GORV - Digital Magazine Issue #26 | Page 50

PERFECT FRANCOIS PERON WORDS: LINDA LEE RATHBUN | IMAGES: STEVEN DAVID MILLER/NATURAL WANDERS NO VISIT TO THE GASCOYNE REGION OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA WOULD BE COMPLETE WITHOUT AN EXPLORATION OF THE BREATHTAKING FRANCOIS PERON NATIONAL PARK. The Shark Bay World Heritage Area encloses some of Australia’s most stunning and important natural highlights. Protected to the east by the mainland and to the west by Dirk Hartog Island and a handful of finger peninsulas jutting into Denham Sound, the Peron Peninsula sits smack in the middle of it all. 50 \ On the northern half of the peninsula is Francois Peron National Park; the only way to experience this absolutely splendid destination is by 4WD. If you are tenting it or travelling with an offroad camper trailer, you can stay in the park; if you have a caravan, you will have to do this as a day tour from Denham or Monkey Mia.