Bandilngan (Windjana Gorge) National Park

The 3.5km gorge cuts through Napier Range. It’s hard to believe that this mountain range was once an ancient coral reef. In wet weather the Lennard River runs through the gorge, while in the dry season it forms pools surrounded by trees and shrubs. It may sound like a good place for a dip…. wrong! Don’t go reaching for your bathers, freshwater crocodiles bask in the pools.

There are a few walking trails to explore the area. You may see fruit bats and corellas roosting in the trees along the water’s edge. Take a while to check out the marine life forms fossilised in the limestone of the gorge walls. They’re fascinating!

The traditional owners of this area are Bunuba Aboriginal people. Bandiln͟gan (Windjana Gorge) is a highly spiritual place for Bunuba people. The powerful Wandjina creation spirits reside in the area.

The park is open in the dry season between May and November. During the wet season the park is closed as roads are inaccessible.