Escarpment Base Trail, Kennedy Range NP
Overview
For a great overall impression of the geographical marvel that is the Kennedy Ranges, you can do no better than walk the 5.8 kilometre return Escarpment Base Trail. There is interesting geology as well as sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) to observe between Temple Gorge Campground and Honeycomb Gorge Trail. A lookout area is a feature of the section between Honeycomb Gorge and Sunrise View trails.
Walking the escarpment base trail
Photo Credit: Pelusey Photography
About the Trail
Although there are some loose rocky slopes to contend with, this Class 3 trail is suitable for most reasonably fit walkers. Don't let the 5.8km return hike put you off.
The trail skirts the base of sheer rock faces along the edge of this spectacular escarpment. Along the way you can take a short diversion into Honeycomb Gorge.
The whole trail features huge boulders that tumbled from the escarpment over time. The stunted contorted sandalwood trees add a stark foreground to massive walls rising out of the rocky plain. Leave early in the morning and watch the rising sun light up the cliffs in a sensational red glow. It is also a good time to watch kangaroos that frequent the area. Sunrise view at trails end is an obvious viewing point.
This is one of six walk trials in the park – Temple Gorge, Honeycomb Gorge, Drapers Gorge, the Escarpment Trail (leading to the top of the range), the Escarpment Base Trail, and Sunrise View.
Need to Know
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Time
3 hours return -
Distance
5.8km return Length is 5.8km. -
Trail Start
Sunrise carpark, Kennedy Ranges, 900km north of Perth -
Degree of Difficulty
Moderate - Moderate level of fitness and experience required.
Bush Walk: Grade 3 - Suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Some bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep hill sections a rough surface and many steps. Walks up to 20km. -
What to Pack?
Each person needs to carry and drink 3 to 4 litres of water per day of walking; There is no drinking water in the park.
Group B (Bushwalks and/or longer trails) required.
- Minimum 2 litres of water per person per day
- Sturdy shoes
- Sun hat or bike helmet (compulsory in WA)
- Sunglasses, sunscreen (30+) and insect repellant
- Binoculars and camera (optional)
- Map or guide book where suggested
- Snacks and/or lunch depending on length of trail
- Clothes to suit the activity and potential weather conditions including a water/windproof jacket
- First Aid kit
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Best Time of the Year
May to November -
Facilities
Temple Gorge campground is a bush campsite. Camping fees apply. Toilets are provided but there is no water available. To assist visitors, Parks and Wildlife Campground Hosts are usually based at the campground from May to September. There is a ‘communal’ fireplace at the Temple Gorge campground. To protect wildlife habitat and the ecology of the national park, please collect wood before getting to the park. Collecting wood in the park is not permitted and personal campfires are strongly discouraged. Accommodation is available at Gascoyne Junction (Junction Pub and Tourist Park) and at the Mount Augustus Tourist Park
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Fees
No entry fee at this National Park -
Hazards & Warnings
The risks from exposure and dehydration are significant in this area. During the hotter months (at least December – March) these risks are extreme. Temperatures often exceed 40 degrees Celsius. Walk in groups of three or more – in an emergency one might ne -
Access to the Trail
Roads in the inland Gascoyne are mostly unsealed but usually suitable for two-wheel drive vehicles. Roads can be substantially damaged and/or closed after rainfall. Seek local shire information about road conditions. -
Trail Contact
Carnarvon Visitor Centre
Telephone: (08) 9941 1146
Web: http://www.carnarvon.org.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exploreparkswa
Twitter: @exploreparksWA
