Escarpment Trail, Kennedy Range NP
Overview
You can start this 3.4 kilometre trail either from the Draper Gorge car park or Temple Gorge campground. If you are capable of going up and down steep sections, getting to the top of the escarpment is well worth the considerable effort as you will be rewarded with panoramic views.
The summit
Photo Credit: Pelusey Photography
About the Trail
The key tip for doing this trail to avoid considerable drama is not to undertake it too late in the day. You are looking at a good 2 to 3 hours to do this 3.4km trail and you dont want to be caught out in the dark on this one.
The marked trail follows a rocky creek bed into a narrow gorge. It soon starts climbing steeply and there are loose rocks and cliff edges to negotiate. For the easiest route always look out for the next trail marker. After some effort, you reach the top and veer left following a distinct trail across flat terrain to a lookout for stunning panoramic views.
Looking down on Temple Gorge campground, caravans and camper trailers look so minute and insignificant in this vast landscape. You also get a great perspective of cliff faces and promotories that make up the escarpment jutting out onto the barren plains. Unfortunately, what goes up must come down, which is where walking poles come in very handy.
Need to Know
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Time
3 hours return -
Distance
3.4km return Length is 3.4km. -
Trail Start
Either Drapers or Temple Gorge carpark, Kennedy Range NP, 150km from Carnarvon which is 900km (9.5hours) north of Perth -
Trail End
End at either Drapers or Temple Gorge Carparks -
Degree of Difficulty
Difficult - High level of fitness and experience required.
Bush Walk: Grade 4 - Bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited. -
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 -
Prohibited Items
No pets in National Parks -
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
