Karijini National Park

A cluster of red gorges in WA's Pilbara, where layered iron-rich walls hide waterfalls and emerald pools — the highlight of a northern Western Australia road trip.

Karijini National Park lies in the Hamersley Range in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Covering about 6,300 km², it's WA's second-largest national park. Rivers have cut gorges up to 100 m deep through banded iron formations laid down 2.5 billion years ago, leaving layer upon layer of red rock walls with waterfalls and cool pools hidden at the bottom. The park has three areas: in the east, the Dales Gorge area (Fortescue Falls, Fern Pool and Circular Pool — easier walks, with camping); in the centre, the Weano area, including Oxer Lookout at the junction of Hancock, Weano, Red and Knox gorges (requiring wading and scrambling — difficult); and, on its own in the northwest corner, Hamersley Gorge. On the park's western side is Mount Bruce, WA's second-highest peak. The best time to visit is the May–September dry season, with daytime temperatures in the 20s°C; November–March is extremely hot, with storms and cyclones, and the gorges are often closed due to flash floods. Getting there: the nearest town, Tom Price, is about 50 km west of the park (about 1,500 km from Perth); you can fly to Newman or Paraburdoo and drive from there, and some roads in the park are gravel. A WA national parks pass is required; stay at Dales Campground, the eco retreat or in Tom Price. Plan on 2–3 days. Note: the harder gorges require non-slip shoes and may involve wading through very cold water; mobile coverage is extremely weak, so carry plenty of water and fuel.

Top sights

• Dales Gorge – The most accessible gorge in Karijini, with a moderate level of difficulty, where Fortescue Falls, Fern Pool and Circular Pool are strung t…
• Fortescue Falls – The only permanent waterfall in Karijini, cascading down stepped rock layers, with a swimmable pool at its base.
• Hancock Gorge & Kermit's Pool – Karijini's most thrilling gorge adventure, where you inch along the 'Spider Walk' through a narrow rock crack to reach the emerald Kermit P…
• Weano Gorge & Handrail Pool – Wade through a deep, narrow gorge, then hold onto a handrail to descend into Handrail Pool, where light falls through a gap overhead.
• Oxer Lookout – A clifftop lookout where the Hancock, Weano, Red Gorge and Joffre gorges meet, overlooking an intersection pool about 100 metres below.
• Fern Pool (Jubura) – A deep-green pool ringed by ferns and fig trees, with a small waterfall spilling down. It is the best place in the park for a relaxing swim.
• Circular Pool – A deep, secluded pool at the eastern end of Dales Gorge, enclosed on three sides by curving cliffs and visible from a clifftop lookout.
• Joffre Falls – A stepped waterfall in a natural amphitheatre of rock, best viewed from the lookout when water flows strongly after the wet season.
• Knox Gorge – A less-visited deep gorge where a steep descent leads to pools on the floor, with towering red walls and a raw, untouched feel.
• Kalamina Gorge – An easy, small gorge with a waterfall on the floor and a pool beneath a rock arch, suited to families or travellers short on time.
• Hamersley Gorge – Located in the park's northwest corner, where the rock layers are folded into wave-like ridges. The gorge floor holds a natural 'spa pool'…
• Mount Bruce (Punurrunha) – At 1,234 metres, Western Australia's second-highest peak. The summit track offers views over the Hamersley Range and a distant giant iron m…
• Karijini Visitor Centre – A building with a rust-coloured, weather-resistant steel exterior shaped like a giant lizard. It showcases Aboriginal culture and gorge geo…
• Mount Nameless (Jarndunmunha) – A 1,128-metre peak beside the town of Tom Price, reached by 4WD or on foot for sunset views over the town and iron mine.

Where to eat

• Karijini Eco Retreat Outback Restaurant – The only restaurant in the national park, where open-air dinners under the stars feature native bush ingredients and We…

Itineraries

• Perth to Broome: Coast & Karijini Gorges – Head north along the West Coast, transition from Ningaloo to the gorges of Pilbara, and arrive at the gateway to the Ki…