Management plan for Kennedy Range National Park released

Duncs,
I've only been there once as a teenager, but may spend a day there later on in the year if I have time.

Here's an extract about the western side.

Recreation Opportunities at the Base of the Western Side.

The landscape of the south-western side of the Range is less
dramatic than the cliffs and gorges of the eastern escarpment,
and is characterised by more vegetation and permanent springs
and streams. The presence of river gums and other tree species
provides welcome shade for picnicking and as a base for
exploring gorges and creeklines. Most sites are best suited to
relatively small numbers of visitors as day-use areas.

Although there are currently no designated sites or facilities for
either day-use or camping along the western side of the Range,
both are occurring, especially around springs, and in particular
the very attractive permanent waters of Chaffcutters Spring and
Mooka Creek (see Map 2).

There is a number of other existing or potential recreation sites
including Yenny Spring, Bullwalya Spring and Pharoah Well
(see Map 2).

All of the existing recreation sites can only cater for small
numbers of visitors because of site constraints. It is therefore
recommended that existing sites be developed for day-use
with facilities such as defined vehicle parking, picnic tables,
barbeques, toilets, walk trailheads and information. In addition,
one large dispersed camping area will be developed with a range
of facilities from small, secluded camp sites to large group
camping sites for tour groups.
A broad area of land at the base of the western side (Yabba
Campground) has the potential to provide a very attractive
setting for camping, bushwalking and nature study. Its proximity
to the Range and Pharoah Well offers opportunities for short
and medium length walks. Furthermore, it is ideally placed to
accommodate visitors via the three existing access routes to
the western side of the Range – via Mardathuna Station, the
Gascoyne River, and over the top of the Range from the eastern
side (see Recreation Opportunities and Access on to the Top of
the Range).

Until such a time as this campground is developed, current
informal and dispersed camping, including campfires, will be
allowed to continue at existing sites unless natural values are
compromised by such use. The Department will ensure that
adequate signage is in place to inform visitors of campfire safety
requirements. The exception to current camping arrangements
(excluding authorised camping for granted mining leases) is
Mooka Creek, which represents part of a regionally significant
Mooka Spring aquatic system, is an unusual ecological
community, and is recognised as an ecosystem at risk. To
protect these natural values, camping at Mooka Creek will be
prohibited and vehicle access across an old track crossing the
creek will be closed. For management purposes, vehicle access
across Mooka Creek will be downstream at the mookaite mining
lease. Once the Yabba Campground is established, all current
informal and dispersed camping, and informal campfires, will
be closed and visitors will be encouraged to make use of the
facilities established at the new site. Concentrating camping
at one site will minimise environmental impacts, particularly
effluent disposal.

Some 10-20 km from the western edge of the Range, but now
within the planning area, are the Mooka homestead and the
disused Binthalya homestead (see Map 2). Mooka homestead is
currently occupied by caretakers but could provide a base for
Departmental staff and visitor accommodation in the future. The
Binthalya homestead has the potential to be developed to offer
commercial accommodation and visitor services.

It is a fascinating place. Just this summer 2 pilots were killed while rounding up the goats. Plane v helicopter - helicopter survived but both on plane died - good local blokes. Took a while to reach them as went down in very inaccessable spot. Cheers Heather