KENNEDY RANGE NP

Located in the Gascoyne region around 160 kilometres inland, the Kennedy Range is on the edge of the Gascoyne River's catchment area. Some 250 million years ago the area was under the sea and today it is rich in fossils of marine animals.

The range is spectacular (in places) and there are a wide variety of wildflowers (around 80 species) in the park. Animal life is also abundant with small kangaroo species being the most visible but interestingly there are also 9 species of bat known to live in the area. Over 100 species of birds have been seen here too.

F.T. Gregory named the range in 1858 after the then Governor of the state, Arthur Edward Kennedy. The range is a huge mesa, pushed up from an ancient sea bed. About 250 million years ago the area was a shallow ocean basin on the edge of Australian continent. It slowly filled with layers of sediment and this was compressed by the weight of successive layers. Much later It was raised above sea level and over time erosion from wind and water has stripped away much of the rock leaving canyons, cliffs and gorges. Fossils found in the range not only include marine animals but also plant species.

On top of the mesa there are red sand dunes that were formed by the weathering of the sandstone beneath.

Although sheep stations were established in the vicinity starting from 1878, the area now occupied by the National Park remained relatively undisturbed due to the lack of water.

The park was first gazetted on 8th January 1993 and has continued to expand as properties are acquired.

Although access to the eastern escarpment is ok for 2 wheel drive vehicles, access to the western side of the park is best suited to well prepared 4 wheel drives.

Opalite, Mookarite, Chalcedoney, Petrified Wood and fossils are found in the area and attract gem collectors.

There are two walk trails, one from the campsite and one from the visitor's area on the northern side.

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