Karijini National Park, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia
Guide to Karijini National Park
Gorges of ancient rock and cool swimming holes and showering waterfalls make Karijini National Park one of Australia’s most dramatic and spectacular destinations.
Some 1,400km (870mi) north of Perth, a semi-arid plateau suddenly drops away into cavernous gorges, 100m (328ft) deep. From the lookouts, cliff walls glow a striking red in the late afternoon, contrasting with the trunks of white-barked gumtrees. Descending to explore the gorges from inside is to enter a secret world of fern-lined swimming holes, towering waterfalls, and vertical rock canyons that draw you in. Photos cannot do justice to Karijini – this breathtaking landscape has to be seen to be believed.
Fly into one of the two airports near Karijini National Park and hire a car to get to the park itself.
- Paraburdoo Airport (PBO) is 1ookm (62mi) from Karijini National Park
- Newman Airport (ZNE) is 263km (163mi) from Karijini National Park
- Hire cars are available from both airports
- There are local tours operating during the peak season (April to October).
If you are driving, Karijini National Park requires an entry fee of $15 per vehicle. You can purchase these passes upon arrival at the entrance to the park. There are no petrol stations within the park and the closest petrol station is at Tom Price, 80km (50mi) west, so make sure you bring enough fuel with you!
The best time to visit Karijini National Park is during autumn (February to April) as the moderate temperature means excellent walking conditions while still being warm enough to dip into the hidden water holes along your journey.
- High season: Late autumn to early spring (April to October)
- Low season: Winter (June to August)
