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Karijini National Park

The 15 narrow, breathtaking gorges, hidden pools and spectacular waterfalls of the 6275-sq-km Karijini National Park (https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/karijini; admission per car $13) form one of WA's most impressive attractions. Nature lovers flock to this red slice of the Hamersley Range and its deep, dark chasms (the traditional lands of the Banyjima, Kurrama and Innawonga peoples), home to abundant wildlife and over 800 different plant species.

Kangaroos, snappy gums and wildflowers dot the spinifex plains, rock wallabies cling to sheer cliffs and endangered olive pythons lurk in giant figs above quiet pools. The park also contains WA's three highest peaks: Mt Meharry, Punurrunha (Mt Bruce) and Mt Frederick.

Summer temperatures reach extremes in the park (frequently over 40°C), so carry plenty of water. Winter nights are cold. At any time of year, choose walks wisely, dress appropriately and never enter a restricted area without a certified guide.

Explore Karijini National Park

H
Hancock Gorge
The trail through Hancock Gorge is one of the shortest (400m, 80 minutes return) but also one of the most challenging in the park. A steep descent (partly…
D
Dales Gorge
From the Fortescue Falls car park, a trail descends steeply via a long staircase to stunning Fortescue Falls (the park's only permanent waterfall; about…
H
Hamersley Gorge
Away in Karijini's northwest corner, this idyllic swimming hole and waterfall (400m; allow about an hour for the return walk) makes a lovely stop if you…
F
Fern Pool
Swim quietly and with respect at this lovely, shady pool – it has special significance to the local Aboriginal people. It's a 300m (roughly 10-minute)…
O
Oxer Lookout
The 13km drive (past the Karijini Eco Retreat) to the breathtaking Oxer Lookout is bumpy and unsealed, but it's worth it for the magnificent views of the…
W
Weano Gorge
The Upper Weano is dry, but the steep track winding down from the car park to the Lower Weano narrows until you reach the perfect, surreal bowl of…
J
Joffre Gorge
When not trickling, Joffre Falls are spectacular, but the frigid pools below are perennially shaded. The Joffre Lookout is 10 minutes' walk from the…
K
Kalamina Gorge
A wide, easy gorge where you can hike to the falls located upstream of a small, tranquil pool (3km, takes about two hours return). Access by 4WD or high…
K
Knox Gorge
Knox Lookout (300m; 15 minutes return) is best at sunrise or sunset. Descend from Knox Lookout into the gorge (2km; about three hours return) to several…

H
Hancock Gorge
The trail through Hancock Gorge is one of the shortest (400m, 80 minutes return) but also one of the most challenging in the park. A steep descent (partly…
D
Dales Gorge
From the Fortescue Falls car park, a trail descends steeply via a long staircase to stunning Fortescue Falls (the park's only permanent waterfall; about…
H
Hamersley Gorge
Away in Karijini's northwest corner, this idyllic swimming hole and waterfall (400m; allow about an hour for the return walk) makes a lovely stop if you…
F
Fern Pool
Swim quietly and with respect at this lovely, shady pool – it has special significance to the local Aboriginal people. It's a 300m (roughly 10-minute)…
O
Oxer Lookout
The 13km drive (past the Karijini Eco Retreat) to the breathtaking Oxer Lookout is bumpy and unsealed, but it's worth it for the magnificent views of the…
W
Weano Gorge
The Upper Weano is dry, but the steep track winding down from the car park to the Lower Weano narrows until you reach the perfect, surreal bowl of…
J
Joffre Gorge
When not trickling, Joffre Falls are spectacular, but the frigid pools below are perennially shaded. The Joffre Lookout is 10 minutes' walk from the…
K
Kalamina Gorge
A wide, easy gorge where you can hike to the falls located upstream of a small, tranquil pool (3km, takes about two hours return). Access by 4WD or high…
K
Knox Gorge
Knox Lookout (300m; 15 minutes return) is best at sunrise or sunset. Descend from Knox Lookout into the gorge (2km; about three hours return) to several…

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Karijini National Park.

See
Hancock Gorge
The trail through Hancock Gorge is one of the shortest (400m, 80 minutes return) but also one of the most challenging in the park. A steep descent (partly…
See
Dales Gorge
From the Fortescue Falls car park, a trail descends steeply via a long staircase to stunning Fortescue Falls (the park's only permanent waterfall; about…
See
Hamersley Gorge
Away in Karijini's northwest corner, this idyllic swimming hole and waterfall (400m; allow about an hour for the return walk) makes a lovely stop if you…
See
Fern Pool
Swim quietly and with respect at this lovely, shady pool – it has special significance to the local Aboriginal people. It's a 300m (roughly 10-minute)…
See
Oxer Lookout
The 13km drive (past the Karijini Eco Retreat) to the breathtaking Oxer Lookout is bumpy and unsealed, but it's worth it for the magnificent views of the…
See
Weano Gorge
The Upper Weano is dry, but the steep track winding down from the car park to the Lower Weano narrows until you reach the perfect, surreal bowl of…
See
Joffre Gorge
When not trickling, Joffre Falls are spectacular, but the frigid pools below are perennially shaded. The Joffre Lookout is 10 minutes' walk from the…
See
Kalamina Gorge
A wide, easy gorge where you can hike to the falls located upstream of a small, tranquil pool (3km, takes about two hours return). Access by 4WD or high…
See
Knox Gorge
Knox Lookout (300m; 15 minutes return) is best at sunrise or sunset. Descend from Knox Lookout into the gorge (2km; about three hours return) to several…

Guidebooks

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