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. 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.
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.