Explore Karijini
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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

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

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

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
- workexp@scoop.com.au
- (08) 9189 8121
- http://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/karijini
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

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

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