Kennedy Range National Park

Once Nathan left we had no specific plans. We looked at the weather further south and it was cold and wet, so we investigated where else we could go where the weather was warmer. I noticed a national park a few hundred kilometres inland from Carnarvon, and the photos looked interesting, so we decided to head that way. After we made the decision a rain band was predicted to come through, and with some dirt road to get into the park, we wanted to see how much rain there was and if the road would be closed. We picked a roadside camp area that had some gravel to park on in case it got messy, and then waited to see what would happen.

We had a bit of wind but not much rain, so were able to explore the area, enjoy the start of the wildflowers and chase birds.

Chiming Wedgebill

Black-faced Woodswallow

Red-capped Robin

After two nights at the rest area the forecast was looking good and the road was open so we headed further inland. During our brief stop at Gascoyne Junction there was a shower of rain, which made us nervous. 

As we started on the dirt road a ute came towards us and Dazz called them on the radio to ask about road conditions. It turned out to be the camp hosts at the National Park and they said the road was fine. 

Draper's Gorge

In order to fit all the walks in with Dazz's planned meetings and work we needed to do one of the walks that afternoon, so we drove around to Draper's Gorge.

If this was Karijini there would be water in the pool at the end of the gorge!

There were many interesting rock formations, and it was very different to the other gorges we've seen in WA.

It was good we had got out and done a walk that first afternoon as we woke up to more showers of rain on the second day. There was nothing heavy, but they kept blowing through, making it very unpleasant to be outside. It was a good day to catch up on work!

Temple Gorge

Day 3 was back to dry and sunny so we did the Temple Gorge walk after a morning of work.

All the different layers of rock were visible in this little section of the creek.

Dusky Woodswallow

Grey Fantail

Sunrise View and Honeycomb Gorge

Since we lost a day to rain we drove up to Sunrise View (not at sunrise!). It would have been lovely with the golden morning sun on the cliffs.

Honeycomb Gorge was really interesting, but it is a sacred site, with no photographs allowed on the walk. This was the start of the gorge from the car park.

Escarpment Trail

After a quick lunch back at camp we refilled our water bottles and set off up the hill. It was quite a climb.

As we went up we started to get glimpses down onto the plains.

But there was still more climbing.

And more climbing.

But the view from the top was worth it!

Temple Gorge Campground

There was also a great view from the campground, even without going on the walks.

Sunrise from just outside the caravan.