Karijini National Park

"Wander down into ancient deep gorgeous gorges of layered red rock and swim through crystal-clear waters. I am sure you’ll ‘waterfall’ in love with the freshwater falls and secluded swimming holes surrounded by lush green ferns. The coastal drive from Perth to KARIJINI is around 1988 kilometers. The inland drive via National highway 95 is 1380 kilometer. Make sure to fuel up entering Karijini national park because options are limited. Visit the visitor center to know actual road and park conditions. 1. Visit HAMERSLEY GORGE. This is the most remote from all the gorges so make sure you have enough time and don't believe the official website which says that there is a sealed road. Only the last part to the parking lot is sealed but you still have to tackle 40 kilometer of red dirt unsealed road! Once arrived there are some steps that take you into the gorge and then there is a scrambling part but you'll be fine if you take it slow. This gorge is the perfect spot for a swim in the icy cold plunge pool and to enjoy the natural spa experience under the cascading waterfalls. The walk down to the natural pools in the gorge is just 400 meters. If you’re looking for more of a hike, tackle the Hamersley Gorge Walk. This track is only one kilometer but will take you roughly one hour for a return trip. This grade four walk is one of the more difficult ones in the gorge with some rough and steep sections. Don't let this scare you because Aussies are not used to walk so they call it rather fast a type 4 hike. Believe me if I say you won’t mind putting in the work once you witness the breathtaking geological rock formations created more than 2.5 billion years ago adorned with beautiful colors and shapes. From the central car park, you can enjoy some incredible views of the gorge from above. If you’re short on time or can’t tackle the physical descent to the gorge, there is a newly constructed lookout a short walk from the car park that offers a great vantage point of the scenery below. Hamersley Gorge might be a little further away than the others in Karijini, but is definitely worth the effort to get there, and is not one to be missed. . 2. Drive to OXER Lookout and JUNCTION POOL Lookout Located in the WEANO Recreation area, you can walk over to these lookouts or drive from the main carpark to a smaller car park. They offer stunning views over the gorges. . 3. Scramble in HANCOCK GORGE Located in the Weano Recreation area next to Weano Gorge, Hancock Gorge is one of the more adventurous and popular gorges in the park. As you descend into the gorge, you scramble along the gorge which twists and turns. There are parts where you need to climb along the gorge wall and sections of water which can be up to waist deep ( when scrambling up the sections make sure to stay as low as possible in case you slip). Make sure to wear some water shoes for the water parts as it can be rocky. The final part on the approach to the Instagrammable Kermit’s Pool is called the spider walk, as people choose to spider along the narrow gorge instead of walking in the running flow of water. This is a one way hike as you go back the same way you came. . 4. The 1.5km return Handrail Pool trail in WEANO Gorge is a fairly easy walk but becomes a bit challenging with climbing involved to get down into Handrail Pool ( Less challenging as HANCOCK gorge if you ask me ). Hold tight, choose your footing carefully, take a deep breath and relax – the anticipation can be more daunting than the reality. Although beware! many accidents have happened here in the past. Be prepared to get wet and see Australia’s beauty at its best. . 5. Walk the 2 kilometer gorge rim trail from DALES campground or carpark. Once you hit the FORTESQUE falls you can walk further till you reach the fern pool for a quick dip. The Fern pool is surrounded with thick, lush ferns. You’ll find a small platform with a ladder leading into the pool of water, with a small waterfall on the other side of the pool. You can swim across and climb up onto the rock ledge underneath the falls. ( don't doubt to go there because this place is a bit warmer than the rest of the pool). This place has a lot of cultural significance for the local indigenous peoples. Please be respectful and read the signs, in recognition of that. . 6. Circular Pool has been closed for a couple of years now due to rockfalls which exposed the naturally occurring asbestos. However visitors can still admire this spot from above at the lookout located down the end of Dales Gorge. A must do while you are there in the area. . 7. If you haven't had enough you can visit JOFFRE gorge, KNOX gorge and KALAMINA gorge. I haven't done one of these but you can always do your research on YouTube to see if it's something for you. . 8. Visit the visitor center. Not only they provide you useful information about the park it also has a range of displays that take you on a journey of places and people, past and present, through stories of geology, plants, animals and Aboriginal people and their culture. The centre provides employment opportunities for local Aboriginal people and gives visitors a chance to speak with them and learn about their association with the land. . 9. Summit MOUNT BRUCE. Technically this isn't in KARIJINI but you'll pass in on the way from TOM PRICE so be an early riser and tackle the 10 kilometer return hike to the summit. I am sure you'll love the views from above. Allow 6 hours for this hike but like I keep on saying it all depends on your own pace and fitness level so don't mirror you to other people. Just enjoy the views and take all the time you need. Those who don't want to go to the summit can chose to go to the Marandoo View which is a 500m walk and takes about 30 minutes round trip. For a slightly harder walk, you can take the Honey Hakea Track which is a 4.6km round trip that is about a 3 hour journey. . 10. Go glamping in the eco retreat. Enjoy a sky full of stars after a day full of adventure. It is the perfect spot to unwind with a glass of wine. All you need to know ! ✨ There are no crocodiles in the park ! hoeray hoeray ✨ You can access the park with a 2WD. Most of the roads are unsealed but take it slow and you'll get there. Read your rental company contract. there are options if you are not allowed. GoWest tours is one of them. They offer tours in the gorges so you see the highlights. They drive an SUV so they are faster then you so you win time and you are able to see more ig you are short on time. ✨ Don't be scared for the grade 5 hikes. With an adventurous soul, an open mind and some common sense you'll get everywhere you want. ✨ On the odd occasion that there is heavy rainfall, flash flooding can occur. In this event, don't go ! ✨ You have to pay a 15$ parkpass fee (per vehicle with a maximum of 12 people ). This park is included for people who have the holiday pass. ✨ Bring a picnic with some beverages and have a lovely day ! "

"This park is known for its dramatic gorges, waterfalls, and natural swimming holes, making it a great spot for hiking and swimming. "