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Ngarkat Conservation Park

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Ngarkat Conservation Park, named after the Aboriginal tribe who used to inhabit the area, is one of the largest mallee parks in the state. The park covers a total area of 270,152 ha (nearly 600,000 acres), which also includes the adjoining parks of Mt Rescue, Scorpion Springs, and Mt Shaugh.

The park offers an abundance of wildlife. There 14 different types of honeyeaters and thornbills; wrens and whistlers are also common. If you are lucky, you may see the rare Mallee Fowl, the Rufous-crowned Emu-wren, Western Whipbird, and the Red-lored Whistler.

Some of the more interesting native mammals such as pygmy possums, marsupial and hopping mice are nocturnal, so you may catch a glimpse of them by use of a spotlight, or find their tracks in the sand in the morning.

You should, however, see echidnas and western grey kangaroos, as well as dragon lizards, skinks and snakes.Some 22 kinds of reptiles have been recorded.
Large Orange Jewel Beetles, which are attracted to orange objects, emerge in late spring, forewarning of the hot weather to come.

The park is fantastic for a real "get away from it all" weekend. Because of the park's remoteness, it is only accessible to 4WD vehicles, and you will need a camping permit if camping in the park. You will also need to carry with you all your own food, water, maps, fuel and spare tyres.

Also bring a pump or compressor to reinflate tyres, and a gas cooker. If possible, bring some firewood. Fire restrictions to "gas only" operate from November to April due to the high susceptibility of the area to wildfire.

The best times to visit are late autumn, winter and early spring. Your enjoyment of the park may be limited by extreme temperatures during summer.

Driving in the Parks

The real skill in travelling the tracks in this area is to leave no trace. Stay in the wheel ruts and don't follow or create new side tracks. The speed limit is 40 k/h.
Motor cyclists please remember that the vegetated ridge in the centre of the track is vital to soil stability. Please use the wheel ruts only.

Recommended tyre pressures are 18-22 psi or 120-150 kPa for better traction.

Observe the "track closed for vermin control" signs. These are for your safety. All vehicles must be registered and driven by licensed drivers.Engage four-wheel drive at all times. When negotiating single-lane tracks on sandhills, beware of oncoming traffic.