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  2. Australia's North West
  3. Pilbara
  4. Karlamilyi National Park

Karlamilyi National Park

We recognise and acknowledge Mardu people as the Traditional Owners of Karlamilyi National Park.

This is classic outback country. It's rough and you need to be ready! 

No dogs

No park entry fee

  • Need to know
  • Location
  • About this park
  • Activities

About this park

This national park is sandwiched between two Pilbara deserts but it’s no mirage. It’s the largest and most remote national park in Western Australia. If you’re into exploring wilderness areas, you’ll love Karlamilyi.  

This is 1.3 million hectares of untouched outback wilderness. The Rudell River crosses the length of the park. Discover a landscape of desert dunes, spinifex grasslands, desert oak studded plains and salt lakes. Valleys and weathered outbreaks of sandstone and quartz date back more than 200 million years. It’s mind blowing to know that this hot and dry terrain once had ice glaciers on it!  
 
Walk along the banks of the river and enjoy the stands of river gums, collibah and yulbah – also known as the bats wing coral tree. Small shrubs and grasses survive in the arid conditions. Rainfall is erratic here and comes mainly between December and May. The permanent pools of the Rudall River and waterholes attract many waterbirds. Over 140 species of birds have been seen here. 

There are many animals in the park. They’re elusive and adapted to the arid environment. Hardy land survivors include the Stimson's python, and gwardar snake. Other reptiles include skinks, geckoes, dragon lizards and goannas.

Bats, red kangaroos and rock wallabies sensibly avoid the heat of the day. They come out at night to feed. Don't be surprised if you bump into a camel or a donkey. These feral animals have also made their way here! 

Martu Aboriginal people have inhabited Karlamilyi for thousands of years. They have a deep connection to this country. There are two communities in the park - the Punmu and the Parnngurr. Both communities have limited shop and fuel facilities. 

Visitors need to be fully self-sufficient and well prepared. There are no facilities here. The area is only accessible by four-wheel drive vehicles. You’ll be driving over rough and unmaintained tracks. There are no designated campgrounds but visitors are permitted to camp as long as they choose a place that is cleared and has been used before. 
 
Karlamilyi National Park offers the total wilderness package. Can you feel Karlamilyi country calling?   

Review - Trip of a Lifetime 
If Karlamilyi is not on your bucket list, then put it on. 
Must be totally self-sufficient and have a robust 4x4. Need at least 10 days to see the park and spend several days at each water spot. Grant P  – Trip Advisor 

Safety information

Plan when to visit. Read this safety information about bushwalking and four wheel driving. Consider travelling with a personal location beacon (PLB). In the event you need to be rescued it could save your life! 

  • Extreme heat can be experienced at Karlamilyi with temperatures often exceeding 40°C in summer. Only walk during the cooler times of the day. 
  • Carry adequate water. To avoid dehydration in summer, each person needs to drink a litre of water for every hour of walking. Apart from the two Aboriginal communities, there is no drinking water available in the park. 
  • Avoid sunstroke and sunburn - wear sunscreen, long sleeves and a hat.  

Activities

Four-wheel driving

Plants, wildlife and fungi

Visit the Atlas of Living Australia for a list of species recorded in Karlamilyi National Park.

Traditional Owners

We recognise and acknowledge Martu Aboriginal people as the traditional owners of Karlamilyi National Park. 

Martu Aboriginal people continue their long association with this country. There are two communities in the park.

Punmu (08) 9176 9110 

Parnngurr (Cotton Creek) (08) 9176 9009 

Transit permits may be required for Aboriginal Lands Trust reserves around the national park. Check the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage Affairs website for information on entry permits.

Need to know

No dogs

No dogs (or other pets) allowed in this park

No park entry fee

Entry to Karlamilyi National Park is free.

Park office / Contact

Karratha Parks and Wildlife Office

Phone: (08) 9182 2000

Contact this office by email

Location

Australia's North West
Pilbara

Getting there

Karlamilyi National Park is accessible by four-wheel drive over rough and unmaintained roads. There are no facilities at the park. Visitors need to be self-sufficient and well prepared with adequate food, water, communication, medical supplies and mechanical equipment for desert travel. Visitors need to be confident and capable of navigation and driving in remote locations. 

Access from Newman is via Walgun and Billinnooka along the Talawana Track to the park turnoff (approximately 300km). Contact the Newman Visitor Centre (08) 9175 2888 for more information. 

Access via Marble Bar is along Ripon Hills Road, and Telfer Road to the northern park boundary. 

Fuel and other supplies are available at Newman and Marble Bar. The Punmu and Parrngurr communities have limited fuel and other supplies. 

Park roads can be substantially damaged or closed after heavy rain. Conditions can change rapidly. Seek local knowledge of road conditions before travelling. 

The North/South Track through the park has long, deep wash outs. Travel at a safe speed. Some sections are quite sandy, particularly crossing Rudall River. 

The Little Sandy Desert is to the south-west, and the Great Sandy Desert to the north-east. There is a central belt of stony hills and undulating plains. The main vehicle access, known as the Telfer-Talwana Track, or the Kintyre track, crosses the park from north to south. Other tracks run east and west of the Rudall River Crossing, but their condition is poor and driving them is not recommended. 

Park boundaries are approximations only and should not be used for navigation or orientation purposes.

Acknowledgement of Country

The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional owners throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.

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Main navigation

  • Home
  • Explore WA's parks

    All parks

    Park Finder Map

    Attractions and places to visit

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    Regions of WA

    • Australia's South West
    • Australia's Coral Coast
    • Australia's North West
    • Australia's Golden Outback
    • Destination Perth
  • Experiences
  • Activities
  • Know before you go

    Know before you go

    Get the practical ‘know how’ to adventure into Western Australia’s national parks confidently, responsibly and safely.

  • Get inspired
  • Where to stay
  • Park alerts

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