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Towering red gorges, crystal clear sparkling waterfalls and vast, untouched mountain ranges. Plus, did we mention swimming in pristine natural pools? From bush walking along ancient rock walls, to splashing in fresh water holes, Karijini National Park has some of the most unique and spectacular landscapes in Western Australia.
Watch the stars dance across the vast night skies, relax in your own private spa pool - this heritage-listed national park truly has it all.
Important tips:
Located in the Pilbara region of Australia’s North West, Karijini is approximately 1,350km from Perth (driving) and 50km from Tom Price. Alternatively, you can also access Karijini by flying into Paraburdoo airport and driving from there. (approximately 100km).
Tom Price is the ideal place to base yourself before, after or during your visit to Karijini. We stayed at Summerstar’s Tom Price Tourist Park on both sides of our Karijini adventure and it was really handy having power to recharge everything (including ourselves)! There’s no better feeling than that first proper shower post-Karijini and washing away all (well most of!) that glorious red dirt. The Tourist Park is nestled at the bottom of Jarndunmunha/ Mount Nameless, which is the perfect place to enjoy incredible views of the mountain, especially during golden hour.
Tom Price Tourist Park and Jarndunmunha/Mount Nameless
Within the National Park, there are two accommodation options – either camping through the Department of Parks and Wildlife at Dales Campground or either camping or glamping at the Karijini Eco Retreat. Both require booking online in advance.
Tom Price is also a great place to stock up before you venture into the Park as there is no drinking water or power out there. Tom Price has fuel, drinking water, a large supermarket (Coles), bakery, mechanic and any other necessities you may need.
Being the second largest national park in WA, we suggest spending a minimum of three days in Karijini so you can really explore and experience all of the spectacular gorges. If time isn’t a factor, we recommend 5-7 days to really take it all in.
The best time to visit may depend on your preference. Any time from April to October is ideal for visiting the Park; the days are lovely and warm (e.g. approximately 25 – 30℃ in June), but do note that due to the desert climate, the nights can get pretty chilly and cold (e.g. down to 9℃ in June). It’s also useful to note that several of the gorges can also be very cold for swimming (and wading) in June/July as they don’t get much sunlight.
If you’re looking to see running waterfalls and the gorges as full as possible, the best time to visit would be March/April/May. For those looking to swim – the water temperature usually starts warming up around September.
Dales Gorge is a beautiful gorge system that connects three main wonders;
Jubula (Fortescue Falls)
Jubura (Fern Pool)
Circular Pool
Spend a full day at Dales Gorge; starting your day early in the morning with the full circuit walk. This walk is a superb way to take in the varying landscapes of the entire Ngirribungunha Gorge system.
Circular Pool in Dales Gorge, Karijini National Park
Start at the Fortescue Falls carpark, making your way down to Jubula/ Fortescue Falls via the stairs. Marvel at the stunning waterfall cascading down the jagged red rocks then detour to Jubura (Fern Pool). Hop in for a swim at this stunning wee-little spot and recharge with some lunch. Once you are back at Jubula/ Fortescue Falls begin the 1km journey along the bottom of the gorge, making your way to Circular Pool. Once you have explored the ever-changing landscapes at Circular Pool, connect with the Gorge Rim Walk to make your return journey a loop. This way you will return up top along the ridge of the Gorge, which will reward you with fantastic panoramic views across the entire gorge system. This should take approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.
Joffre Gorge is the closest gorge to the Karijini Eco Retreat (with its own walking track access) and is usually the first gorge to start drying up after the wet. Joffre Gorge offers fantastic lookouts from the top of the gorge, and through a series of paths, ladders and some good old fashioned rock climbing, you can climb right down into the base of the gorge. From here, you enter a stunning naturally formed amphitheatre (cross your fingers for the running waterfall edging its way down), which is a beautiful place for a swim.
Joffre Gorge, Karijini National Park
While Knox Gorge is located away from the other gorges, (approximately 12km from Karijini Eco Retreat) we think it is one of the most spectacular gorges so we would highly recommend exploring it!
Knox Gorge is best experienced in the morning, set off on your hike early so that once you reach the end you can experience the towering red rock walls glowing with the morning light.
Knox Gorge, Karijini National Park
To access Knox Gorge, there is a long rocky climb to the bottom of the gorge. There are two beautiful spots to swim along here – one to the right as soon as you have descended into the gorge which is lined with lovely white gum trees, or one about half way along Knox Gorge where a turquoise pool sits between the carved rock.
Kermits Pool is probably the most adventurous of the trails in Karijini. After descending down the stairs into the Gorge, you need to navigate several deep water sections. We recommend wearing water shoes with good grip. Typically, the first water section should be no deeper than knees (depending on time of year/rainfall).
After the second water section (a long narrow channel) where you can decide if you want to swim across or scale the rocks on the right-hand side, you will reach a natural amphitheatre. This is a wonderful place to sit and admire the changing landscapes. From here, the infamous spider walk leads you to the sparkling emerald green waters of Kermits Pool. While Kermits Pool is one of our favourites to swim in, it’s definitely the coldest as it gets very little light/sun throughout the day.
Spider Walk in Hancock Gorge
Weano Gorge – Handrail Pool
Weano Gorge is famous for Handrail Pool. Taking the Lower Weano Gorge trail, head downstream and carefully navigate the entrance into the Gorge. Some of the most incredible rock walls are at the entrance here – in the early morning light, they glow the most intense shade of orange. From here, carefully wade through the water and narrow sections of the gorge and use the handrail to carefully climb down into Handrail Pool. Handrail Pool is a beautiful deep blue pool – perfect for swimming. There is the option to swim further into the gorge from Handrail Pool and continue exploring.
Hamersley Gorge is located all by itself in the far north-west corner of the park. It is best visited as a separate day trip from Tom Price. Approximately 70km from Tom Price, this well-known gorge is home to the famous (and rightly so!) Spa Pool.
Descend into the gorge by taking a set of stairs and marvel at the incredible patterns in the rock walls. The first pool you reach is perfect for swimming, and a great place for a picnic lunch or morning tea. Continue further into the gorge to reach Spa Pool, but care must be taken as the rocks can be very slippery. There is also a section to cross with a long drop and you will need to walk through the water. Both Spa Pool itself and the large pool that it flows into are great for swimming.
Rock Wall at Hamersley Gorge
If you’re still itching for more adventure, Kalamina Gorge is a stunning gorge system to explore. Kalamina Gorge is an easy walk and has several large pools (particularly those right at the base of the entrance) which are in the sun for most of the day; making them perfect for swimming and enjoying lazy, relaxing days. Be sure to check out the beautiful natural arch at the end of Kalamina Gorge walk.
We liken this to Arizona’s Horseshoe Bend. This lookout is particularly spectacular at sunset, when the last of the days sun light up the U-shaped bend.
Head to Oxer Lookout to see the intersection of three defined gorge systems; Hancock Gorge, Weano Gorge and Red Gorge. Our favourite time to visit here is mid-afternoon so the gorge is lit up and you can marvel at the incredible interlocking system.
Oxer Lookout in Karijini National Park
On your way back to Tom Price, stop in and admire the magnificent Mount Bruce, WA’s second highest peak. You can either conquer the mountain with a 9km-return hike to the summit, or simply admire the view from below.
Karijini National Park is one of the most spectacular locations in Western Australia, with its unique and stunning gorges. We think it truly has to be seen to be believed.
