Drysdale River National Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Drysdale River National Park Western Australia
IUCN Category II (National Park)
Drysdale River National Park Location in Western Australia
Nearest town or city	Kalumburu
Established	1974
Area	4,482.64 km2 (1,730.8 sq mi)
Managing authorities	Department of Environment and Conservation
Website	Drysdale River National Park
See also	List of protected areas of Western Australia

Drysdale River National Park is a huge national park in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. It is about 2,168 kilometers (1,347 miles) northeast of Perth. This park is a special place, full of untouched wilderness and amazing nature.

The park is located about 100 kilometers (62 miles) south of Kalumburu. It is also about 150 kilometers (93 miles) west of Wyndham.

Getting to Drysdale River National Park

Drysdale River National Park is the biggest and hardest park to reach in the Kimberley. There are no public roads that go directly into the park. Also, there is no airstrip inside its borders.

How to Access the Park

To get into the park, you need to use a track from Carson River Station. This track connects from the Kalumburu Road. Before you go, you must get permission from the Kalumburu Aboriginal Corporation.

What to Expect When Visiting

There are no special places for visitors in the park. You won't find marked walking trails either. Park rangers do not patrol the area. Also, there is no food, fuel, or repair services available. This means you need to be fully prepared for a true wilderness adventure.

Exploring the Park's Natural Beauty

Drysdale River National Park is a perfect example of the wild Kimberley area. It has open woodlands, deep gorges, and tall cliffs. You can also find beautiful pools, waterfalls, and creeks that are part of the Drysdale River.

Waterfalls and Rivers

The park is home to two large waterfalls: Morgan Falls and Solea Falls. Many smaller waterfalls can also be found along the river's path. The Drysdale and Carson Rivers flow through the park. They create permanent pools that are home to many plants.

Plants and Animals of Drysdale River

This park is a safe home for many rare plants and animals. It is a very important place for biodiversity.

Amazing Plant Life

Almost 600 different types of plants grow in the park. About 30 of these are water or swamp plants. They live in the permanent pools along the Drysdale and Carson Rivers. You can also find about 25 types of ferns here. Two of these ferns are not found anywhere else in the world! Other plants like fan palms, kalumbaru gums, and paperbarks grow near the water.

Diverse Animal Species

Many different animals live in Drysdale River National Park. Over 100 kinds of birds call the park home. You might also spot sugar gliders, bats, wallabies, and even saltwater crocodiles. It's a great place for wildlife spotting!

History of Drysdale River National Park

The land where the Drysdale River flows has a long history. It has been home to traditional owners for thousands of years.

Traditional Owners

The Ngarinjin, Miwa, and Wilawila peoples are the traditional owners of this area. They have a deep connection to the land.

European Exploration and Park Establishment

The first European to visit this area was CA Burrowes in 1886. Later, in 1901, explorers like Brockman and Crossland also visited. The first track for vehicles was built through the region in 1954. This track went from Gibb River Station to Kalumburu. Drysdale River National Park was officially created in September 1974. Its boundaries were set based on ideas from the Australian Academy of Science in 1955.