Karara Rangeland Park (CG)

Karara Rangeland Park comprises six former pastoral stations and hosts a diversity of landscapes, habitats and inhabitants. Karara landscapes
Granite outcrops have many unique species and some outcrops have weathered into isolated hills and ridges, or breakaways.

Also hosting unique species are basalt hills and banded iron formations. Scientists believe banded iron formed when the photosynthetic activity of early life forms saturated the oceans with oxygen about 2500 million years ago.

Wetlands include Mongers Lake which stretches some 200 kilometres around the park. Whether it is a huge shallow lake or a white gypsum claypan depends on recent rainfall.

Thundelarra lignum swamp is possibly the largest lignum swamp in the south-west region at over 13,500 hectares. While often dry it is a Wetland of National Importance due to its significance for waterbirds following rain.

HOW TO GET THERE

Karara Rangeland Park can be accessed from Morawa, Perenjori, Yalgoo or the Great Northern Highway. GPS information below is a guide to access only as this is a large area.

Roads within the park are mostly unsealed and vary in condition so drive for the conditions and expect the unexpected. Potholes, sudden bends and wildlife are common hazards. Some roads are 4WD only.

The best time to visit is between April and October as the summer months are hot.

The park is remote and has no drinking water or supplies. Bring everything you need.

Mobile phone coverage varies from poor to non-existent.

Camping is available in several locations (see park map), however there are no facilities. Camping is also available at Warriedar, or visitors can use the old homestead buildings.

Camping fees do not apply at the Shire managed Camel Soak campground adjacent to the park.

Groups of up to 20 people can be accommodated in the old Shearers’ Quarters at Thundelarra – advance bookings essential. Contact the Parks and Wildlife Service in Geraldton on 9964 0901.

Accommodation is also available in nearby towns and station stays. See Australia’s Golden Outback or enquire at local visitor centres for more information.

FEES AND BOOKINGS
Fees are from $8/adult per night, $6/concession card holder per night, $3/child per night (over 5 and under 16 years)
Bookings for this Park are online only: https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park-stay

GUIDELINES
For more detailed information direct from the National Parks web site, please click on the relevant links. FACILITIES, CAMPFIRES, GENERATORS, SAFETY, PETS IN PARKS

THINGS TO DO
Sites of historical interest include the ruins of Damperwah State Farm, grave stories at Rothsay and Fields Find cemeteries, John Forrest Lookout and Warriedar’s historic buildings.

Camel Soak is a waterhole in a granite outcrop currently used by wildlife and visitors. It was a water source for camels and workers when building the rabbit proof fence. Long before then it was important to Aboriginal people.

The area is renowned for wildflowers between July and September. Wildflowers carpet the land after good winter rainfall, but there is still a diversity of flowers during the drier years.

Visitors can enjoy lake views from the breakaway at Mongers Lake Camp.

The most accessible place to see banded ironstone is John Forrest Lookout, which also offers outstanding views of the park.

If you have a 4WD, views from Breakaway Loop extend over Burrilgabby Lake. Other 4WD tracks in the west of the park follow old pastoral station fence lines linking former windmills and trap yards. Some of these yards are still used to manage feral goats.

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