Given its breathtaking gorges, spectacular waterfalls, idyllic swimming holes, stunning wildflowers and myriad wildlife, it’s no wonder that Karijini National Park, just 50km or so east of Tom Price, is the region’s most popular attraction.
Most of Karijini’s splendid attractions are easily accessible, located in the park’s north, off the 67km-long Banyjima Dr. The quality of this unsealed road varies, depending on how deep into the tourist season it is; it’s not easy-going for conventional vehicles and it’s advisable to do it in a 4WD. Entry is the standard national park fee of $10/4 per car/bus passenger.
The state-of-the-artKarijini visitors centre (08-9189 8121; Banyjima Dr; 9am-4pm, 10am-4pm in the Wet), in the northeastern corner of the park, is managed by the traditional owners of Karijini, the Banyjima, and it’s a stunner! The slick interpretive displays give a thought-provoking overview of the natural and cultural history of the park, and is well worth an hour or two of your time.
Make sure you get a copy of DEC’s Karijini: Visitor Information & Walk Trail Guide here. It’s important to choose the walks to suit your level of fitness, and take care: the trails through the park are more dangerous than they appear – particularly after rain when they get slippery, and flash flooding can occur.
Entering Banyjima Dr from the east, you soon reach the turn-off to beautiful Dales Gorge, where you can camp. A short, sharp descent takes you to Fortescue Falls, the beautiful swimming hole of Fern Pool, and through to Circular Pool, where there’s a pleasant walk along the cliff top.
From Kalimina Rd a 30-minute walk takes you into the depths of Kalimina Gorge, where there’s a small tranquil pool. Another 11km along is Joffre Falls Rd that leads to Knox Gorge, passing the lookout over the spectacular Joffre Falls.
The final turn-off is Weano Rd, which takes you to the park’s signature attraction, the breathtaking Oxers Lookout, where there are extraordinary views of the junction of the Red, Weano, Joffre and Hancock Gorges. It’s one of WA’s most spectacular sights.
While it’s technically possible to climb down into Hancock Gorge from here, locals advise against it, and guides will no longer take you. You’ll notice a touching memorial to Jim Regan, a volunteer SES rescuer who died on 3 April 2004 rescuing a couple of backpackers here. Unfortunately, even the most experienced people can get themselves into trouble, particularly if there’s a flash flood as there was on that day. And sadly other people can die trying to save them.
Other attractions include Hamersley Gorge off Nanutarra-Wittenoom Rd in the park’s northwest and Wittenoom .
Last updated: Sep 23, 2008
