Devonian Reef

The Balili Conservation Park[1] or Devonian Reef Conservation Park[1] is an Australian protected area and is located in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, about 50km North-West of Fitzroy Crossing.[1] It includes the Geikie Gorge National Park, the Tunnel Creek National Park, and the Windjana Gorge National Park.[2]

Geikie Gorge National Park, Western Australia, Fitzroy River

History

The areas was covered by a shallow sea with a limestone reef being formed over a period of 20 million years during the Devonian Period, around 380 to 360 million years ago.[2] The reef then became extinct with valleys subsequently forming leading to the landforms that are exposed today.[2]

In 2017 a joint management plan for Bulali was agreed to between the Bunuba Dawangarri traditional owners the Western Australian government.[3]

Geikie Gorge National Park

The Geikie Gorge National Park is situated 20 kilometres from Fitzroy Crossing and 280 Kilometres from Derby, the Fitzroy River has carved a 30 metre deep gorge between the Oscar and Geike Ranges. Evidence of fossils and strata of ancient limestone reef are exposed revealing evidence of life in the Devonian Period.[4]

Tunnel Creek National Park

Tunnel Creek National Park is situated 115 kilometres from Fitzroy Crossing, 180 kilometres from Derby and 30 kilometres south-west of Winjana Gorge. Found in the Napier Ranges, this national park contains Western Australia's oldest cave system, used by Jandamarra, an Aboriginal leader. Tunnel Creek flows through the limestone range for a distance of 750m. The Caves house colonies of bats and impressive stalactites. At least five species of bat have made these caves their home.[4]

Windjana Gorge National Park

Also found in the Napier Ranges, Windjana Gorge spans 3.5 kilometres and reaches a height of 100 metres in places. The Lennard River flows through the gorge.

References
  1. Jalangurru Manyjawarra Bunuba Muwayi Yarrangu: Draft Joint Management Plan 2019 (PDF). Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. February 2019. pp. 1, 2. Retrieved 1 January 2021.
  2. Jalangurru Manyjawarra Bunuba Muwayi Yarrangu: Draft Joint Management Plan 2019 (PDF). Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. February 2019. pp. 47–49. Retrieved 1 January 2021.
  3. Acknowleding and celebrating our journey together (PDF), Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, 2020, p. 4, retrieved 1 January 2021
  4. "Devonian Reef National Park". Bluey Travel. 2015. Archived from the original on 3 February 2015. Retrieved 26 February 2015.

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