Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park
Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park is a large national park in the South West of Western Australia. It stretches along the coast between the towns of Cape Naturaliste (near Dunsborough) in the north and Cape Leeuwin (near Augusta) in the south. The park covers over 120 kilometers of coastline and includes beaches, forests, caves, and cliffs. The park received 2.33 million visitors through 2008–2009.[1]
| Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park Western Australia | |
|---|---|
IUCN category II (national park) | |
 A location in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park | |
  Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park | |
| Nearest town or city | Busselton |
| Coordinates | 34°14′19″S 115°02′50″E / 34.23861°S 115.04722°E |
| Established | 1957 |
| Website | Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park |
| See also | List of protected areas of Western Australia |
Geography
The park runs along a narrow strip of land between the Indian Ocean and inland forests. It contains parts of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, which is made up of limestone and granite. This area has many karst caves, such as:
- Jewel Cave
- Lake Cave
- Mammoth Cave
Nature
The park is known for its biodiversity. It has:
- Tall karri and jarrah forests
- Coastal heathland
- Wildflowers, especially in spring
- Wildlife includes kangaroos, possums, birds, and reptiles. The coastal areas are also good for whale watching during migration seasons.
Activities
Visitors to the park can enjoy many outdoor activities:
- Bushwalking and hiking (including parts of the Cape to Cape Track)
- Surfing and swimming
- Cave tours
- Camping and picnicking
- Scenic drives and lookouts
Cultural Significance
The land is part of the traditional country of the Noongar people, particularly the Wardandi group. The area is culturally important to them, with many sacred and heritage sites.
Protection and Management
Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park is managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). The goal is to protect the environment while allowing visitors to enjoy the park safely.
- ↑ "Shannon and D'Entrecasteaux National Parks Management Plan No. 71 2012" (PDF). Department of Environment and Conservation. 2012. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2015-04-03. Retrieved 8 October 2019.