User:Philiphist/Stockyard Gully Section 5(g) Reserve

Stockyard Gully caves

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The Park has a several subterranean caverns which drain a small stream flowing westward into them and is mainly limestone outcrops with intermittent low gullies.

Park Information Named after one of the stopping places used by drovers on the North Road Stock Route.

Stockyard Gully National Park is home to a fascinating group of limestone caves that lead to an underwater river system.

Stockyard Gully is named after the stockmen who used the deep and cool gullies as a natural holding pen for their cattle, when droving them from Geraldton to Perth in the 1950s.

The park is an oasis of lush vegetation, sandy river bed and cave system.

Facilities
A picnic area and toilet are at each end of the tunnel and access to the area is by four-wheel drive vehicle only.

The largest cave is an impressive sight, stretching 300 metres long and covered by a sandy floor. You will need a torch, as the centre is completely dark. Look out for the colonies of bats as you make your way through the caves, and for bee hives which are located near the entrance to the cave. Be mindful not to disturb the animals, or shine your torch at them.

In addition to the bats which live in the cave system, grey kangaroos, Carnarby's cockatoos, fairy (blue) wren and many other birdlife and fauna can be found in the National Park. Tall river gums, giant zamia and manna gum grow along the gully floor, whilst wattles, parrot bush, native wisteria and coastal daisy bush grow on the upper slopes of the gully.

Ensure you bring plenty of water as there is no fresh water available, don't forget your torch, and wear sturdy shoes to explore the cave.

Visiting Stockyard Gully National Park:

Stockyard Gully National Park is 3 hours' drive north-east of Perth, and short drives from Jurien Bay and Coorow. From Jurien East Road, head north on Cockleshell Gully Road and follow the signs to the cave. Nearby Lesueur National Park, which is also accessed from Cockleshell Gully Road, is well worth a visit - particularly during wildflower season.