Outback Info (Private Seiten) © seit 1999

Windjana Gorge National Park

The walls of Windjana Gorge rise abruptly from the wide alluvial floodplain of the Lennard River, reaching about 100 metres high in some places. The 3.5-kilometre long gorge cuts through the limestone of the Napier Range; part of an ancient barrier reef, which can also be seen at Geikie Gorge and Tunnel Creek National Parks.

The Lennard River runs through the gorge in wet weather, but during the dry season it forms pools surrounded by trees and shrubs.

The deep, moist soils of the riverbank support the tall broad-leaved leichardt tree, native figs and the paper-barked cadjeputs. These trees also provide shelter from the hot sun for many waterbirds, a colony of fruit bats and a large group of corellas. Freshwater crocodiles can often be seen in the pools.

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Where is it?
150 kilometres from Fitzroy Crossing and 145 kilometres from Derby.

(Click on map for enlargement)

Travelling time:
Three hours from Fitzroy Crossing and two hours from Derby.

What to do:
Camping, sightseeing, walking, photography, nature observation.

• Gorge Walk - a 7 km return walk takes you along the full length of the gorge and back. It runs along the course of the Lennard River, which becomes a series of pools in the dry season. It allows you a close look at the gorge's resident fruit bats, corellas and freshwater crocodiles.

Facilities:
Camping (toilets and water).

Best season:
May to September. May be inaccessible during the wet season.