Millstream Chichester NP

via National Route 1 and Roebourne-Wittenoom Rd, Millstream, 6716

Millstream Chichester National Park offers some of the best nature based camping opportunities in the Pilbara region.

Immerse yourself in a landscape of rolling hills, escarpments, tree-lined rivers and water pools at Millstream Chichester National Park. A tropical oasis located near the town of Roebourne.

Covering an area of approximately 200,000 hectares around the Fortescue River – the heartland of the Yindjibarndi people - this lush oasis of deep gorges and palm-fringed rock pools provides a stark contrast to the surrounding landscape of rocky escarpments and rolling spinifex-covered hills.

The run-off from the Hamersley Ranges flows via the Fortescue River into an underground aquifer that feeds the waters of WA’s Millstream Chichester National Park. This natural reserve is believed to contain in excess of 1,700 million cubic metres of water and cover an area of almost 2,000 square kilometres. Attracted by the bounty of water, early European settlers established an active pastoral station here, which remained in operation for over 100 years.

There is a range of walking and bike trails within the park, and some of the more popular attractions are outlined below.

Millstream Homestead Visitor Centre - displays within the homestead provide information about the parks attractions as well as the life of the Yinjibardni people and the early pastoral settlers. The Homestead Trail is a 750m trail surrounding the homestead which allows you to explore station life in Millstream in the 1930s.

Python Pool is a stunning spot for a swim in a cool refreshing rock pool whilst enjoying the spectacular backdrop of the imposing rugged ochre cliffs. Python Pool is easily accessible by road, via the Roebourne-Wittenoom Road within the park, and a walking trail.

The Camel Trail starts at Python Pool & is an eight kilometres, three hour (one way) moderate walk which follows part of the old camel road. The trail winds up at the rugged sandstone escarpment of the Chichester Range, through rolling Spinifex covered hills & large termite mounds.

millstream-lilyponds

millstream-homestead

millstream-4wding

Clinton tree with birds

Mount Herbert forms part of the Chichester Range within the picturesque Millstream Chichester National Park. The peak of Mount Herbert offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Park your car at the base of the mountain and take the challenging 45 minute return climb.

Deep Reach Pool is also easily accessed. A 200m walk from the Deep Reach Pool carpark brings you to a large pool, home of Barrimurdi, the Warlu or Serpent. The Yinibardni people ask that you respect the site and keep noise to a minimum. Fishing, swimming and canoeing is permitted, however motorised watercraft is not permitted.

Scenic Drive

Snappy Gum Drive is a 20km scenic loop road linking the Homestead with Pannawonica Road. Scenic lookouts provide beautiful views across the Fortescue River Valley and the undulating hills and several important indigenous areas can be seen from the road. It can be accessed by 4WD vehicles year round and by 2WD (low clearance) vehicles when indicated on signs found at either entrance point.

Traditional landowners

Yindjibarndi people are the traditional landowners of WA’s Millstream Chichester National Park. The Juluwarlu Aboriginal Corporation has produced "Ngurra Wardurala Buluyagayi: Exploring Yindjibarndi Country". In consultation with the elders, the Corporation has compiled accurate site descriptions, including songs and stories that are linked to the land, in English and Yindjibarndi. The book also includes a fold-out (A3) map of Millstream Chichester National Park making this an essential guide for any visitor who seeks a deeper understanding of Yindjibarndi country.

Camping

There are well maintained public camping facilities in WA’s Millstream Chichester National Park, including bush toilets and gas barbeques.

For information on entry fees, passes and camping in Pilbara national parks, click here.

Permits and maps can be purchased from Karratha and Roebourne Visitor Centres, at the self-registration stations in the park, or from the camp hosts.

Destination WA - Millstream – Chichester National Park

134 kilometres from Karratha, a 2.5 hour drive

Access to the Millstream Chichester National Park is via a sealed road. The turnoff is just 15 minutes from Karratha, or if you are travelling on the Roebourne/Wittenoom Road, the turnoff is 28 kilometres south east of Roebourne. Permits are not required for either of these roads. Tours are also available from Karratha.