Your Guide to the Karijini Experience 2025

Nestled in the stunning landscapes of Western Australia’s Pilbara region, the Karijini Experience festival (April 11-14, 2025) invites you to step into a world where art, culture, wellness, and adventure seamlessly blend together. Whether you’re a family looking for fun-filled activities, a music lover ready to groove under the stars, or someone seeking a moment of relaxation and healing, this unique festival has something for everyone.

With a flexible program of free events and special ticketed experiences, you can curate your own perfect festival experience while exploring one of Australia’s most breathtaking regions. Let us guide you through everything you need to know to make the most of this unforgettable event.

For the Culture Lover: Immerse Yourself in Aboriginal Art & Storytelling

The Banjima people have a vision for the Karijini Experience to be an uplifting, authentic celebration—a chance to come together and connect with country and culture in a meaningful way. From start to finish, the festival offers rich opportunities for cultural immersion.

Don’t miss the Banjima Corroboree: The Welcome to Country/Barlgabi and Closing Ceremony/Balgabi are beautiful cultural performances where you can witness traditional dance, music, and stories. These ceremonies are a must-see for anyone wanting to truly connect with the Banjima people.

Throughout the festival, you’ll have the opportunity to hear directly from the Banjima community at the Elders Tent in the festival village, where elders will share storytelling sessions from Saturday through Monday.

If you’re feeling creative, join Brenton McKenna—a Yawuru man from Broome and one of Australia’s first Indigenous artists to have a syndicated comic strip—for hands-on Art Workshops on Saturday and Sunday. Brenton will guide you in creating your own characters, no experience necessary!

Make sure to also visit the Festival Markets, where you’ll find beautiful Aboriginal art-inspired apparel, local fashion lines, handmade jewellery, digital prints, and more.

For the Wellness Seeker: Rejuvenate with Wellness and Healing

Whether you’re looking to unwind or reconnect, the Karijini Experience offers a range of wellness activities designed to leave you feeling refreshed and restored.

Start your mornings with Rise & Connect Stretch classes, a free daily session that invites you to connect with the natural beauty of Karijini, enhancing your mobility while grounding your mind and body.

For a deeper level of rejuvenation, try a R.O.S.E. (Reconnecting Our Spiritual Essence) session, an Aboriginal Traditional Healing experience that nurtures both body and spirit.

If relaxation is what you’re after, indulge in a Swedish Massage featuring locally sourced bush tucker botanicals. The healing oils and balms used in this experience are infused with the same natural elements that surround you in Karijini, offering a truly authentic connection to the land.

Be sure to book your healing or massage session in advance!

For the Family: Fun for All Ages

The Karijini Experience is a festival that families can enjoy together. With a variety of workshops and activities designed specifically for children, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

Crafty kids will love the hands-on sewing workshop, and the Kids Art Workshop offers a fun opportunity for children to explore their creative side while learning about Aboriginal culture and traditional designs. Both workshops allow kids to take home their creations as a special keepsake from the festival!

Perth Reptile Company will host a reptile display, giving kids the chance to see (and learn about) snakes, turtles, and tree frogs up close.

For something active, kids can participate in an inclusive football training camp or take part in an interactive circus workshop with professional trainers. For the younger ones, the Play Gym is a soft-play space designed to keep toddlers entertained throughout the day.

For the Music and Performance Enthusiast: Discover the Best of Local Talent

When the sun sets, the Karijini Experience turns into a hub for live music and vibrant performances. Relax under the stars with an evening of entertainment each night—just don’t forget to bring your own chair!

The Yurlu Lounge, the festival’s headline music event, returns on Saturday night with a fantastic lineup. Headlined by the award-winning Gamilaraay artist Thelma Plum, the evening promises to be a celebration of soulful music. She’ll be joined by the much-loved Nathan Lamont, who is sure to captivate the crowd with his melodies. This is a ticketed event, and tickets are available at the door.

For the Adventurers: Explore Karijini’s Rugged Beauty

The saying goes, “When in Rome…” and when in Karijini, it would be impossible not to explore the park’s awe-inspiring landscapes. Karijini National Park is a treasure trove of natural wonders, and no visit would be complete without discovering its breathtaking gorges and lookouts.

If you’re keen to dive deeper into the park’s beauty, take part in the BHP Banjima Guided Walks—1.5-hour ticketed tours departing from the Visitor Centre. You can also enjoy a scenic helicopter ride over the park for a bird’s-eye view of the stunning terrain. For the more independent explorer, the park offers plenty of opportunities to roam at your own pace, immersing yourself in the natural surroundings of Karijini’s majestic gorges and lookouts.

How to Create Your Karijini Experience

“Slow it down, keep it simple” is one of the Banjima guiding principles for the Karijini Experience, and it creates a unique and flexible festival, where you can mix and match free events based on your interests with ticketed events and music and cultural performances. The festival Village is the hub for most activities, including food trucks, making the events relaxed and enjoyable for everyone.

Whether you're diving into culture, relaxation, or adventure, you can truly tailor your festival experience to your own interests.

Be sure to visit the festival website for full event details and to plan your visit. Make 2025 the year you immerse yourself in the magic of the Karijini Experience—we’ll see you there!