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Karijini National Park

Karijini National Park in the Hamersley Ranges is [Western Australia](/au/places/wa/western-australia)'s second-largest national park,…

National Park in Western Australia

National ParkNational
Ben ColeWritten by Ben Cole

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About Karijini National Park

Karijini National Park in the Hamersley Ranges is [Western Australia](/au/places/wa/western-australia)'s second-largest national park, renowned for some of the world's most spectacular gorges carved through 2,500-million-year-old banded ironstone. The park's network of narrow slot canyons, cascading waterfalls, and ice-cold plunge pools — including Dales Gorge, [Weano Gorge](/au/trails/wa/weano-gorge), Hancock Gorge, and Knox Gorge — offer thrilling adventure hiking and swimming experiences. The ancient rock formations display vivid layers of red, ochre, and rust.

About

Karijini National Park in the Hamersley Ranges is [Western Australia](/au/places/wa/western-australia)'s second-largest national park, renowned for some of the world's most spectacular gorges carved through 2,500-million-year-old banded ironstone. The park's network of narrow slot canyons, cascading waterfalls, and ice-cold plunge pools — including Dales Gorge, [Weano Gorge](/au/trails/wa/weano-gorge), Hancock Gorge, and Knox Gorge — offer thrilling adventure hiking and swimming experiences. The ancient rock formations display vivid layers of red, ochre, and rust.

Warnings

Some Gorge Routes Require Swimming In Cold Water — Not Suitable For Non-SwimmersFlash Flooding Can Occur — Check Weather ForecastsGrade 6 Trails (E.G. Hancock, Knox) Require Experience And FitnessNo Mobile Coverage In Most Of The ParkExtreme Summer Heat — Avoid November To March

Getting There

Map of Karijini National Park

1,055 km north of Perth via Great Northern Highway to Tom Price/Karijini turn-off. Sealed road to main sites.

Visitor Tips

  • Oxers Lookout is 5 minutes walk from Weano carpark — do not miss it
  • Dales Gorge is fully accessible and suitable for all visitors — do Fern Pool walk
  • Gecko's Rest at Weano day-use area — start all Weano/Hancock gorge walks here
  • Book campsites months ahead for July–August peak season
  • Bring wetsuit for gorge swimming — water is cold year-round

Quick Facts

At a Glance

The Place

Significance
National

Plan Your Visit

Entry
Paid
Duration
3–7 days
Best Time
April to October (avoid summer heat above 45°C)
Hours
Open 24 hours. Some gorges require 4WD access.

Location

Region
Pilbara

Good to Know

Wheelchair Accessible

Highlights

Oxers Lookout (Junction Of Four Gorges)Fortescue Falls And Fern Pool (Dales Gorge)Spider Walk And Kermit'S Pool (Hancock Gorge)Handrail Pool (Weano Gorge)Knox Gorge AmphitheatreCircular Pool (Dales Gorge)

Activities

Gorge HikingSwimming In Plunge PoolsCanyoningBirdwatchingCampingPhotographyStargazing

Features

Available:Wheelchair Accessible
Not available:Dog Friendly
Not available:Pram/Stroller Friendly
Not available:Camping Available
Not available:Tours Available
Not available:Guided Walks
Not available:Swimming Allowed
Not available:Lockers Available

Facilities

Karijini Visitor CentreDales CampgroundKarijini Eco RetreatToiletsBBQsShowersPotable Water At Visitor Centre