Devonian Reef

Devonian Reef Conservation Park is a conservation reserve in the Kimberley region of Western Australia that protects a remarkable geological heritage — remnants of a 350-million-year-old Devonian reef system. This ancient reef complex is preserved in the limestone ranges of the Kimberley, one of the world's most significant geological sites. The conservation park complements the adjacent Geikie Gorge National Park in protecting the Devonian Reef World Heritage-listed complex. The park is managed by DBCA.

The limestone gorge and surrounding woodland support freshwater crocodiles (Crocodylus johnstoni) in the Fitzroy River system, as well as agile wallabies, wallaroos, and northern quolls. The Fitzroy River is one of Australia's last largely unregulated major river systems, supporting exceptional freshwater fish diversity including the iconic Kimberley sawfish. Bats roost in limestone caves. Raptors nest on limestone cliff faces.

The Fitzroy River floodplain supports seasonal riverine vegetation — river red gums, paperbarks, fig trees (Ficus racemosa), and freshwater mangrove (Barringtonia acutangula). Spinifex grassland and tropical savanna woodland dominate the surrounding plateau. The limestone cliffs support specialist lithophytic plants adapted to growing directly on rock. The area transitions between Kimberley monsoon woodland and Great Sandy Desert vegetation.

The Devonian Reef system — known as the Canning Basin Reef Complex — was deposited approximately 350–380 million years ago during the Late Devonian period when the Kimberley lay beneath a tropical shallow sea. The ancient reef structures are now exposed as limestone ranges in the Fitzroy valley. Geikie Gorge and Windjana Gorge cut through these ancient reef structures, exposing the geological record. The reef outcrops are part of the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list.

Tropical monsoonal climate. The wet season (November–April) delivers 400–700 mm of rainfall, causing the Fitzroy River to flood widely across its extensive floodplain. The dry season (May–October) is the visitor season, with pleasant temperatures and dramatically different landscape character.

The Devonian Reef area lies within the traditional country of Bunuba and Gooniyandi Aboriginal peoples. Bunuba warrior Jandamarra (Pigeon) conducted a famous resistance against European settlement from the limestone ranges near Windjana Gorge in the 1890s. The Fitzroy River system was central to Aboriginal life across the west Kimberley for tens of thousands of years.

The Devonian Reef Conservation Park was reserved to complement Geikie Gorge and Windjana Gorge National Parks in protecting the globally significant Devonian Reef geological complex. The three parks together preserve the most accessible and best-preserved sections of the ancient reef. There are ongoing discussions about Geikie Gorge and the reef parks receiving UNESCO World Heritage recognition.

Geological interpretation walks through limestone reef outcrops. Scenic views of the Kimberley limestone ranges. Connection to Geikie Gorge boat tours on the Fitzroy River. Wildlife watching for freshwater crocodiles and birds.

Access via the Great Northern Highway in the Fitzroy Crossing region. The nearby Geikie Gorge National Park has interpretive facilities. Fitzroy Crossing township (approximately 20 km) provides accommodation, fuel, and supplies. Dry season access recommended.

The Fitzroy River faces proposals for agricultural water extraction that could threaten the river's ecological integrity and the freshwater ecosystems of the gorge parks. Invasive species (feral cattle, pigs, cats) threaten native fauna. Cane toads are advancing through the Kimberley. The Fitzroy River is under consideration for National Heritage listing to protect its values.