Granny’s Gap Year - Mirima National Park, August 2023

Описание: Mirima National Park – Life in Kununurra
Kununurra is an ideal town to settle in - whilst we await the rescue of our car, by barge, from Oombulgurri.
A picturesque town, situated in the middle of a beautiful and mysterious region, with shopping services and connectivity, we are grateful to be biding our time here.
With the weeks passing, and still unsure of “What happens now?”….
I am exploring, early in the mornings, the walking tracks through Mirima National Park, only 2 km from the heart of Kununurra, in Hidden Valley.
The timing of my early walks are designed to miss the heat, but also to catch the perfect light of sunrise. The sandstone seems to come alive as it reflects the tones of the changing light of the Kimberley.
Mirima National Park is a culturally significant place for the local Miriwoong people, who have been coming here for thousands of years. They sheltered in the rocks and used the animals and plants in the area for food, medicine and tool making and frequented special places in the Park, to hold ceremonies.
The Mirima National Park covers 2,067 hectares and contains spectacular natural sandstone rock formations. These rocks were formed from sediments deposited by creeks and wind-blown sand up to 350 million years ago. The horizontal layers are evidence of their sedimentary origin beneath a primordial sea, followed by the erosion of the quartz sandstone by the waters of nearby Lily Creek. Some rocks are protected by a thin layer of black-grey algae and lichens. The result is dramatic and unusual.
Mirima National Park has been called a "mini Bungle Bungles", the popular name given to Purnululu National Park, and consists of the same sandstone ranges, cliffs and valleys.
The area abounds in wildlife with lizards and birds (particularly the white-quilled rock pigeon) predominating. Early in the mornings, I often disturb rock wallabies which inhabit the area.
There are several self-guided walks in the park and from May to August, the Department of Conservation and Land Management staff conduct guided tours.
Nearby, Kununurra Cemetery holds a fascinating snapshot of history - so easy to spend an hour or so there.
(Outside the Park, I also enjoy the walking route to nearby Kelly’s Knob. A significant memorial has been established referencing a tragic helicopter accident, which claimed the lives of four people, in September 2008)
Easy to negotiate, well-maintained paths and tracks, (with the use of railings for steeper climbs) and picnic facilities…..this boutique National Park provides a wonderfully soul enriching experience that I feel privileged to enjoy each morning.