Kalbarri Update June 2019
G’day climbers,
Here is an update and some general house keeping issues.
THE Z-BEND WILL BE CLOSED FOR CONSTRUCTION FROM THE 4TH OF JUNE.
This means there will be no-access (camping or parking) to Z-bend. This is expected to last about 3 months. The rangers have kindly offered to make exceptions for registered climbers, subject to the approval of the construction site team.
To apply for this exemption, it will be best to email the senior ranger Mike Paxman mike.paxman@dbca.wa.gov.au using this multi-day registration form .
GENERAL HOUSE KEEPING
1- Remember that no toilet waste is allowed within 500m of the Promenade / Rock wallaby site. Therefore, it’s best to use the toilet facilities at the Z Bend carpark before hiking down the gorge.
No toilet waste area around The Promenade site.
2- Since the rediscovery of the rare Black Footed Rock Wallabies in 2015, camping is not permitted in the gorge within 1.5Km of the Z Bend Lookout – this includes the area around the Promenade climbing site.
3- However, there is a camping area near the Z Bend car park that is set aside for school groups, but the privilege is also extended to climbers. We are, however, on thin ice here so please register by completing the multi-day registration form and emailing it to either Mike Paxman mike.paxman@dbca.wa.gov.au (Senior Ranger) or Lisa Gould lisa.gould@dbca.wa.gov.au.
4- Climbers new to Kalbarri may phone the Kalbarri National Park Office to get directions to the alternate camping area (it is not sign posted).
Map of the alternative campsite adjacent to the Z Bend carpark
5- Immediately close the gate behind you when driving in and out of the alternative camping area near the Z Bend carpark. The campsite is 200 metres past the gate. Please use a designated site (first come first serve) and stay away from the vegetation regrowth and rehab area (short bushes and trees held up by sticks within the campsite) and do NOT pitch a tent there.
6- The campsite has no water and all rubbish must be taken out of the park. There are drop-toilets at the campsite and at the car park.
7- Due to the elevated risk of bushfire in the sandplain areas no open fires is allowed in the alternative camping area (gas cookers only).
8- Last but not least, remember to limit the use of excess chalk (especially on overhanging walls) and systematically brush it before you leave the site – the same goes for boulderers venturing on virgin rocks! Also, try not to use any chalk in high traffic areas such as the river trail / Aviary / Tourist wall.
A Park Entry fee of $12 per car and a camping fee of $8 per night per person apply.
The Park Entry can be paid for by credit card on the all-hours machine available at the main entrance of the park (just off Ajana-Kalbarri road). However, the camping fees must be paid for by cash stuffed in an envelope and inserted into the box next to the above mentioned machine.
For those of us who suffer the Tumblagooda Fever and need their regular fix of sandstone, you can wave the car entry fee by opting for the DPAW Annual All Parks Pass (Standard: $92):
https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/know/park-passes
If you are a member of the RAC, you can get 50% off the pass:
https://rac.com.au/travel-touring/wa-holidays/wa-national-park-passes
Leave no trace.
Elinor Fleming
Please email me if you have any queries or want to help with keeping access: elinorf@climberswa.asn.au
The multi-day registration form is now available on the CAWA website:
http://www.climberswa.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Kalbarri-NP-Registration-form-by-CAWA.pdf
Following are the phone numbers for the Kalbarri National Park Office and the Rangers Mike and Russell. Please direct all general enquiries to the Kalbarri National Park Office. The Rangers numbers are there FOR EMERGENCIES ONLY.
Business Hours:
Kalbarri National Park Office: 08 9937 1140 – 08 993 7114 (fax)
After Hours: FOR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS ONLY
Senior Ranger: 08 9937 1192 – 0417 181 314 (mob)
Ranger: 08 9937 1424 – 0427 199 518 (mob)