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Guide to Karijini National Park

Welcome
Getting to Karijini National Park
When to visit

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)

Top things to do in Karijini National Park

Oxer Lookout, Karijini National Park, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia

Soak up a dramatic view

There’s no shortage of breathtaking views in Karijini, but one of the most impressive is Oxer Lookout. Stare down sheer 100-metre (328-foot) cliffs to a clear pool below. It feels like looking into the centre of the Earth.

Joffre Falls, Karijini National Park, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia

Tour the gorges with a local

No one knows Karijini’s two billion-year-old landscape better than a local. Take a tour with Lestok Tours to visit cascading waterfalls, clear waterholes and elevated lookouts. Along the way you’ll learn about the history and culture of the region.

Jubura (Fern Pool), Karijini National Park, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia

Swim in a waterfall pool

After the heat of the day, floating in a fern-rimmed pool is invigorating. One of the easiest to reach is Fern Pool, a serene swimming spot located just above Fortescue Falls. Hamersley Gorge is another great spot to take a dip.

Karijini Visitor Centre, Karijini National Park, Western Australia © L-A Shibish

Stop by the visitor centre

Check out the Karijini Visitor Centre for park information and interactive displays of the area’s flora, fauna and geology. There’s something for the whole family, with junior ranger sessions hosted by an First Nations ranger.

Karijini Eco Retreat, Karijini National Park, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia

Stay in a glamping retreat

Offering eco-tents and cabins, Karijini Eco Retreat is the only accommodation in the park aside from the park’s campsite. Owned by the Gumala Aboriginal Corporation, the retreat is within walking distance of the incredible Joffre Gorge.

Dales Gorge, Karijini National Park, Western Australia © Greg Snell

Walk the Gorge Rim track

Karijini is best explored on foot, but you don’t have to take on a serious hike to get great views and fern-lined trails. Try the two-kilometre (1.2-mile) Gorge Rim track to reach Dales Gorge, and continue on to Fortescue Falls.

Weano Gorge, Karijini National Park, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia

Try an adventurous hike

For those with good fitness, hikes through Weano Recreation Area are unforgettable. Take care as you negotiate stepping stones and tread through water to reach swimming holes and lookouts. Always put safety first on your hike.

Karijini National Park, Western Australia © Nick Rains

Take a look at deep space

Karijini is far from big cities. Combine this with clear desert skies and you have excellent stargazing conditions. Join Remtrek Astronomy with three large telescopes to view deep space clusters like Omega Centauri 16,000 light-years away.

Mount Bruce, Karijini National Park, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia

Climb the state’s second-highest mountain

Mount Bruce, or Punurrunha in local Aboriginal language, is 1,234 metres (4,049 feet) high and the second highest peak in Western Australia. The hike is challenging and steep, but the views over the vast landscape are worth every step.