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

Bush Walk  in Coral Coast

  • Half day
  • 3.4 km
    • Bush Walk Class 4

      Difficult trail with rough surface that may have very steep hills or extensive rock hopping. Directional signage may be limited. Bushwalking experience, navigation and emergency first aid skills, and good fitness required.

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
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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.     

Denham (Shark Bay) Parks and Wildlife Office

(08) 9948 2226

Visitor Information Centres

National Parks

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  • Australia’s Coral Coast

    Comprehensive information on the Coral Coast region including destinations, things to see and do, accommodation and tours.


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Be trail ready for Escarpment Trail, Kennedy Range NP

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

Time / Duration

3 hours return

Length

3.4km return

What To Pack

Group B - Hiking & Long Distance Trails (Bushwalks and/or longer trails) required.

Trail Start

Either Drapers or Temple Gorge carpark, Kennedy Range NP, 150km from Carnarvon which is 900km (9.5hours) north of Perth

Get directions

Trail End

End at either Drapers or Temple Gorge Carparks

Get directions

Bush Walk

Class 4

Difficult trail with rough surface that may have very steep hills or extensive rock hopping. Directional signage may be limited. Bushwalking experience, navigation and emergency first aid skills, and good fitness required.

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
  • All accessible parking
  • 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
More tips for being Trail Ready
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1 trail goers have rated Escarpment Trail, Kennedy Range NP as 5 out of 5!

We love to hear from people who've been on our Western Australian trails, so it would be most appreciated it if you wanted to leave a review.

Peter Harrison

Reviewed 1 May 2018, 2:24pm

This place is a real surprise, amazing to say the least, The escarpment trail early morning gives some breathtaking views with the sun shining through the trail up to the escarpment. Was there mid April 2018, only downside are the number of flies, mixed in with the heat and dust!

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