francois Peron National Park are great for an extended trip or just to relax.
• Safety: Be aware of risks, such as freshwater crocodiles in some areas, and make sure you have the right safety gear for hiking or any other activity.

Best National Parks in Western Australia

Karijini National Park

Karijini National Park in the interior of Western Australia is a beautiful place with amazing geological formations and deep gorges. The park’s landscape is a history book of the earth millions of years old with layer upon layer of rock. Some of these are Hamersley Gorge, Weano Gorge and Dales Gorge.

Hamersley Gorge is famous for its brightly coloured rocks, which contrast beautifully with the surroundings. A short walk to this gorge, and you’ll find natural pools to cool off. Weano Gorge is one of these gorges, which are narrow and deep. Adventurous walking trails wind through these rough terrain and offer great views of the rock formations. Apart from the impressive waterholes and cascading waterfalls at Dales Gorge, Terry Falls is another highlight here. And there’s a popular walk to Fortesque Falls on this gorge.

Apart from the gorges, Karijini National Park has many walking trails for all fitness levels. The park has various terrain, from rocky outcrops to deep gullies, from lush vegetation to peaceful waterholes. By walking around, you can see the unique plants of the desert environment and animals adapted to live in this arid land, like birds.

Cultural Significance: The Banjima Kurrama and Innawonga people also consider this park culturally significant as they have lived here for thousands of years, and their culture is tied to the land itself. When visiting here, tourists are encouraged to learn about their stories and ways.

Visitor Information: Campgrounds and picnic areas. Ranger-led tours and educational programs to learn about the park’s geology and ecology. Guided walks with local Indigenous guides to learn more about the area’s cultural and natural history.

Nambung National Park

Pinnacles Desert: In the mid-west of Western Australia lies Nambung National Park and the famous Pinnacles Desert. Thousands of limestone pillars rise dramatically out of the sand. The weird geological formation of the Pinnacles Desert has created pillars of all shapes and sizes in an otherworldly landscape.

Pinnacles Desert: These Pinnacles were formed 25,000 years ago through natural processes of erosion of the surrounding sand and dissolution of limestone. You can walk or drive through this landscape and take in the views of the desert and its formations. Especially at sunrise or sunset, when the long shadows stretch across the landscape and define the textures of the limestone rock faces.

Activities: Besides the Pinnacles Desert tour, you can do many other things in Nambung National Park. The scenic drives are a relaxing way to take in the views, the walking trails get you up close to the rock formations, and the lookouts are great for photography and wildlife spotting.

Coastal Attractions: Along with the sand desert, Nambung National Park has beautiful beaches and clear waters along its coastline. They are great for swimming and picnicking as they have calm waters lapping against the Indian Ocean. Hutt Lagoon is another tourist attraction due to its pink colour caused by some sort of algae.

Visitor Facilities: Visitor centre where you can learn about the history and geology. Camping areas and picnic spots if you want to stay a while.

Kalbarri National Park

Kalbarri National Park is on the west coast of Western Australia and has many different landscapes and views. Murchison River Gorge has cliffs and wildflowers in spring.

Murchison River Gorge: The Murchison River Gorge is one of the most popular spots in Kalbarri National Park. The river has been carving this deep chasm for millions of years. Colourful rock formations line this gorge, and there are opportunities for outdoor activities. From lookouts like Z-Bend Gorge, you can see the river flowing around a huge bend in the rocks.

Activities: For nature lovers or adventure seekers, this park has something for everyone. If you love bushwalking, there are tracks like the Kalbarri Skywalk that will give you a wider view of the gorge landscape. This includes two skywalk platforms that extend out over the edge of the gorge and give you an exhilarating view of the park’s natural beauty.

Wildlife and Flora: Kalbarri National Park is also very biodiverse. You’ll find kangaroos, emus and many bird species as it has different ecosystems. During the flowering season, you’ll see wildflowers all over the park.

Coastal: And, of course, the coastal part of the park has cliffs and beaches. Fishing, swimming and beachcombing are possible here.

Visitor Facilities: Information centres, campgrounds and picnic areas. Guided tours to learn about the natural and cultural history of the area.

Cape Range National Park

Cape Range National Park is on the northwest coast of Western Australia and has a mountain range and beaches. The marine environment is Ningaloo Reef, one of the world’s largest fringing reefs; snorkel or dive here.

Ningaloo Reef: Famous for its coral reefs and marine life, Ningaloo Reef is right off the shoreline so perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling. You can see many species of marine life here; fish, manta rays or during season whale sharks—the largest fish in the world.

Beaches and Water Activities: You’ll find beautiful beaches with white sand and clear water at Cape Range National Park. This park is where families go swimming and sunbathing and have picnics. If you can’t swim well it’s a good spot as the water is calm as it’s shallow.

Landscapes and Wildlife: It’s not just a coastal destination, Cape Range National Park has rugged terrain with mountains of jagged rocks and limestone gorges and arid plains. Kangaroos, emus and many bird species are in the interior of the park. Hiking or walking around the park is easy due to the rough terrain.

Visitor Experience: Campgrounds, picnic areas, walking trails, etc, are available in Cape Range National Park. Some tour operators also offer guided trips to Ningaloo Reef through scuba diving and snorkelling experiences, and they leave memories under the sea floor.

Conclusion

WA’s national parks are proof of the natural beauty and biodiversity here. Karijini’s gorges to Nambung’s Pinnacles each have their own wow factor. Whether you’re after road trips, short breaks or just want to explore natural wonders WA’s national parks have it all.

FAQ

When To Visit?

The best time to visit varies by the park, but generally, April to October is the best.

Do I Need A Permit?

Most parks require a Park Pass or entry fee. Check the park website or visitor centre for more info.

Guided Tours?

Guided tours are available in many parks to learn about local flora, fauna and cultural significance. Check with the park visitor centre or local tour operators for options.

What Wildlife Will I See?

Wildlife varies by national park. Black-flanked rock wallabies, freshwater crocodiles and different bird species. Other parks like Ningaloo Reef and Francois Peron National Park also have marine life, such as whale sharks and manta rays.

Can I Camp?

Some parks allow camping and have campgrounds. Check the park camping rules and book if necessary.