Karlamilyi National Park, Natural reserve in Pilbara region, Western Australia.
Karlamilyi National Park is a large protected area in the Pilbara region that stretches between two major deserts, combining dramatic sand dunes with river systems and watercourses. The landscape shows different terrain types, from towering sand dunes to dry river channels and salt lakes.
The area was established as a protected park in 1977 under its original name, but was renamed in 2008 to honor the traditional landowners. This change reflected growing recognition of the Aboriginal significance to the landscape.
Two Aboriginal communities, Parnngurr and Punmu, live within the park and maintain their traditional connection to the land. Visitors can observe their presence and daily relationship with this desert environment.
The park is accessed via Rudall River Road, which runs north to south and connects two major access routes. Visitors should come prepared with supplies and basic equipment, as the region is remote and sparsely settled.
The park contains a complete river system with salt lakes and ancient dry river channels that tell the story of the tropical desert climate. These fossil waterways are remnants from when the region was wetter, making the park valuable for studying how desert landscapes have changed over time.
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