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Bandilngan (Windjana Gorge) National Park is closed from 20 November 2023 for the wet season.

For more information, please visit the Park Alerts website.

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Gorge Walk, Windjana NP Gorge Walk, Windjana NP

Bush Walk  in North West

  • 1-3 hours
  • 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.

The Gorge Trail follows the long languid pools and sandy riverbed of the Lennard River. It is one of the best locations to see numerous freshwater crocodiles sunning themselves on the sandy riverbed. The river cuts through the Napier Range, where the ancient Devonian Reef is clearly evident.  This 8km return trail is undulating and sandy in parts.

Gorge walk follows the Leonard River
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The Gorge Trail offers the walker a great insight into the fascinating geology and wildlife of the Lennard River Napier Range system. The trail follows the edge of large dry-season pools and sandy riverbeds for about 4km one-way.  

The biggest attraction for visitors is the numerous freshwater crocodiles seen sunning themselves on the sandy sections of the river. Signs warn people not to get too close. With so much dry-season water, there are plenty of birds about. Snakes are sometimes seen, particularly pythons.

The river cuts through the Napier Range forming spectacular gorge walls, where the 360 million year old Devonian Reef is clearly evident. You can see ancient fossilized marine creatures embedded in rock. The gorge is culturally very important to the indigenous Benuba people where their creation spirits dwell. The gorge was also the hiding place for outlaw indigenous leader, Jandamarra in the 1890s. The trail features some interpretive signage and a few direction markers.

Broome Parks and Wildlife Office

(08) 9195 5500

Broome Visitor Centre

(08) 9195 2200

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Be trail ready for Gorge Walk, Windjana NP

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

Time / Duration

2 - 3 hours

Length

8km return

What To Pack

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

Trail Start

Windjana Campsite, 157km east of Derby, Derby is 2400km north of Perth

Get directions

Trail End

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.

Difficulty Notes

Some rock hopping

Facilities

  • Camping
  • Car Park
  • Coach Parking
  • Interpretive Centre
  • Picnic Area
  • Public Toilet
  • Shaded Area

Best time of year

May to October. The dry season in the Kimberley

Fees

National Park Fees apply

Trail Access

Air, Drive or Bus to Broome, Road 4WD to trail

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1 trail goers have rated Gorge Walk, Windjana NP as 3 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.

Carolyn Port

Reviewed 28 Jul 2021, 11:01am

This is a good gorge for spotting small crocs and fossils but not for swimming. The hike is a simple river (not flowing water in July) side and riverbed walk. The gorge is wide and open. The start of the walk has a nice cave which you pass through. It definitely should be walked either early or late in the day to appreciate the colours of the gorge walls and avoid the heat of the midday sun as most of the walk is quite exposed to the heat. However in the middle of the day there are plenty of crocodiles to be seen sunning themselves!

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