Wilkawillina Gorge

Wilkawillina Gorge is a creek-cut gorge on the park’s eastern side, where Ten Mile Creek runs between dry slopes and layered rock walls. A permanent waterhole sets it apart from the surrounding country, and the gorge is habitat for Yellow-footed Rock-wallabies. This is a serious walk rather than a roadside stop: the full line is about 12 km one way and takes around six hours, so arrange a lift or car shuffle.

The route is a hard Grade 4 hike. A shorter out-and-back from Mt Billy Creek to the gorge’s eastern end is 14.6 km return, about seven hours. A steep, narrow section climbs to a saddle lookout before dropping toward the creek; a walker reported loose rock on the descent. Along the creek, look for the permanent waterhole, bright bulrushes and red sandstone boulders. Rock-wallabies use the gorge, but sightings aren’t guaranteed.

Mt Billy Creek Trailhead is at the end of 6.5 km of gravel Wilkawillina Road, off gravel Wirrealpa Road; Little Bunkers is another trailhead, but its small roadside pull-off is easy to miss. Take plenty of water: park guidance calls for at least four litres per person on walks over two hours. April to October is the milder bushwalking season, and trails close on Catastrophic Fire Danger days. At the waterhole, frame the bulrushes with the layered gorge walls.