Kennedy Range National Park

What happens when you venture inland and leave the tropical town of Carnarvon behind? You’re about to experience a slice of Western Australia’s wild west outback! The landscape of the Kennedy Range is dominated by a vast sandstone plateau. It’s between 12 and 25 kilometres wide and about 75 kilometres long. The rocks of the range were originally formed beneath an ancient sea. If you’re lucky you might even see fossils of marine creatures embedded in exposed rock. The plateau towers 80 metres above the surrounding red earth plain. On top of the range, there are red sand dunes covered by mixed shrubland and spinifex grassland. It’s hard to imagine that these dunes formed 20,000 years ago. On the western side, spring water trickles from the base of the range. The springs are important sites for traditional owners of the area. There are several trails to choose from but make sure you read the safety advice before walking in this remote area. Spring is a great time to visit the park. Wildflowers, including everlastings, burst into bloom. These provide a colourful contrast against the red earth landscape. Camp out beneath the stars at Temple Gorge Campground. The night skies are excellent for stargazing. The vast plateau now seems small against the infinite vastness of space!