Millstream-Chichester National Park

Introducing Millstream-Chichester National Park

The tranquil waterholes of the Fortescue River are cool, lush oases in the midst of arid, spinifex-covered plateaus and basalt ranges. Around 120km south of Roebourne, this 2000-sq-km park is well worth a detour – you’ll be rewarded by panoramic vistas reminiscent of the USA’s Monument Valley.

The unmanned Millstream visitors centre (08-9184 5144; 8am-4pm) was once the homestead of a pastoral station and now has excellent displays on the park’s history, ecosystems and traditional owners, the Yinjibarndi people.

In the park’s north, the enchanting Python Pool (just a two-minute walk from the car park) is worth a look, and a swim if it’s warm enough. It’s linked to Mt Herbert by the Chichester Range Camel Trail (8km, three hours), from where it’s a further 45-minute clamber to the peak. Further south, Chinderwarriner Pool and Crossing Pool are lovely waterholes with lilies and shady palms. The Murlunmunyjurna Trail (7km, two hours return) features river crossings over palm-trunk bridges and interpretive plaques next to vegetation explaining the plants’ uses by the Yinjibarndi people. Pick up a park map from the visitors centre.

Shady bush camp sites (08-9184 5144; per person $7) are located at Snake Creek, Crossing Pool and Deep Reach Pool; all have pit toilets and the latter two sites have gas BBQs.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009