Kennedy Range is a vast, ancient sandstone plateau that is 75 kilometres long and ranges between 12 and 25 kilometres wide.
Kennedy Range National Park, known as 'Mundatharrda' to the local Inggarda Aboriginal language group, is located approximately 185 kilometres or 3 hours' drive east of Carnarvon. Over millions of years, natural forces have etched out valleys and created remarkable cliff faces in the Range.
Guided day tours are a great way to explore the National Park, while scenic helicopter flights are a unique way to see the Range from above. For those who are self-driving, the roads in Kennedy Range National Park are unsealed. The unsealed road to the eastern escarpment is usually suitable for two-wheel drive vehicles, however this can vary depending on recent rains and road conditions so a four-wheel drive is recommended. Access to the western side of the park, via the Gascoyne River, is with high-clearance and high-capability four-wheel drive only.
For those who love hiking or camping, Kennedy Range National Park is not to be missed. The Park offers a wilderness-style experience and the chance to reconnect with nature while camping beneath the stars and stark sandstone cliffs of the Kennedy Range. The most popular site within the park is Honeycomb Gorge, a rock face formed by wind and water spray from a seasonal waterfall above the cliff-face. An intriguing feature which has created a mass of hexagonal holes leading to the "Honeycomb" name.
The best time to visit is during winter after good rains. At such times, the usually dusty red landscape bursts into bloom with a wide variety of delicate flowers and plants blanketing the National Park's ancient valleys.
Sightseeing, photography, picnicking, bush camping, hiking and a trek to the top of the ranges can easily fill your time at Kennedy Range National Park. There are six walk trails - Temple Gorge, Honeycomb Gorge, Drapers Gorge, the Escarpment Trail (leading to the top of the range), the Escarpment Base Trail, and Sunrise View. All trails are Class 3 (users require a moderate level of fitness. Trails may be slightly modified and include unstable surfaces) and/or Class 4 (trails are in relatively undisturbed environments and are often rough with few if any modifications. A moderate to high level of fitness is required. Users should be prepared and self reliant).
There is no entry fee for the National Park, however camping fees do apply at the bush campground Temple Gorge (with a bush toilet). Please note there is no drinking water available in the National Park and all visitors should carry ample supplies of drinking water and fuel. Temple Gorge Campground has a communal firepit, but to protect the wildlife habitat and ecology of the National Park, campers should collect wood before getting to the park. For more information on visiting Kennedy Range National Park contact the Visitors Centre.
Click here for Kennedy Range National Park's brochure.