Karijini National Park

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Australia, Western Australia, Karijini National Park, Stream running through Hancock Gorge

Getty Images/Westend61

Overview

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.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Dales Gorge

    Dales Gorge

    Karijini National Park

    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…

  • Hamersley Gorge

    Hamersley Gorge

    Karijini National Park

    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…

  • Hancock Gorge

    Hancock Gorge

    Karijini National Park

    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…

  • Fern Pool

    Fern Pool

    Karijini National Park

    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)…

  • Joffre Gorge

    Joffre Gorge

    Karijini National Park

    When not trickling, Joffre Falls are spectacular, but the frigid pools below are perennially shaded. The Joffre Lookout is 10 minutes' walk from the…

  • Oxer Lookout

    Oxer Lookout

    Karijini National Park

    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…

  • Weano Gorge

    Weano Gorge

    Karijini National Park

    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…

  • Kalamina Gorge

    Kalamina Gorge

    Karijini National Park

    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…

View more attractions

Build a memorable collection

Get to the heart of Karijini National Park with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.