Karijini National Park

Karijini

Spectacular gorge country in the remote Pilbara featuring dramatic red rock formations, cascading waterfalls, and crystalline pools for swimming. A premier hiking destination showcasing Western Australia's raw outback beauty.

Things to do

• Hike Dales Gorge — Descend into this stunning red-walled gorge to swim in Circular Pool, a natural amphitheatre surrounded by 100-metre cliffs.
• Swim at Fortescue Falls — Wade through Fortescue Creek to reach a refreshing waterfall and deep pool hidden within narrow canyon walls.
• Explore Hancock Gorge — Scramble through rocky creek bed between towering ochre cliffs to discover an enchanting natural pool and fern grotto.
• Walk Weano Gorge — Trek through a narrow chasm with dramatic striations in the rock face, culminating in a scenic lookout over the Pilbara landscape.
• Visit Joffre Gorge and Falls — Hike to a tiered waterfall cascading into multiple pools surrounded by lush vegetation in a picturesque red rock setting.
• Climb Mount Bruce — Ascend the Pilbara's second-highest peak for panoramic outback views stretching across red desert and distant ranges.

Food to try

• Barramundi from local catches — Fresh barramundi grilled or pan-seared, often prepared at remote stations and lodges near the park with simple seasoning to highlight the fish's delicate flavour.
• Damper bread cooked on campfire — Traditional Australian bush bread made with flour and water, wrapped around sticks and cooked over open flames, a staple of outback camping experiences.
• Bush tucker experiences with native ingredients — Guided tastings of native Australian foods such as wattleseed, lemon myrtle, and Kakadu plums, often arranged through local Aboriginal cultural tours.
• Station-raised beef and lamb — Hearty grilled steaks and slow-cooked lamb from nearby Pilbara cattle and sheep stations, served at park accommodations and nearby Tom Price.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Indigenous land and sacred sites — Karijini is on Banyjima, Kurrama, and Yinhawangka Country; stay on marked trails, do not remove rocks or artifacts, and participate respectfully in guided Indigenous cultural experiences.
• Prepare for extreme heat and isolation — Summer temperatures exceed 45°C and the park is 250+ kilometres from the nearest major town; carry abundant water, inform rangers of hiking plans, and travel with reliable vehicles.
• Visit during cooler months (April–September) — Winter and autumn offer comfortable hiking conditions and safer water levels in gorges; summer heat makes many trails dangerous and some facilities may close.
• Book accommodation well in advance — The park's caravan grounds and nearby lodges fill quickly, especially during school holidays; camping and accommodation options are limited in this remote region.