Charnley River–Artesian Range Wildlife Sanctuary
| Company type | Protected area |
|---|---|
| Industry | Conservation, Ecotourism |
| Founded | 2011 |
| Founder | Australian Wildlife Conservancy |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Kimberley region, Western Australia |
| Owner | Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions |
Charnley River–Artesian Range Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area spanning roughly in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Situated about east of Derby and northwest of Halls Creek, it can be reached via the Gibb River Road. The sanctuary derives its name from the Charnley River that runs through the property.
Managed by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC), a public charity organisation, the sanctuary occupies what was once Charnley River Station, formerly known as Beverley Springs Station, a pastoral lease historically used for cattle grazing. Portions of the land are owned by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and are jointly managed with AWC. Following the sale of cattle to Australian Capital Equity (ACE), AWC leases part of the property back to ACE, who operate a cattle station while excluding critical conservation zones such as river corridors.
Within the sanctuary, AWC operates a wilderness camp and an interpretation centre, providing visitors with opportunities for hiking and swimming in various gorges.
History of the station
Initially called Beverley Springs Station and encompassing , the property was purchased in 1969 by the Nixon family when it was in poor condition. It became the first station along Gibb River Road to offer tourist accommodation. Marion Nixon wrote Children in the Sun and Stop whispering Annie, which detail life on the station.
In 1981, ownership transferred to the Barrett family. Matt and Russell Barrett, both botanists specializing in Kimberley's flora, discovered a previously unknown species of pitcher plant on the property and also rediscovered a species of Auranticarpa that had been considered extinct.
Peter and Cheryl Camp acquired the property in 2010, renamed it Charnley River Station, enhanced its tourism offerings, and managed approximately 3,000 head of cattle. In February 2011, Australian Wildlife Conservancy purchased the property to prioritize conservation efforts.
Description
The sanctuary encompasses around of land. The AWC leases a section known as Charnley River Pastoral Station to Australian Capital Equity, who run a cattle operation with Brahman cattle originally purchased from AWC. Cattle are kept away from sensitive ecological zones such as river systems, while AWC oversees feral animal control and weed management throughout the sanctuary. The remaining is owned by the WA Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and co-managed with AWC.
AWC undertakes research focused on fire management techniques and controlling invasive animals—including pigs, donkeys, cattle, and brumbies—particularly within savannah regions located in the southern and eastern parts of the sanctuary. They also study threats affecting specific native wildlife species.
Access to Charnley River Station is gained via Gibb River Road, situated from the turnoff. While camping facilities are available on-site, accommodation and meal services are no longer provided. The property features three gorges containing freshwater pools—Paradise Pool, Dillie Gorge, and Donkey Hole—two spring-fed water sources, as well as its own airstrip.
Species
Within the sanctuary, there are 11 threatened species alongside 29 others that are either endemic or possess isolated populations unique to the Kimberley region. Among the mammals found here are the Wyulda (commonly known as the scaly-tailed possum), the diminutive rock-wallaby known as the monjon, and the Kimberley rock rat. Bird species endemic to this area include the black grasswren and Kimberley honeyeater, while reptiles such as the rough-scaled python, Kimberley crevice skink, and several gecko varieties also call this sanctuary home. Notably, species that have become extinct elsewhere but continue to exist here include the golden-backed tree-rat and golden bandicoot.
Adjoining properties
To the south-west, the sanctuary shares a boundary with Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges Conservation Park (previously known as Mount Hart Station), while to the south-east it adjoins Mount House Station.
Wilinggin and Munja
The northern and eastern edges of Charnley River are contiguous with the Wilinggin Indigenous Protected Area. Close to the Walcott Inlet within the Artesian Range lies the historic Munja Aboriginal Cattle Station—also referred to as Munja Aboriginal reserve or Avon Valley Cattle Station—situated either within the Wilinggin IPA or inside Charnley River sanctuary boundaries. In 1927, this station was home to approximately 700 Aboriginal residents. Originally operated by the government, control of the station was handed over to the Presbyterian Church in 1940, with final negotiations concluding in 1949 after delays caused by World War II.