Millstream Chichester National Park covers nearly 200,000 hectares around the Fortescue River in the Pilbara. WA's Parks and Wildlife Service calls it "an oasis in the desert", with lush greenery, clear streams and spring-fed waterholes. Its permanent water is maintained by the aquifer beneath the park. In the north, the Chichester Range rises above red plains of spinifex and termite mounds.
Traditional Owners
Parks and Wildlife acknowledges the Ngarluma and Yindjibarndi peoples as the Traditional Owners of the park. Deep Reach Pool is the home of Barrimurdi, the Warlu, or serpent. The Yindjibarndi people ask that you swim safely there, treat the place with respect, and keep noise to a minimum.
Swimming spots
Deep Reach Pool (Nhanggangunha). A large, permanent body of water. A 300 m return walk leads to a canoe launch and viewing deck, with river access for swimming and canoeing. It has barbecues, toilets, shade shelters and picnic tables. The water is very deep, so supervise children closely.
Python Pool. A deep swimming hole among rock formations, close to the Roebourne–Wittenoom Road. The Python Pool Trail is 200 m return (allow 20 minutes over an uneven surface). Parks and Wildlife warns that the pool can be dangerous after rain, from currents and debris, and in the dry season from algal blooms. Check conditions before you swim.
Walks and drives
Parks and Wildlife lists trails ranging from a 20-minute short walk to a 3-hour walk. Highlights include:
| Trail | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Python Pool Trail | 200 m return | About 20 minutes, uneven surface |
| Cameleers Trail | 4 km return | About 90 minutes, steep hill once used by camel and bullock teams |
| Chichester Range Camel Trail | 8 km one way (16 km return) | Moderately difficult; steep slopes and loose rock |
| Cliff Top Walk | 600 m | Views over the Fortescue River |
| Warrungunha Trail | 8 km | Through woodland |
| Red Roo Trail | 7.5 km | Walk and cycle trail from the homestead to Deep Reach |
The Cliff Top, Warrungunha and Red Roo details are from Shire of Ashburton visitor information. The Snappy Gum Drive is a 20 km loop with lookouts along the way.
Millstream Homestead
The Millstream Homestead tells the story of pastoral life in the area, and Parks and Wildlife notes it was once a tavern. Trails nearby explain how local Aboriginal people used plants for food and medicine.
Wildlife and wildflowers
The permanent water draws birds such as rainbow bee-eaters, sacred kingfishers, blue-winged kookaburras, spinifex pigeons and Australian bustards. Parks and Wildlife says twelve raptor species live in the park. You may also see euros (hill kangaroos), the endangered northern quoll, ghost bats, Pilbara dragons, goannas, and Stimson's and olive pythons.
Between June and August, the plains bloom with Sturt's desert pea, more than twenty species of mulla mulla, sennas, wattles, northern bluebells and hibiscus. See birdwatching.
Camping
- Miliyanha Campground is a medium-sized campground near the Millstream Homestead Visitor Centre and Millstream Creek. It has 27 compacted gravel sites in six named areas. Generators are permitted in some areas only, and some areas close during periods of low demand. It's open year-round and suits all vehicles.
- Stargazers Campground is strictly generator-free and only open seasonally.
Shire of Ashburton visitor information says online bookings are essential. Campground fees are separate, and park entry fees also apply. No dogs or other pets are allowed in the park.
Entry fees
| Vehicle | Standard | Concession |
|---|---|---|
| Standard vehicle (12 or fewer occupants) | $17.00 | $10.00 |
| Large vehicle (more than 12 occupants) | $8.00 per person | $3.50 per person |
| Motorcycle | $10.00 | No concession |
Fees are from Parks and Wildlife WA, and a valid WA park pass covers entry. If you're also visiting Karijini, a holiday or annual pass may be better value.
Getting there
- From Karratha: a sealed road, about 2.5 hours' drive, according to Shire of Ashburton visitor information.
- From Tom Price: the Rio Tinto rail access road. It's privately owned, unsealed and can be rough at times of year. You need a valid permit, available as a 30-day public permit from the Tom Price Visitor Centre or through a short online training module. For road conditions, call Rio Tinto's recorded service on 1800 992 777 (option 7).
See Tom Price and the Pilbara region.
When to go
Parks and Wildlife warns that temperatures can exceed 50°C from November to April. It recommends walking in the cooler months or first thing in the morning, and carrying and drinking 1 litre of water per hour of walking per person. The cooler months from May to September are the most comfortable, and June to August brings the wildflowers. Tropical cyclones and heavy rain can affect the Pilbara in summer. See the wet season and road closures.
Safety
- Consider carrying a personal locator beacon (PLB), as Parks and Wildlife recommends.
- Stay on the trails, and wear a hat, sunscreen and sturdy shoes.
- Mobile coverage is limited, so tell someone your plans.
See remote-area safety.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Is Millstream National Park worth visiting?
Yes. It's very different from the dry Pilbara around it, with permanent pools, birdlife and wildflowers from June to August. You can do it as a day trip from Karratha, but it rewards a night or two in the campgrounds.
Can you swim at Millstream?
Yes. Deep Reach Pool (Nhanggangunha) and Python Pool are both popular swimming spots. Deep Reach is the home of the Warlu, or serpent, for the Yindjibarndi people, so swim respectfully and keep noise low. Python Pool can be dangerous after rain, from currents and debris, and in the dry season from algal blooms.
Is the road to Millstream sealed?
Shire of Ashburton visitor information says the park is reached by a sealed road from Karratha, about 2.5 hours away. The alternative from Tom Price is Rio Tinto's rail access road. It's unsealed, can be rough, and needs a permit.
Can you camp at Millstream National Park?
Yes. Miliyanha Campground has 27 gravel sites and is open year-round, with generators allowed in some areas. Stargazers Campground has no generators and is seasonal. Book online ahead of time. Campground fees are separate from park entry fees.
Sources and further reading
Facts on this page were checked against these primary and official sources. Conditions change — confirm before you travel or buy.
- Millstream Chichester National Park — Parks and Wildlife Service WA (DBCA)
- Deep Reach Pool (Nhanggangunha) — Parks and Wildlife Service WA (DBCA)
- Python Pool — Parks and Wildlife Service WA (DBCA)
- Miliyanha Campground — Parks and Wildlife Service WA (DBCA)
- Millstream Chichester National Park — Shire of Ashburton (Visit Ashburton)
- Rio Tinto Access Road — Shire of Ashburton (Visit Ashburton)
