Millstream Chichester National Park is a national park in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, located 1, 190 kilometres (739 mi) north of the state capital, Perth.
Millstream Chichester National Park is a national park in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, located 1,190 kilometres (739 mi) north of the state capital, Perth.
The park is made up of the old Millstream Station, which is on the Millstream Creek, just before it joins Fortescue River, one of the few permanent watercourses in the area and the Chichester Range.
History
The area is homeland of the Yinjibarndi people. Millstream Creek was named by the explorer Francis Thomas Gregory in 1861. He reported the favourable grazing prospects. The first pastoral lease was taken up on 1865.
By 1907 the property was owned by Loton and Padbury, and occupied an area of 1,000 square miles (2,590 km2). It was stocked with 20,500 sheep, 1,900 cattle and 150 horses, and was passed in at auction at £26,000.The present Millstream Homestead was built in 1920. The homestead was a tavern between 1975 and 1986.
In 1970, the Chichester Range National Park was set aside and officially named. In 1975, the Conservation through Reserves Committee made recommendations for reserves in the Pilbara region, and subsequently, the Millstream region was integrated into the park in 1982.The Yindjibarndi people work as rangers and contractors in the Park. The Millstream Homestead Visitor Centre is in the old homestead, which feature rooms dedicated to the Yinjibarndi people, the early settlers and the natural environment. Other displays provide information about the park's attractions and management challenges.
Weather
The Pilbara is located within the arid tropics. During summer, between October and April, temperatures rise above 40 °C (104 °F), and cyclones and local thunderstorms can flood roads and watercourses. The cool season, between May and August, experiences little rain, with daytime temperatures around 26 °C (79 °F). Nights at this time of year can be cool, so warm clothes may be necessary.
Things to do