Karijini National Park

Karijini National Park is one of Western Australia's most spectacular natural wonders, a land of ancient gorges, crystal-clear rock pools, and vivid red earth that feels both timeless and otherworldly. Tucked away in the remote Pilbara region, this park rewards travellers who make the journey with some of the most dramatic and swimmable gorges in Australia. It's a place where you can hike through narrow chasms, cool off in emerald-green pools beneath waterfalls, and sleep under a canopy of stars so bright they feel close enough to touch.

Highlights & What to See

• Hancock Gorge – The park's most thrilling walk, where you scramble over rocks and wade through waist-deep water to reach the stunning 'Kermit's Pool', a deep green plunge pool surrounded by sheer red cliffs.
• Weano Gorge – A more accessible but equally beautiful gorge; the short walk to 'Handrail Pool' offers a perfect spot for a swim with dramatic views.
• Joffre Gorge – Home to a seasonal waterfall that cascades into a circular pool; the lookout provides a breathtaking panorama of the layered rock formations.
• Dales Gorge – Famous for 'Circular Pool' and 'Fortescue Falls', the only permanent waterfall in the park, where you can swim in the cool, clear water.
• Oxer Lookout – A must-visit viewpoint where four gorges (Hancock, Weano, Joffre, and Red) converge, offering a jaw-dropping perspective of the ancient landscape.
• Kalamina Gorge – A quieter spot with a lovely pool and a walk that takes you past ancient stromatolites, evidence of life dating back billions of years.

Suggested Time to Spend

To truly experience Karijini, plan for at least two full days – this gives you time to hike several gorges at a relaxed pace, swim in the pools, and enjoy the sunset from a lookout. Three days is ideal if you want to explore all the main gorges and take a guided tour to learn about the area's Aboriginal heritage and geology. The park is best visited during the cooler months from April to October; summer temperatures can be extreme, making hiking dangerous.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Millstream-Chichester National Park – About two hours west, this park offers a different landscape of palm-fringed pools and wildflower displays, perfect for a day trip.
• Tom Price – The nearest town (90 minutes drive), where you can stock up on supplies, visit the local visitor centre, and take a tour of an operational iron ore mine.
• Exmouth & Ningaloo Reef – A longer drive (about 6 hours west), but combining Karijini with the coastal wonders of Ningaloo makes for an epic road trip through the Pilbara and Coral Coast.
• Broome – The gateway to the Kimberley, about 8 hours north, where you can experience Cable Beach, the pearling history, and the dramatic staircase to the moon.

Please check official sources for current details.