Prince Regent National Park

Prince Regent National Park, formerly known as the Prince Regent Nature Reserve, is a protected expanse of natural beauty in Western Australia's Kimberley region.

It was nominated for a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 1978 and covers an area of 5,764 square kilometers. The park was created in 1964 to conserve the Prince Regent River catchment area and is adjacent to the Mitchell River National Park, forming a safeguarded region of over 7,500 square kilometers. The park's habitat ranges from rainforest to sandstone plains, featuring stunning gorges, waterfalls, cliffs, and mountain ranges.

Careening Bay, located on Coronation Island within the park, is famous for "The Mermaid Tree," marked by the ship's carpenter of the HMS Mermaid during King's 1818 expedition. The park is also home to diverse bird and mammal species, including the vulnerable golden bandicoot and the monjon, the smallest rock-wallaby species. The Prince Regent and Mitchell River Important Bird Area, recognized by BirdLife International, is a crucial habitat for bird species in tropical savanna habitats.

Due to formidable tide-races and whirlpools, Prince Regent National Park remains one of the most secluded wilderness destinations in Australia, with no roads or feasible sea access. Access is primarily by air or boat. Despite European settlement, the park has remained relatively pristine. Permits to enter the national park can be obtained from the Parks and Wildlife Service. Visiting Prince Regent National Park is a must for nature lovers and adventurers seeking to discover Western Australia's preserved natural scenery.