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.
Top things to do in Karijini National Park
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Karijini accommodation & attractions

The Ritz-Carlton Perth
Hotels • Swimming Pool • 5 Stars
Accommodation
From AU$459 to AU$8888

Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough
Hotels • Swimming Pool • 5 Stars
Accommodation
From AU$110 to AU$300

Pan Pacific Perth
Hotels • Swimming Pool • 5 Stars
Accommodation
From AU$185 to AU$1500

Crown Metropol Perth
Hotels, Resorts • Swimming Pool • 5 Stars
Accommodation
From AU$289 to AU$2079

COMO The Treasury
Hotels • Swimming Pool • 5 Stars
Accommodation
From AU$665 to AU$2225

Duxton Hotel Perth
Hotels • Swimming Pool • 5 Stars
Accommodation
From AU$220 to AU$950

Novotel Perth Langley
Hotels • Gym • 4 1/2 Stars
Accommodation
From AU$199 to AU$450

Ramada by Wyndham Vetroblu Scarborough Beach
Apartments, Hotels • Gym • 4 1/2 Stars
Accommodation
From AU$162 to AU$900

Pagoda Resort & Spa
Apartments, Hotels, Resorts • Swimming Pool • 4 1/2 Stars
Accommodation
From AU$180 to AU$450

Novotel Perth Murray Street
Hotels • Swimming Pool • 4 1/2 Stars
Accommodation
From AU$150 to AU$350