Karijini National Park – Top Things To Do and See
Karijini National Park is the second-largest national park in Western Australia located in the Hamersley Range of the Pilbara region that offers some of the most breathtaking views and adventures you’ll ever find. It is a place of natural beauty and contains many different landscapes and activities for visitors to enjoy. The park has waterfalls, gorges, and pools that are worth seeing, and there are plenty of hikes and walks that will take you through the amazing scenery. One of the first things you’ll notice as you enter Karijini National Park is its sheer rock faces. The gorges feature some incredible red iron-rich brickwork, and the contrast between the rocks and the greenery is simply stunning. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including kangaroos, emus, goannas, and birds. If you’re lucky, you may even see a dingo! With so much to do and see, it’s hard to know where to start.
Here are the top things to do and see in Karijini National Park.
Start with the wildflowers. The Pilbara’s wildflowers emerge from June to September. Karijini National Park is home to many colourful varieties, including purple mulla mullas and Karijini wattle. The wildflowers spreading across sections of the park provide visitors with an unforgettable natural display and is a photographer’s paradise.
Explore the pools and gorges. The rock pools and gorges are a must-see for anyone who visits Karijini National Park, as they offer some of the most spectacular scenery that you’ll find anywhere else. The most popular gorges and pools in the park and each one is unique:
- Hancock Gorge is a prevalent spot for visitors because of its dramatic red cliffs. It is one of the most photographed gorges in the park. For those who are up for the challenge, Hancock Gorge offers an unforgettable experience. The views of the gorge are impressive, and swimming through the narrow passages is a thrill. The appeal of the Kermit Pool makes for a gratifying and spectacular adventure. The pool is a natural rock formation that is deep and refreshing. Swimming in Kermit Pool is one of the best experiences I had in Hancock Gorge. You can jump off the boulder into the pool for a more fun experience! The trek in Hancock Gorge is one of the most difficult treks in Karijini National Park but the effort is well worth it. Experienced hikers will find the trek to Hancock Gorge an exciting journey, while those new to hiking can still enjoy the experience by taking it slow and enjoying the views along the way.
- Dales Gorge is also popular because of its deep pools and peaceful atmosphere. Three main attractions that lure visitors to the Dales Gorge include Circular Pool, Fortescue Falls and Fern Pool that boast clear blue water for swimming. You can also head out to the Upper Dales Falls lookout that offers visitors stunning views of Upper Dales Falls and the surrounding gorge landscape.
- Joffre Gorge is a beautiful curved waterfall that creates a natural amphitheatre on the western side of the park, is one of its most spectacular features. Swimming is the favourite thing to do in Joffre Pool, where the water is deep and refreshing. You can also swim across to the other end of Joffre Gorge for approximately 300 metres, where you can eat your lunch, relax and enjoy the serenity of the magnificent surroundings. It is recommended to use waterproof backpacks to protect your cameras, mobile phones and food from getting wet, alternatively, you can bring an inflatable to help you stay afloat without wetting your backpack. For those who want to do a bit more hiking, the Joffre Gorge is about an hour from the visitor centre and offers two different trails to choose from.
- Weano Gorge is the most easily accessible gorge in Karijini. However, this does not detract from its grandeur or beauty. Around the top of the gorge, there are some fabulous panoramic views. Oxer Lookout and Junction Pool Lookout are nearby. Oxer Lookout offers the splendid view of the four majestic gorges converging (Weano, Hancock, Joffre and Red).
- Knox Gorge. Its remarkable display rivals other gorges in Karijini. It is the most challenging gorge to climb. Some sections of the descent are very steep so a good level of fitness and experience is required. There are rocks to scramble over, ledges to walk along and pools to swim. The climb back up is a strenuous workout. The views from the top are worth the effort though. If you are feeling adventurous, take on Knox Gorge. It is well worth the experience!
Have a picnic. There are plenty of spots in the park where you can have a picnic and take in the natural beauty of your surroundings. One popular spot is at the Weano Gorge, where visitors can relax on the rocks and take in the sounds of the waterfalls and birds.
Enjoy camping and immerse yourself in the beauty and the healing power of nature. The many pools that dot the park offer a curative escape for those who just want to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The beautiful sunset at the campsite is something that will remain in your memory for many years to come. Karijini National Park is a place of contrasts, from the red rugged gorges to a variety of vegetations and wildlife living freely in an environment that has been preserved for future generations.
If you like hiking or short walks, why not try one of the park’s hikes? There are plenty of options to choose from, and all will take you through some of the most astounding scenery in the region. The Karajini National Park Hiking Trails booklet is available at the visitor centre, which contains detailed information on different hikes in the park ranging in difficulty from easy to hard. The most popular walks are:
- The Window Walk is a short, easy walk that takes you to a lookout point with amazing views of the Hamersley Gorge. This is probably one of the most popular walks in Karijini, as it’s short and relatively easy.
- The Canyon Walking Track is a medium level walk that takes you through some incredible scenery. You’ll see the Hancock, Joffre, Dales, Weano Gorges with panoramic views at each lookout.
- The Fortescue Falls Walk is an easy to moderate walk that takes you through the Fortescue River Valley.
- The Fortescue River Circuit Hike is a difficult hike that takes you along the cliff tops with spectacular views of the gorges. You’ll then come down into Weano Gorge, where it’s relatively easy to access.
Where to stay?
Karijini National Park has a few different campgrounds that offer different levels of comfort, but all of them provide a great opportunity to get up close and personal with nature. You can camp at one of the park’s many camping areas, or stay in a cabin or lodge.
The two main campsites are Karijini Eco Retreat and Dales Gorge Campground.
- Karijini Eco Retreat provides deluxe eco tents, cabins, and unpowered sites at Savannah Campground. There are flush toilets, barbeques, and solar-powered showers available.
- The Tesla Camping Ground in the Dales Gorge is peaceful and one that allows limited use of your generator. Bush toilets and barbeques are available but no showers.
Accommodation in a nearby town is another option. The closest town is Tom Price, which is 60 kilometres away from Karijini.
How to get there?
Karijini National Park is located north of the Tropic of Capricorn and can be reached via sealed and unsealed roads from Karratha, Tom Price, or Newman in Western Australia. Flights are also available from Perth to the little town of Paraburdoo, which is only 100 kilometres from Karijini National Park. Before flying, you must book a car rental. 4WD is preferable, however, 2WD is doable but be mindful of road conditions.
Another option is to drive by car (4WD) and camp at stations along the way. This is my preferred option but it takes at least 2.5 days to get there. The distance from Perth to Karijini through the National Highway is approximately 1400kms, however, there are a few routes to choose from (coastal route or inland route) depending on where you camp out for an overnight stay.
A guided tour is recommended if you’re new to camping. Driving with camper trailers or caravans in convoy with others is challenging but the most enjoyable experience I’ve ever had. The experience of staying at Stations along the way is as beautiful as your experience in Karijini National Park. The wildflowers and the scenic view of Hamersley Ranges are breathtaking, which makes driving much more pleasurable. Red Track Eco Adventure Tours provides a complete guided tour to Karijini including Stations Stays. I don’t earn a commission for promoting Red Track Eco Tour but I highly recommend it for a safer and enjoyable journey.
When to visit?
The weather conditions in Karijini can be quite variable, so the best time to visit depends on what you’re hoping to get out of your trip. If you’re looking for a more tranquil experience, autumn and spring are the best times to visit.
April to October months are the ideal time of year to visit the park. Temperatures will be more moderate and there’s a smaller chance of rain during these months. Warm weather during the day but cooler at night. Be sure to bring thick blankets and winter clothes as the temperature may drop below freezing point on winter nights.
In the summer months (December to February), the weather conditions are generally hot. It is best to be prepared with suitable clothing and plenty of water.
Acknowledgement: I would like to give credit to our tour guide David Goulding and my fellow camper Natalie Mathieson for sharing their photos of our Karijini National Park Adventure Tour, which some of them I used in this blog.
