Covering more than 627,000 hectares, Karijini National Park is Western Australia’s second-largest national park and one of its most rewarding to explore. Here, billions of years of geological history are etched into the landscape, creating dramatic gorges, cascading waterfalls and hidden pools that feel almost surreal against the surrounding outback plains. For those travelling through Australia’s North West, Karijini offers a powerful reason to slow down, stay longer and venture deeper into the outback.
Here’s what the brochures won’t tell you: your first swim at Fortescue Falls will forever change the way you think about pools. Water tumbles into a flawless, circular basin, framed by terracotta-hued, layered rock walls that glow in the sunlight. As you float in this natural wonder, it’s impossible not to think, “I never want to swim in a chlorinated pool ever again!”. A moment of pure enchantment you’ll carry long after you leave.
An Ancient Landscape Shaped by Time
Karijini’s landscapes tell a story that stretches back more than two billion years. The park sits within the Hamersley Range, where layers of iron-rich rock have been slowly carved by water into the deep gorges seen today. As sunlight shifts throughout the day, the rock walls glow in hues of red, orange and gold, creating a constantly changing canvas.
Descending into the gorges is like stepping into another world. Narrow passageways suddenly open into vast chambers, while clear, cool water flows gently through rock pools hidden far below the rim. It’s the contrast between rugged outback terrain and lush, sheltered gorge floors that makes Karijini so unforgettable.
Iconic Gorges and Unforgettable Swims
Few places in Australia offer swimming experiences quite like Karijini National Park. Each gorge has its own character, rewarding curiosity and exploration.
Dales Gorge
Dales Gorge is often the first stop for visitors and provides an accessible introduction to the park. A sealed walking path leads to Fortescue Falls, where water spills into a perfectly round basin framed by layered rock walls. Nearby Fern Pool offers calm, shaded waters ideal for a refreshing swim.
Hancock Gorge
Hancock Gorge delivers one of Karijini’s most adventurous experiences. You’ll squeeze sideways through narrow rock corridors, navigate slippery ledges and wade through cool water before emerging at Kermit’s Pool — a secluded swimming hole with water so blue-green, it hardly seems real.
Weano Gorge
Weano Gorge invites confident walkers to work for the experience. Expect rock hopping, waist-deep wading and the occasional handrail bolted into the rock face. It’s a clear sign this is a descent to be taken slowly. The sense of achievement at the end is immense.
Joffre Falls
Often quieter than other highlights, Joffre Falls rewards those who linger. Below the main cascade lies a series of tiered crystal-clear swimming holes linked by gentle cascades, each more enchanting than the last. They’re perfect for floating, swimming and soaking up the tranquillity of the surroundings.
Hamersley Gorge
Arrive early at Hamersley Gorge and you may find yourself alone in its famous spa pool. As morning light filters through the narrow gorge opening, the water shimmers and steam rises gently in the cool air, creating a moment that feels almost otherworldly.(2).png)
Walking Trails Beyond The Gorges
While the gorges steal much of the attention, Karijini also offers rewarding walks along its rims and across open landscapes.
Oxer Lookout
Oxer Lookout is one of the park’s most striking viewpoints, where multiple gorges converge below. From here, the sheer scale and depth of Karijini becomes immediately apparent.
Mount Bruce
For experienced hikers, Mount Bruce is the second-highest peak in Western Australia. The summit rewards early starts with panoramic views across the Pilbara and a deep connection to country.
Cultural Connections And Living Stories
Karijini National Park is a living cultural landscape, cared for by the Banyjima, Kurrama and Innawonga people for tens of thousands of years. Their connection to this land is woven through the gorges, waterways and rock formations.
Cultural tours led by Traditional Owners offer a deeper understanding of Karijini, transforming the gorges from scenic attractions into places of story, meaning and memory. Experiencing these stories within the landscape adds emotional depth that stays with visitors long after they leave.
When To Visit Karijini National Park
The best time to visit Karijini National Park is during the cooler months between April and October, when Autumn, Winter and early Spring reveal the landscape at its most comfortable and mesmerising. Summer can be intense, with temperatures regularly reaching 45°C. Many gorge walks close during this time for safety reasons, so careful planning is essential.
How To Get To Karijini National Park
Karijini is secluded by design, and reaching it is part of the adventure. The park lies around 1,400km north of Perth. By road it is around a 14 hour drive, or you can fly into Paraburdoo, a 2 hour flight, and hire a car from there. Many travellers incorporate Karijini into a longer road trip through Western Australia’s Northwest, while others fly into Paraburdoo and hire a car for flexibility.
Allow at least 3 - 5 nights to explore the park properly. This gives you time to experience multiple gorges without rushing and to appreciate the rhythm of outback travel.
What to Pack and Practical Tips
Sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip are essential for wet rocks and uneven terrain. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, and significantly more water than you think you’ll need. Mobile reception is limited, so download maps and travel information in advance.
Extending your Western Australia Adventure
Karijini pairs beautifully with other iconic regions across Western Australia. Many travellers combine their visit with coastal journeys along the Coral Coast. Want to create an epic Perth-to-Exmouth adventure? Check out our complete Coral Coast Highway Guide.
If you’re exploring further north, Karijini also fits naturally into longer itineraries through Australia’s North West. Read our new blog Everything you need to know before exploring the Kimberley.
Need help planning your trip? Our travel specialists can help design an itinerary that connects Karijini with the Kimberley, allowing you to stay longer, travel deeper and experience the outback at its most extraordinary.
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