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Escarpment Base Trail, Kennedy Range NP Escarpment Base Trail, Kennedy Range NP

Bush Walk  in Coral Coast

(+4)
Cervantes to Geraldton, Coral Bay to Exmouth, Kalbarri & Surrounds, Shark Bay to Gnaraloo

  • Half day
  • 5.8 km
    • 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.

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
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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.

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Be trail ready for Escarpment Base Trail, Kennedy Range NP

Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.

Time / Duration

3 hours return

Length

5.8km return

What To Pack

Group B (Bushwalks and/or longer trails) required.

Trail Start

Sunrise carpark, Kennedy Ranges, 150km from Carnarvon which is 900km (9.5hours) north of Perth

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Trail End

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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.

Visit Trail Tips for further information.

Hazards & Warnings

The risks from exposure and dehydration are significant in this area. Carry 3 to 4 litres of drinking water per person

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
  • Camping
  • Car Park
  • Public Toilet

Best time of year

May to November. Walking is not recommended from December to March when temperatures can exceed 40 degrees Celsius

Fees

No entry fee at this National Park

Trail Access

Road, 2WD gravel road, check road conditions with the Carnarvon Shire

Prohibited Items

No pets permitted
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