Kalbarri National Park, Perth

Kalbarri National Park is one of the most visited National parks in Western Australia covering over 186 000 hectares and only 6 hrs (590Ks)from Perth. Kalbarri National Park was established in 1996. Kalbarri National Park is located on the lower reaches of the Murchison River, which has cut magnificent red and white banded gorges(Known as Tumblagooda Sandstone) for over 80 kilometres, as it carves its way to the sea. The many and varied features of Kalbarri National Park provide visitors with an array of things to see and do. Marvel at nature's ability to carve the landscape. Explore the depths and heights of the river gorges and sea cliffs. Admire the floral beauty of the vast, rolling sandplains. Discover the intriguing cultural history of the area. Check out the native animals Something for everyone to do in Kalbarri National Park. The Geology of Kalbarri National Park: The spectacular scenery of Kalbarri National Park is the result of many millions of years of geological formation. Beneath the landscape are deep, horizontal bands of multi-coloured sands which were deposited in layers some 400 million years ago. The thinly bedded, red and white banded rocks seen through most of the river gorge and at the foot of Red Bluff were deposited on tidal flats. Rippled surfaces can be seen in many places, such as around Nature's Window . The ripples were formed by waves moving over the tidal flats. Some beds (such as on the way down the Z-Bend and in overhangs at The Loop) look as if they have been riddled by plant roots, and often have a 'can of worms' appearance. These are burrows left by worms sheltering in the sand. Tracks and trails on flat surfaces show where animals crawled across the damp sedimentary surface. The sedimentary rock formation found in the gorge and on the coast is called the Tumblagooda sandstone. Along the coast, wind and wave erosion has exposed the layers of the coastal cliffs that rise more than 100 metres above the ocean. From Red Bluff, extensive views south overlook colourful coastal limestone and sandstone ledges. There are scenic sites at Mushroom Rock, Rainbow Valley, Pot Alley and Eagle Gorge, to name but a few. Services and Facilities in Kalbarri National Park There are no camping areas in the national park but a full range of accommodation is available in the Kalbarri town. Kalbarri Town also offers a selection of shops, fuel outlets, entertainments and services including a bush nursing post, medical centre, police station, post office and banking facilities. Park tours and other visitor activities operate from the town. Accommodation and tourist agencies can be contacted for bookings and further details. Toilets and picnic facilities are provided at various places. Drinking water is not available in the park so always carry your own supply.