Canyons and Gorges: Western Australia
Karajini National Park
Stretching for more than 400km through the Pilbara region of Western Australia, the Hamersley Ranges contain many spectacular gorges have been carved by the waters of the Fortescue and other rivers. Sheer walls of rock are layered in colours from red to green and blue to pink in the changing sunlight, forming wild and magnificent panoramas. The gorges are up to 100m deep, with the water flow at their bases sometimes only one metre wide. Others have wide crystal-clear pools reflecting the blue skies. Lush green vegetation thrives and the gorges are cool oases to swim in and escape the brilliant sunshine.
Cape Range
Cape Range National Park, between the North West Cape and Exmouth on the Western Australian coast, is full of contrasts. Pass from high plateau shrub land to deep ocean within just a few kilometres. Walk through eucalypt woodlands or climb up deep rocky gorges. There is plenty of breathtaking scenery, from the flat coastal plain to the Range's terraces, explore coastal dunes, white sand beaches and turquoise water and rocky shores or just laze in the year round sunshine. Unsealed roads and tracks make four wheel driving a recommended part of the experience.
Geike Gorge
Located in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, Geike Gorge was originally part of an immense reef that formed a perimeter around the edge of the Kimberley. This reef developed over 50 million years while the sea levels rose to much higher levels than today. The seas subsided over the years leaving humongous limestone deposits exposed to the elements. Over the millions of years since, the rock has been eroded so today we have, amongst other formations, Geike Gorge.
Murchison Gorges, Kalbarri
Situated at the mouth of the Murchison River, with the back drop of the Indian Ocean and the Zuytdorp cliffs, the Western Australian town of Kalbarri town has grown in the last 50 years from a sleepy fishing village to a thriving tourist mecca. Its name comes from the��aboriginal word��for "edible seed" and also they say from one of the local aboriginal��tribesman. The Murchison River is named after Sir Frederick Murchison by Lt George Gray who was shipwrecked along the coast. On its way to the sea, the Murchison River has carved a windy path through the sandstone hinterland, creating a series of scenic gorges that are easily accessible by road. They can be explored on foot by a series of walking trails or by canoe.
Echidna Chasm
Located in the Bungles Bungle Ranges in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, Echidna Chasm is one of Australia's most spectacular walking destinations. The easy two km walk to Echidna Chasm is along a trail spotted with Livistona palms and through towering bright orange cliffs. The walk is up a creek bed and the walls of the chasm slowly close in on each side. It finally gets to the point where the crevice in which you are walking is only a metre wide and a hundred metres high. The light reflects off the orange domes above you and creates an eerie fluorescent glow on the creek bed below. It is simply stunning.
Cathedral Gorge
Located in the Bungle Bungle Ranges of the Kimberley region of Western Australia, with its huge dome-like cavern, Cathedral Gorge is regarded as one of nature's grandest amphitheatres. The entrance to Cathedral Gorge is lined by steep, almost vertical, rock faces. The amphitheatre has acoustic properties which, over the years, have encouraged many self-proclaimed singers to try and impress others with their vocal offerings.
Bell Gorge
Bell Gorge in the Kimberley region of Western Australia is one of the more spectacular gorges that are accessible from the Gibb River Road. Boab trees line Bell Creek, its cascading waterfalls provide a cool relaxing respite for a swim and time out to enjoy the rugged scenery of the Kimberley. Access to the gorge is along a 30 kilometre track suited to four-wheel drive only and one hour should be allowed for travel on it. Campsites are available at Silent Grove and along the banks of Bell Creek. Please note that the access road is closed during the summer months due to seasonal rains.
Dimond Gorge
The Fitzroy River in the Kimberley region of Western Australia has gradually cut through rangelands over time forming spectacular, steep gorges as seen in the Dimond Gorge. It is one of the most beautiful Kimberley gorges. Canoeing and bird watching are highlights as are its beautiful rock colours, bushwalking, swimming, photography, 4WD safaris and much more. Turn off at Mount House station and travel in a southwesterly direction to enjoy these two magnificent gorges on Mornington Station. You can canoe, catch a feed of barramundi, bird watch and explore the upper reaches of the Fitzroy River. Mornington Station is under the management of Australian Wildlife Conservancy dedicated to conservation.
Emma Gorge
El Questro's most famous gorge, Emma Gorge, in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, is traversed via a scenic trail alongside dramatically changing vegetation, from Savannah woodland to Kimberley rainforest. The gorge is characterised by massive scree slopes and cliff face escarpments that reach 120m on either side. "Ripple rocks" along the way where the patterns show how the shallow tidewaters created the pattern millions of years before.
Piccaninny Gorge
Where Piccaninny Creek has formed Piccaninny Gorge (Bungle Bungle Ranges), the range is cut by deep gullies and breaks up into complex areas of ridges and domes, with prominent orange and black or grey bands. Those who are prepared for extended walking trips camping in Piccaninny Gorge are rewarded with insights into spectacular hidden places. Venturing into the side gorges reveals valleys of palms, tunnels, secret amphitheatres and arches formed by the movement of the earth, fallen rock and erosion.
Peace Gorge
Peace Gorge is a group of fascinating rock formations, also known as The Granites, near Meekatharra. Peace Gorge is a stunning spot to relax and take in the beauty of the surroundings whilst enjoying a picnic lunch. Explore the fascinating rock formation of the gorge and take a walk around the reserve to examine the wildflowers, native shrubs and vegetation. For the more ambitious, climb to the top of the rocks to take in the expansive view. The gorge has been the preferred picnic spot for locals since 1919 when a gala picnic and sports day was organised for the soldiers who returned to Meekatharra following World War I.
Kennedy Range
Just north of Gascoyne Junction, in the harsh and unforgiving interior of the State���s north-west, lie the spectacular sandstone battlements of the Kennedy Range. This huge mesa, pushed up from an ancient sea bed, has dominated the surrounding plains for millions of years. The southern and eastern sides of the range have eroded to form spectacular cliffs, rising up to 100 metres or so above the Lyons River valley. The cliffs are dissected by a maze of steep-sided canyons, through which streams run after rain.
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