Lexi Webster
Western Australia is home to a plethora of national parks, with just under 2.6% of the state covered by them. The largest national park in Western Australia is the Purnululu National Park, located in the East Kimberley region and occupying an area of 2,397 square kilometres. The park was declared a World Heritage Site in 2003 and is home to the Bungle Bungle ranges, a series of massive and unusual chiselled sandstone rocks shaped like beehives, with taller ones reaching heights of 250 metres. The second-largest national park in Western Australia is Karijini, located in the Pilbara region in the state's North West.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Purnululu National Park |
| Location | East Kimberley region of Western Australia |
| Area | 2,397 square kilometres |
| Year of Inscription as a World Heritage Site | 2003 |
| Attractions | Bungle Bungle range, sandstone rocks shaped like beehives, Cathedral Gorge, Picaninny Gorge, Echidna Chasm |
| Local Culture | Local Aboriginal culture |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Cape Range National Park
Western Australia is home to a plethora of national parks, with 112 in total as of 2023. The oldest, John Forrest, was proclaimed in 1900, while the most recent, Pimbee and Bunuba, were established in 2023. The largest number of national parks to be proclaimed in a single year was in 2004, with 28 parks created.
One of these many national parks is Cape Range National Park, located in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia. Covering an area of 47,655 hectares (or 50,581 hectares according to another source), it is situated on the western side of the North West Cape peninsula, with the nearest town being Exmouth. The Cape is the only elevated plateau composed of limestone on the North West Coast and has plateaus reaching elevations of 314 metres.
The area became a national park in 1964, with the off-shore area, Ningaloo Marine Park, being declared in 1987. The Traditional Owners of the park are the Baiyungu, Thalanyji and Yinigurdira people, who jointly manage the park with government authorities.
The park offers a range of attractions and activities, including walk trails, wildlife viewing, camping, beachcombing, swimming, snorkelling, and beach fishing. Yardie Creek, with its permanent water source flowing between sheer cliffs, is a unique feature of the park. Other notable locations within the park include South Mandu for snorkelling and coral gardens, Pilgramunna for its scenic seaside experience, Sandy Bay for swimming and snorkelling, and Lakeside for shore snorkelling.
Smart Suitcase Sizing for Australian Adventures
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Nambung National Park
Western Australia is home to 112 national parks, with just under 2.6% of the state covered by national parks. The largest national park in Western Australia is the proposed Helena and Aurora Ranges National Park. However, the second-largest national park in the state is Karijini National Park.
The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. It contains 176 observed animal species, including 128 birds, 8 mammals, 15 reptiles, several fish and arthropods, and one amphibian. Some of the mammal species found in the park include the western grey kangaroo, red kangaroo, dingo, honey possum, and red fox. The park also boasts over 170 angiosperms, including coastal wattle, sea nymph, acorn banksia, cowslip orchid, ringed wallaby grass, and coast hop-bush.
One of the most famous features of Nambung National Park is the Pinnacles Desert, an area with thousands of limestone pillars rising from the shifting yellow sands. The desert was relatively unknown until it was surveyed in 1934. Visitors can access the Pinnacles Desert via the Indian Ocean Drive or Cervantes Road from the east. The park also offers secluded white sandy beaches, such as Hangover Bay, perfect for swimming, snorkelling, windsurfing, and surfing. Offshore, there is a stunning reef system protected within the Jurien Bay Marine Park.
From August to October, the vegetation at Nambung National Park springs to life with colourful wildflowers. The shifting dune systems and low heathland areas support a rich variety of flowering plants. The park also features a boardwalk at Lake Thetis, where visitors can view thrombolites and stromatolites, rock-like structures built by microorganisms that date back to the dawn of life on Earth. The Desert Discovery Centre provides information about the geology of the pinnacles' formations and the cultural and natural heritage of the area.
NARS Cosmetics: Shipping Availability in Australia
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Purnululu National Park
The park is located approximately 300 kilometres (186 miles) south of Kununurra and can be accessed by a four-wheel drive or by air. The Spring Creek Track, a 53-kilometre (33-mile) long route, offers a challenging but scenic drive through the park, accessible only by four-wheel-drive vehicles during the dry season, usually from April to December. It is important to note that phone reception is intermittent within the park, and there is no fuel available, so visitors should come prepared with sufficient fuel for their vehicles.
The traditional owners of Purnululu National Park are the Karjaganujaru peoples, and the name "Purnululu" is a mispronunciation of the Djaru word for the area, "Bullmanlulu." The correct Karjaganujaru name for the Bungle Bungle massif is "Billingjal," which translates to "sand falling away." The park is recognised for its cultural significance and exceptional beauty, offering visitors a unique immersive experience through Google Arts & Culture, where breathtaking images and stories bring the site to life.
Russia vs Australia: A Size Comparison
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Karijini National Park
Covering an area of 6,274 square kilometres, Karijini National Park is Western Australia's second-largest national park. It is a semi-arid plateau located about 1,400km (870 miles) north of Perth, and is the traditional home of the Banyjima, Kurrama, and Innawonga Aboriginal people. The Banyjima name for the Hamersley Range is Karijini, meaning 'hilly place'.
The park boasts breathtaking landscapes of rugged red gorges, towering waterfalls, and turquoise swimming holes. Erosion has slowly carved out this stunning red landscape from rock that is over 2.5 billion years old. The best time to visit is during autumn (February to April) when the moderate temperatures are perfect for walking and swimming in the hidden water holes.
The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including red kangaroos, rock wallabies, echidnas, goannas, and a large variety of birds and snakes. The park is also known for its large termite mounds scattered throughout the grasslands.
To get to the park, visitors can fly into one of the two nearby airports, Paraburdoo Airport (PBO) or Newman Airport (ZNE), and hire a car. It is important to note that there are no petrol stations within the park, so visitors should ensure they have enough fuel for the journey.
Applying Barcodes in Australia: A Comprehensive Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Kalbarri National Park
Covering an area of over 186,000 hectares, Kalbarri National Park is one of the most spectacular parks in Western Australia. It is located at the lower reaches of the Murchison River, around 590km north of Perth. The river has carved an 80km gorge through the red and white banded sandstone, creating a dramatic landscape of wind-carved cliffs and wildflowers. The park offers stunning views, rugged terrain, and a variety of lookouts and hikes for all experience levels.
The township of Kalbarri is encircled by two distinct landscapes, both part of the National Park. To the northeast are the Inland River Gorges, featuring rock formations over 400 million years old. The south boasts towering Coastal Cliffs, with impressive plunges to the waves below. The Kalbarri Skywalk offers panoramic views of Murchison Gorge, with two platforms jutting out over the gorge. The Loop Trail is a popular hiking option but is closed after 7 am during the warmer months from November to March.
When planning a visit to Kalbarri National Park, it's important to note that drinking water is not available, so visitors must bring their own supply. Overnight hikes are only permitted during the cooler months (May to October) and require a group of at least five experienced people. All roads within the park are sealed and suitable for 2WD vehicles, but towing is not permitted in the Inland National Park areas. Dogs are not allowed in the park, and camping is not permitted within the park boundaries.
Discovering Geodes: Australia's Natural Treasures
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The largest national park in Western Australia is the Purnululu National Park, which encompasses an area of 2,397 square kilometres.
The Purnululu National Park is home to the Bungle Bungle ranges, a series of massive and unusual chiselled sandstone rocks shaped like beehives. The sandstone rocks feature alternating black and orange bands and can reach heights of up to 250 metres.
The Purnululu National Park is located in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia, about 300km south of Kununurra. While in the region, you can learn about the local Aboriginal culture, walk through gorges and along Piccaninny Creek, and even camp overnight.
