Karijini National Park

Why visit Karijini

Karijini National Park in Australia’s North West is a place of wonder and adventure. Deep-cut gorges, idyllic swimming holes, and towering red cliffs carved over billions of years create a landscape that captivates every visitor. Whether you’re hiking through rocky tunnels, paddling along crystal-clear waterways, or simply enjoying the views from shaded lookouts, there’s something here for everyone.

Traditionally the home of the Banyjima, Kurrama, and Innawonga people, the word Karijini is the Banyjima name for the Hamersley Range.

This page is your complete guide to Karijini, covering the park’s top gorges and lookouts, practical travel tips, tours, accommodation, and insider advice to help you plan an unforgettable visit.

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Getting to Karijini

Karijini National Park is in the heart of the Pilbara, around 1,400 kilometres north of Perth. Its remote location is part of the adventure, but it does mean some planning is needed.

By road from Perth: the inland route from Perth takes around 15 hours of driving via the Great Northern Highway, with towns such as Mt Magnet, Meekatharra, Newman and Tom Price along the way. Many travellers include Karijini as part of a longer journey, linking it with the Coral Coast.
From Exmouth: Karijini can be reached in 6-7 hours via the North West Coastal Highway and the Nanutarra-Munjina Road. Along the way, travellers can choose to overnight at Cheela Plains Station Stay, or simply drop in for a coffee and cake stop.
From Karratha: the Manuwarra Red Dog Highway connects Karratha and Karijini via Millstream Chichester National Park. A 110km unsealed section of this road follows the path of the Rio Tinto Rail Access Road and requires a permit to travel, or you can chose to follow the sealed Nanutarra-Munjina Road for the final stretch through to Tom Price.
From Port Hedland: the journey takes around 5-6 hours via the Great Northern Highway, connecting Karijini with the Pilbara Coast.
From Newman: Karijini is around 2 hours from Newman, making the town a convenient gateway to the park and a good place to refuel or stock up on groceries and supplies.
Closest Town: Tom Price, 45 minutes from the park, is the best place for supplies, fuel and local services.
By Air: Qantas operates daily flights from Perth to Paraburdoo (two hours), with car hire available for the 1.5 hour drive to Karijini.

When to visit Karijini

The best time to explore Karijini National Park is during Australia’s late autumn, winter, and early spring (roughly April to September). Days are warm and ideal for hiking, while nights can be chilly. The gorge pools are refreshing but cold during this period.

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A family walks towards the Joffre Gorge Lookout in Karijini National Park - a waterfall is visible from the lookout and it's surrounded by red rocks, spinifex and snappy gum trees.

Visit Ashburton

4 day Karijini Itinerary

DBCA

Arrival & Orientation

Duration:

Day 1
Distance:

30km from Karijini Eco Retreat

A woman climbs rocks using the handrail at Handrail Pool in Weano Gorge, Karijini National Park

Weano & Joffre Gorges

Duration:

Day 2
Distance:

10.5km

Aerial view of person walking through narrow passageway in Knox Gorge, Karijini National Park

Knox & Kalamina Gorges

Duration:

Day 3
Distance:

11.6km

Dales Gorge

Duration:

Day 4
Distance:

45km

Top Gorges & Walks

Whether you prefer a vigorous hike or light amble, Karijini National Park has a number of trails to suit your style. ‘Spiderwalk’ across Hancock Gorge or take a gentle stroll to admire Fern Pool or Fortescue Falls. Gaze into mighty gorges or hike Mount Bruce for spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. For adventurous travellers, join a canyoning or walking tour of the park with specialist guides, to experience areas of the park few people get to see.

WESTERN GORGES

The western side of Karijini is where you’ll find some of the park’s most dramatic and adventurous experiences. These gorges are clustered close together, making them perfect to tackle in a single day if you’re short on time.

hikers looking at the walls of a gorge in Karijini National Park

Joffre Gorge

From above, Joffre Falls cascades into a natural amphitheatre; from below, the gorge walk gives a real sense of scale and power.

Tourism Western Australia

Weano Gorge

A Karijini favourite, Weano combines easy family-friendly walks with the option to push further into the challenging Handrail Pool section.

A woman floats in the emerald waters of Kermits Pool, with the walls of Hancock Gorge towering above her.

CJ Maddock, Australia's North West

Hancock Gorge & Kermits Pool

Known as a ‘journey to the centre of the earth,’ Hancock is narrow and steep, with scrambling sections that lead to the emerald-green Kermits Pool.

Tourism Western Australia

Knox Gorge

A deeper, quieter gorge with towering walls and a rugged trail, rewarding those who make the descent with peaceful pools and dramatic views.

DALES GORGE

On the eastern side lies Dales Gorge, the most accessible gorge in the park and a popular base for campers. Here you’ll find lush, shaded pools and some of Karijini’s most iconic sights, all connected by well-formed walking trails.

See our Karijini with Kids blog for tips on family-friendly walks!

Three people sitting under the waterfalls at Fern Pool in Karijini National Park

Tourism Western Australia

Dales Gorge

Highlights include the tranquil Fortescue Falls, the natural rock amphitheatre of Circular Pool, and the shady swimming hole at Fern Pool.

HAMERSLEY GORGE

Separated from the main clusters, Hamersley is worth the detour. Its swirling red rock walls and hidden pools have a unique character not found elsewhere in the park.

Hamersley Gorge

Famous for its water-polished rock folds, spa pool, and colourful banded rock layers, this gorge is a photographer’s dream.

KALAMINA GORGE & MT BRUCE

Sitting between the main gorge clusters, Kalamina and Mt Bruce offer a gentler alternative or a change of pace. They’re ideal if you’re looking for a shorter walk or a rewarding climb.

CJ Maddock

Kalamina Gorge

The easiest of Karijini’s gorge walks, with a short trail leading to a shaded pool, perfect for families or a quick stop.

The view from Mt Bruce in Karijini National Park

CJ Maddock, Australia's North West

Mt Bruce (Punurrunha)

Western Australia’s second-highest peak. Choose from a short walk to the Marandoo Mine viewpoint or take on the longer summit trail for sweeping views of the…

Lookouts

Karijini’s most amazing scenery is all within easy reach. If you’re not planning to hike into the gorges, easy-access lookouts offer incredible views over the park’s dramatic landscapes.

Joffre Falls Lookout: a short walk brings you to spectacular views over the waterfall and surrounding gorge. Discover Joffre Falls Lookout.
Knox Gorge Lookout: a new 360 degree lookout offering a sweeping vantage of Knox Gorge and the red cliffs beyond. Explore Knox Gorge Lookout.
Oxer Lookout: panoramic views over multiple gorges, perfect for sunset or photography. More about Oxer Lookout.
Hamersley Gorge Lookout: a peaceful spot to admire the layered cliffs and emerald waterhole. See Hamersley Gorge Lookout.
Kalamina Gorge Lookout: provides a dramatic overview of the gorge and its striking geological formations. Learn more about Kalamina Lookout.
Mt Bruce: a short walk from the carpark leads to Mandaroo View. Climb Mt Bruce to Mandaroo View.

Tours and Accommodation

There are a few great ways to experience Karijini’s gorges, waterfalls, and emerald waterholes. Join a guided tour within the park, stay overnight at the nearby eco retreat or campsite, or explore the region on a longer 4WD adventure through the Pilbara. Whatever your style, these options make it easy to plan a visit that suits your pace and interests.

TOURS AT KARIJINI

Fern Pool

Go West Tours: Day Tours in and around Karijini

Go West Tours offers full-day adventures showcasing the highlights of Karijini National Park, with departures from Tom Price and Karijini Eco Retreat. Their tours make it easy to take in the park’s dramatic gorges, waterfalls, and lookouts without the need for a 4WD. You can also join a guided tour of the Rio Tinto iron ore mine at Tom Price — an impressive insight into one of the Pilbara’s biggest industries.

Go West - tour details

A smiling woman floats in an inner tube through a gorge in Karijini National Park

Spacechameleon Adventure Co: Canyon Tours in Karijini National Park

Spacechameleon Adventure Co specialises in small-group canyoning adventures that take you deep into Karijini’s most spectacular gorges. With professional guides and all equipment provided, you’ll scramble, abseil, and swim through breathtaking landscapes few visitors ever see. Whether you’re new to canyoning or chasing your next challenge, their tours offer a safe, unforgettable way to experience the park’s rugged beauty.

Spacechameleon - tour details

TOM PRICE & KARIJINI ACCOMMODATION

Within Karijini National Park, camping options are available at the national park campsite and at Karijini Eco Retreat, or you could stay at the Eco Retreat's en suite Premium and Deluxe Eco Tents or standard Eco Tent and Eco cabins with shared facilities. You could also consider staying at Tom Price and making day trips to the national park.

Karijini Eco Retreat

An environmentally friendly stay within the park offering safari tents, eco tents, and campsites. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, showers, and toilets. A good option if you want more comfort while still being close to the gorges.

Eco Retreat - more details

Tom Price Tourist Park

Located just outside the national park, this holiday park has cabins, powered and unpowered sites, a camp kitchen, laundry, and a swimming pool. A practical base if you prefer to stay in town with full amenities.

Tourist Park - more details

A woman sitting under the waterfall at Fern Pool in Karijini National Park

Dales Campground

A large bush campground operated by DBCA with picnic tables, gas barbeques and bush toilets. Campsites are unpowered however there are generator sites. Showers and potable water are located at the Karijini Visitor Centre.

Campground - more details

Karijini Drive, with signposts to Weano Gorge, Karijini Eco Retreat and Mt Bruce

VISITING KARIJINI ON A LONGER 4WD TOUR

Karijini can also be explored as part of a multi-day 4WD tour through the Pilbara. These guided adventures often combine the park’s gorges and lookouts with West Coast highlights such as Ningaloo Reef and Kalbarri. Tours include comfortable accommodation or camping options along the way, making it easy to tailor the experience to your style.

APT

Explore Karijini’s dramatic gorges on a 15-day overland adventure from Broome to Perth, with stops including Eco Beach, Eighty Mile Beach, Port Hedland, Marble Bar, and Newman.

APT - tour details

WA NT Tours

Explore Karijini on a small-group, multilingual 10-day Broome to Perth overland tour, including Dales Gorge and Oxer Lookout, before continuing to West Coast highlights. Reverse itineraries and a Wildflowers itinerary are also available.

WA NT - tour details

Kimberley Safari Tours

Spend three days exploring Karijini’s gorges on this 14-day Broome to Perth overland tour. Along the way, visit Eighty Mile Beach, Millstream Chichester NP, Cossack, and Point Samson before enjoying the West Coast highlights.

Kimberley Safari - details

Outback Spirit

Experience Karijini for two nights on this fully accommodated 14-day Broome–Perth overland tour. Small groups of up to 26 visit Port Hedland, Millstream Chichester NP, Karratha, and the West Coast highlights.

Outback Spirit - tour details

Kimberley Outback Tours

Experience the Jewels of the West Coast and Pilbara over 16 nights, exploring Karijini’s Joffre and Dales Gorges, Millstream, Cossack, Murujuga NP, and Port Hedland, all while staying in en suite accommodation.

Kimberley Outback - details

Inspiration Outdoors

Explore Karijini and Ningaloo Reef on this 10-day active tour. Four nights in Karijini let you hike Kalamina, Dales, Hancock, Weano, and Hamersley Gorges, with a visit to Mt Bruce.

Inspiration Outdoors

Banjima Culture - The Karijini Experience

Each April, Karijini hosts a five-day festival of culture, music, and connection — The Karijini Experience

The Karijini Experience

Over five days discover magnificent Karijini National Park in unexpected ways, immersing yourself in the landscape, the culture and the sensual joys of the region.

A Weekend of Culture, Music and Connection at Karijini Experience

Read this guide from a first-time visitor to the festival!

Karijini Visitor Centre

The Karijini Visitor Centre is more than just an information hub—it’s your gateway to the park. Here you can pick up maps, get advice on walks suitable for your fitness level, and find out about seasonal conditions. The centre also provides insight into the Banjima people and their connection to this country, with displays that explore culture, history, and the park’s natural wonders. Staff are on hand to help you make the most of your visit.

More about Karijini Visitor Centre.

Practical Information & FAQs

Planning a visit to Karijini National Park is easier when you know what to expect. From park passes and trail safety to seasonal conditions and facilities, this section gives you essential tips to make the most of your trip.

Map of Karijini National Park

Park Passes and Fuel

Entry fees are required to enter Karijini National Park, in addition to any camping fees. Fuel isn’t available within the park, so top up in Tom Price, Newman, or Paraburdoo before heading in.

Walking Trail Safety

Karijini’s trails are graded using the Australian Walking Track Grading System, from Grades 2–5. Some hikes involve scrambling over rocks or walking through water, so plan carefully and follow safety advice.

A woman pauses on the steps into Hamersley Gorge to view theancient rock formations, seen as swirling bands of red and grey

CJ Maddock

Karijini Geology & Social History

The park’s towering cliffs and deep gorges reveal 2.5 billion years of geological history. Discover the Banjima, Kurrama, and Innawonga peoples’ connection to the land and the stories behind its striking formations.

A ghost gum tree clinging to the side of a cliff in Karijini National Park

Cakewalk Media

Karijini Flora & Fauna

From ghost gums and spinifex to rock wallabies and freshwater turtles, Karijini is home to a fascinating variety of plants and animals. Learn how to spot wildlife safely and respect fragile habitats.

FAQs

Where can I get supplies and fuel?

Tom Price, Newman, and Paraburdoo are the nearest towns for fuel, groceries, and other essentials before entering the park.

Are the swimming holes safe?

Most pools are safe for swimming, but always check signage and be mindful of seasonal water levels, currents, and weather conditions.

Is the park accessible by 2WD?

Yes! Recent road upgrades in the park include the sealing of 41km of key roads, including to Karijini Eco Retreat, Weano, Hancock, Joffre and Knox Gorges. There are still some unsealed tracks - to Hamersley Gorge, Kalamina Gorge and Mt Bruce and you may need 4WD to access them. See our blog for more.