I recently spent four incredible days at the 2025 Karijini Experience, held in the heart of Karijini National Park. Surrounded by stunning landscapes and with a relaxed, choose-your-own-adventure format, the weekend was filled with rich cultural discovery, music, food, and meaningful moments. It felt grounded, welcoming, and genuinely special – the kind of experience that stays with you.
The event officially kicked off on Friday evening with the Welcome to Country and Barlgabi. Everyone brought their own chairs and settled in for a moving introduction to Banjima Country. As the sun dipped behind the surrounding hills, Karijini glowed gold – a striking setting for the ceremony and live music from Nathan Lamont.
Over the weekend, I wandered through the village market, discovering local stalls, art displays, bush tucker cooking demonstrations, Banjima language sessions, and storytelling. I tried fresh damper, learned about bush medicine from Ngarluma/Yindjibarndi woman Cherylea Walker, and even got up close and personal with “The Hulk” – a very relaxed Olive Python courtesy of Perth Reptile Company. Their display had everyone ooing and ahhing over everything from frill-necks to frogs, but I think it’s fair to say The Hulk and I shared a moment (whether I liked it or not!).
Saturday night was a standout, with Thelma Plum lighting up the Yarlu Lounge and getting the whole crowd moving. The Gamilaraay artist brought an awesome energy – everyone was up dancing and singing along, from kids clutching hot chocolates to adults with a wine in hand (I went for both - wine first, hot chocolate for the ride home). What more could a girl want?! The atmosphere was relaxed and fun, with families, couples, travellers, and groups of friends all soaking up the evening under the stars.
One of the great things about the festival was the balance between activities and downtime. With markets wrapping up around 2pm and a natural pause before the evening events kicked off, it was easy to peel away and explore the park. I spent one sunny afternoon flopped at Fern Pool, and an early morning taking a stroll down to Joffre Gorge – just a stone’s throw from my tent at Karijini Eco Retreat.
Each morning, I woke to golden light and birds chirping, with tall yellow grass swaying in the breeze – it felt almost like waking up on safari. No lions or elephants, of course, but awe-inspiring gorges and some of the most memorable hikes I’ve done in WA.
A visit to the Karijini Visitor Centre is also well worth the time. During the festival, it hosted the brilliant Jundunmunnah Art Exhibition, a temporary showcase featuring diverse works by local and regional artists. Beyond the exhibition, the Visitor Centre itself offers fantastic insight into the region’s history. I learned a lot about the stories behind the land – and yes, had a cheeky browse through the gift shop on the way out.
For those wanting to go all out on their Karijini getaway, the Experience offered plenty of premium options — from helicopter flights over the gorges and Swedish massages to the Storyteller Chef’s four-course dinner under the stars. Whether you were into pampering, adventure, or a bit of both, there was a way to make it your own.
That’s really what stood out – the inclusivity. FIFO workers on a break, families with young kids, foodies, culture lovers, and first-time visitors all found their place here. Whether you came for the music, the food, the culture or the gorges, we all left with something special.
If you’re thinking about visiting Karijini National Park, I can’t recommend this time of year enough. With crisp mornings, sunshine-filled days, and waterfall swims to cool off in – April is a dream. Add in four days of culture, community, and creativity, and you’ve got something pretty unforgettable.
