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Explore Karijini

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Hit the open road to discover the true beauty of inland WA at Karijini, one of Australia’s largest and most spectacular national parks. Follow the trails, descend into cavernous gorges, cool off in inviting pools beneath plunging waterfalls, or scale WA’s second-highest peak, Mt Bruce, at this park of miraculous beauty and Australian history.
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Karijini dips

Wash all the red dirt away at Fortescue Falls – the park’s only permanent waterfall. It is 20m long and rushes down strikingly red cliff steps into the deep pool below. Surrounded by cliffs and tall trees, find it at Dales Gorge (an 800m walk from the car park).

From Fortescue Falls, take the 300m detour to pretty, spring-fed Fern Pool, complete with timbered swimming platform and stairs. This is also the starting point for an 800m hike to Circular Pool (allow two hours return), which starts off steep but ends in an easy and scenic ramble.

Joffre Falls runs down a towering, narrow gorge that is protected from the sun by looming cliff faces on either side. Wade into the still, shallow waters and enjoy the sound of the rushing falls echoing all around you.

Named for its luminous green waters, Kermit’s Pool at Hancock Gorge is at the end of a challenging 1.5km trail (allow three hours return) that involves a steep descent and ladder.

An equally adventurous option is Handrail Pool in Weano Gorge, with a very steep and narrow 1.5km descent (allow three hours return).

Trails

Karijini’s climate can be best described as tropical semi-desert, and hence temperatures in summer can be extreme. Hikers are advised to drink plenty of water and bring sun protection when embarking on the stunning, adventurous trails within the park.

Experience spectacular views from the top of WA’s second-tallest peak Mt Bruce, called Punurrunha by the Aboriginal people. Its three walks, Marandoo, Honey Hakea and the Mt Bruce Summit provide varying lengths and difficulties to suit your ideal hike.

Take a steep descent into Knox Gorge on a two kilometre hike that is somewhat hidden from the hustle of some of the park’s more popular trails. Enjoy the beauty of the Gorge’s unique atmosphere as you descend among stunningly banded red, blue and purple rocks.

Where to stay

At Karijini National Park, you can pitch a tent at Dale’s campground (first in, first served!) Alternatively, Karijini Eco Retreat offers campsites, eco tents with ensuites, dorm-style eco tents, and cabins.

The Pilbara is also home to luxury lodges and station stays, including the working station of Cheela Plains – the perfect overnight stop en route from Karijini to Carnarvon, with space for camping.

Guides

Guides


Circular Pool

The Circular Pool is attractive all year, both for the falls in winter and the large, tranquil pool in summer. A short stroll leads to viewing platforms and a boardwalk along the edge Circular Pool.

Details

  • Activities:Gorges,Walking
  • Facilities:Picnic Facilities,Toilets,Walking Trails
  • Natural Attractions:Gorges,Lookouts,National Parks & Reserves,Rivers & Lakes

Description

<div> Circular Pool is a delightful place to enjoy the forest. You can picnic, marron in season, canoe, take photos or simply breathe in the fresh air. Circular Pool is a popular picnic spot on the Frankland River with rapids in the winter and a large, tranquil pool in summer.</div> <div>  </div> <div> Universally accessible paths lead to two viewing platforms that allow you to look over the Frankland River and down to Circular Pool or into the forest. There is a boardwalk around the pool below and a table is provided so that you can enjoy a peaceful picnic or meditate by the waters edge.</div> <div>  </div> <div> <strong>Your safety</strong></div> <div> Slippery rocks</div> <div> Supervise children near water</div> <div> Hilltop Road is located approximately two kilometres east of Walpole on the north side of the South Coast Highway. Follow the signs for about 10 kilometres by gravel road to Circular Pool.</div> <div>  </div> <div> Please note, many of these roads are one way only and are not suitable for caravans.</div>

Fortescue Falls & Fern Pool

Fern pool and Fortescue Falls is one of the most accecible and picturesque swimming spots within Karijini National Park.

Details

  • Activities:Walking
  • Facilities:Picnic Facilities,Toilets,Walking Trails
  • Natural Attractions:Lookouts,National Parks & Reserves,Points of Interest,Waterfalls

Description

Located within Dales Gorge, on the eastern side of Karijini National Park,  Fortescue Falls and Fern Pool are easily accessible via a handrail staircase and clear paths.

Walk down through the changing vegetation of the iron-rich gorge walls to the park’s only permanent waterfall. Just a short distance from Fortescue Falls, you can swim in the refreshing, spring fed Fern Pool.

From Fortescue Falls turn right to Fern Pool or left for the three hour return walk to Circular Pool. Fern Pool is about 10 minutes away and is one of the most picturesque settings in the park.

Hamersley Gorge

Hamersley Gorge resides in the North-west of Karijini away from the other gorges. Full of colour and texture it is a great spot for a bush walk and refreshing swim.

Details

  • Natural Attractions:National Parks & Reserves,Gorges
  • Activities:Gorges,Walking
  • Facilities:Toilets,Walking Trails

Description

<p> Swirls of rock sweep down through the gorge and waterfalls rush into tranquil pools.</p> <p> There have been improvements to the site including sealed road access to the lower car park, a new constructed lookout, toilet and various infrastructure items.</p> <div> Time: 3 hours return</div> <div> Distance: 1km return </div> <div> Difficulty: High Level of fitness and experience required.</div> <div>  </div> <div> Grade 4 - Bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited.</div>

Hancock Gorge

Some have described this beautiful trek as the 'journey to the centre of the Earth'. Swim and take in the magnificent views of this incredible gorge.

Details

  • Activities:Walking,Gorges
  • Facilities:Walking Trails
  • Natural Attractions:Gorges,National Parks & Reserves

Description

From the car park, it's a straightforward stroll across to the top of the ladder into Hancock Gorge. If you don't want to descent the ladder, turn back now. 

If you do go down the ladder, proceed carefully past the smooth black rocks and you will be rewarded by arriving at the lovely Kermit's Pool.

Hancock Gorge walk trail:
135 metres, 10 minutes return
Walk to the top of ladder that descends into Hancock Gorge

Hancock Gorge - Kermit's Pool
200 metres, 45 minutes return
 

Joffre Falls Lookout

Take in the beauty of the stunning Joffre Gorge with fantastic views of the falls and the surrounding landscape.

Details

  • Activities:Walking
  • Facilities:Walking Trails
  • Natural Attractions:Gorges,Lookouts,National Parks & Reserves,Points of Interest,Waterfalls

Description

<div> On the western side of the park is Joffre Gorge, a spectacular curved waterfall forming a natural amphitheatre. Especially impressive after rain, water cascades down the step-like cliff face to a dark pool and then, as the gorge narrows, the rushing, white waters tumble over smooth black rock. </div> <div>  </div> <div> <strong>Joffre Falls walk trail</strong></div> <div> Follow the marked route into the bottom of the gorge to the first pool downstream of the waterfall.</div> <div> Distance: 1.5 kilometres</div> <div> Time: 2 hours return</div> <div>  </div>

Karijini National Park

330kms from Port Hedland, situated in the Hammersley Ranges. Explore the awesome landscape and visit Junction Pool for possibly the most spectacular sights. Camping available within the park, fees apply.

Details

  • Activities:Snorkelling,Walking
  • Facilities:Camping Ground
  • Natural Attractions:National Parks & Reserves

Description

Karijini National Park

The spectacular sights in Karijini National Park are all the more breathtaking while you’re dangling alongside a waterfall. The Journey to the Centre of the Earth tour is the cream of the crop: abseil down the 40m high Weano Falls, then take the plunge to Regan’s Pool and Hancock Gorge. You’ll be left marvelling at what was more enjoyable… the sights or the challenging abseil. West Oz Active runs the full-day tour during the dry season. Head to its website (www.westozactive.com.au) for times and dates.

Knox Gorge

One of the most amazing features of Karijini National Park's complex network of gorges is that they appear out of nowhere and make you gasp in awe. This lookout is no exception.

Details

  • Activities:Walking
  • Facilities:Picnic Facilities,Walking Trails
  • Natural Attractions:Gorges,Lookouts,National Parks & Reserves,Points of Interest

Description

<p> <div> Knox Gorge  is a deep chasm that intersects Wittenoom Gorge just along from the Knox Lookout. Make a point of visiting this lookout late in the afternoon or early in the morning, when the slanting sun rays enhance this spectular panorama.</div> <div>  </div> <div> <strong>Knox Gorge walk trail</strong></div> <div> This trail takes you down into the gorge past fig trees which cling to the rock walls. There are rocks to scramble over and pools to swim in.</div> <div>  </div> <div> Time: 3 hours return</div> <p> Distance: 2km return</p> <div> Easy - Suits majority of fitness and experience levels. </div> <div> Bush Walk: Grade 1 - No bushwalking experience required. Flat even surface with no steps or steep sections. Suitable for wheelchair users who have someone to assist them. Walks no greater than 5km.</div></p>

Mount Bruce

Mount Bruce is the second highest mountain in the state of Western Australia, lying 62 kilometres northwest of Mount Meharry, the highest peak in the state.

Details

  • Activities:Mountain Climbing
  • Facilities:Toilets,Walking Trails
  • Natural Attractions:Lookouts,National Parks & Reserves

Description

<p> <span style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The Mt Bruce Summit is a challenging 10 kilometre return climb in Karijini National Park. With impressive views from the top of the mountain it is one of the most rewarding experiences of the region.</span></p> <p> <span style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Difficulty: High Level of fitness and experience required</span></p> <p> <span style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Time: Approx. 6 hours (dependant on fitness level)</span></p> <p> <span style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Cost: National Park entrance fees</span></p> <p> Bush Walk: Grade 5 - Very experienced bushwalkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20km.</p> <p>  </p>

Mount Meharry

Mount MeHarry is the tallest mountain in WA rising to 1248 metres above sea level, situated in the southern region of the Karijini National Park it is the tallest peak in the Hamersley Ranges.

Details

  • Activities:Mountain Climbing,Walking
  • Facilities:Walking Trails
  • Natural Attractions:Lookouts,National Parks & Reserves,Points of Interest

Description

Weano Gorge

Whether you want to walk, swim, enjoy breathtaking views or just soak up the outback ambience while you picnic among the spinifex and snappy gums, Weano is the place to be.

Details

  • Activities:Walking
  • Facilities:Picnic Facilities,Toilets,Wheelchair Access
  • Natural Attractions:Gorges,Lookouts,National Parks & Reserves,Points of Interest

Description

<p> Weano day use area has an information shelter, disabled access and toilets. It’s a great base from which to explore the many gorges that converge into each other nearby - Weano, Hancock, Joffre, Red, Wittennom and Knox gorges are all in the vicinity.</p> <p> With good facilities, great lookouts and a wide selection of gorges all around, Weano offers spectacular scenery and a few small comforts.</p>