What happens when you venture inland and leave the tropical town of Carnarvon behind? Saddle up and prepare for something completely different. You’re about to experience a slice of Western Australia’s wild west outback!

The landscape of the Kennedy Range is dominated by a vast sandstone plateau. And when we say vast, we’re not kidding. It’s between 12 and 25km wide and about 75km long. The geology of the area is fascinating. The rocks of the range were originally formed beneath an ancient sea. If you’re lucky you might even see fossils of marine creatures embedded in exposed rock.

The plateau towers 80m above the surrounding red earth plain. On top of the range there are red sand dunes covered by mixed shrubland and spinifex grassland. It’s hard to imagine that these dunes formed 20,000 years ago.

On the western side, spring water trickles from the base of the range. The springs are an oasis for wildlife that depend on the water in times of drought. The springs are important sites for traditional owners of the area.

The best way to explore the park’s dramatic gorges and landscape is on foot. There are several trails to choose from but make sure you read the safety advice before walking in this remote area.

Spring is a great time to visit the park. Wildflowers, including everlastings, burst into bloom. These provide a colourful contrast against the red earth landscape. A photographer’s dream!

Camp out beneath the stars at Temple Gorge Campground. The dark night skies are excellent for stargazing. The vast plateau now seems small against the infinite vastness of space!

By day and by night Kennedy Range National Park is a WA wild west experience you’re unlikely to forget in a hurry!