Dales Gorge

Off Dales Rd, Karijini National Park, 6751

On the eastern side of Karijini National Park, Dales Gorge is a favourite destination and home to some of the park’s most iconic attractions. Highlights include a refreshing swim at Fortescue Falls, the tranquil setting of Fern Pool, and the sweeping views over Circular Pool from the lookout.

The Dales Gorge area is made up of several short trails that link together. You can experience them individually — such as a swim at Fern Pool or a lookout over Circular Pool — or combine them into a full loop that takes in Fortescue Falls, the gorge floor, and the rim walk. Whether you’ve only got an hour or a full day to explore, there are options to match the time and energy you have.

Highlights of Dales Gorge

• Fortescue Falls - Jubula - Karijini’s only spring-fed waterfall, tumbling over layered rock into a clear pool.
• Fern Pool - Jubura - a peaceful swimming spot shaded by paperbarks, fed by twin waterfalls.
• Circular Pool lookout - a sweeping amphitheatre of red cliffs, greenery and water below.
• Gorge scenery - fig trees, eucalypts, snappy gums, and the classic Pilbara red rock.

Walking Trails 

Gorge Rim Trail 

Class 3 Trail

The Gorge Rim Trail offers the easiest way to take in Dales Gorge. This 2km signposted return walk traces the rim between Fortescue Falls and Circular Pool Lookout, with short steep sections and occasional steps. Along the way, the trail delivers breathtaking views into the heart of the gorge, framed by the stark contrast of iron-red cliffs, shady native cypress groves, and snappy gum trees. In cooler months you may also get a chance to see vibrant wildflowers, such as purple mulla mullas and golden Karijini wattles. 

Fortescue Falls - Jubula Lookout & Trail 

Class 1 Trail (to lookout), Class 3 Trail (into gorge)

From the Fortescue Falls carpark, a Class 1, 150 m pathway leads to a lookout revealing Fortescue Falls, the only permanent waterfall in Karijini National Park. Water flows year round, spilling over tiered red rock into a broad, shaded pool beneath gum trees and dramatic cliffs. From the lookout a stairway with handrails descends into the gorge. At the base of the stairway, stepped rocks guide you to the waterfall and pool. Seats allow you to pause and take in the views, and the pool at the base of the 20m spring fed waterfall offers a refreshing swimming opportunity. 

From here, you can choose to continue on to Fern Pool, join the Dales Gorge Trail heading towards the Three Ways Lookout, or return via the stairway to the Fortescue Falls carpark. 

Fern Pool - Jubura

Class 4 Trail

A short signposted track from the base of the Fortescue Falls staircase leads upstream to Fern Pool/Jubura. With a wooden deck and steps for easy swimming access and the soothing sound of twin falls, it’s one of the park’s most beautiful places.

• Cultural note: Fern Pool is sacred to the Traditional Owners, the Banjima people. Visitors are asked to treat this place respectfully - no loud voices or jumping into the pool.

Dales Gorge Trail 

Class 4 Trail

The Dales Gorge Trail follows the gorge floor, linking one end of Dales Gorge to the other. Expect forested pockets of fig trees, eucalypts and snappy gums, with some ledges and stepping stone crossings along the way. Start/end this trail at either Fortescue Falls by following the yellow trail markers from the staircase, or the Dales day use area. From the day use area, join the Gorge Rim Walk to the Three Ways Lookout, then descend into the gorge, accessed via a ladder and some steep stairs before joining the trail. 

Circular Pool Lookout

Class 3 Trail

At the eastern end of the gorge, a short trail from the Dales day use carpark leads to Circular Pool lookout. From here, you can take in breathtaking views into the gorge and the fern-lined amphitheatre below.

• Note: The walking trail down to Circular Pool is currently closed due to rain damage and rockfalls, but the lookout remains open.

Suggested Loop Walk

If you’d like to experience Dales Gorge in one journey, the trails can be combined into a rewarding half-day loop. You can start from either end — Fortescue Falls or the Dales day use area - depending on whether you’d prefer to finish with a swim or a view.

One popular option is to begin at Fortescue Falls, descend into the gorge and continue upstream to Fern Pool for a refreshing swim. From there, follow the along the gorge floor towards Circular Pool, where you can enjoy the views from below before climbing out to the Three Ways Lookout. From this point, take a short detour to view Circular Pool from the lokout, then continue back via the Three Ways Lookout and the Gorge Rim Trail, offering sweeping views back into the gorge as you return to the Fortescue Falls carpark.

Allow around 3–4 hours to complete the loop at a relaxed pace, with time for swimming and photos along the way. Allow extra time if you plan on long swims or photo stops, or if you prefer to take the trail at a slower pace.

Visitor Information 

• Access: Trails start from the Fortescue Falls and Dales day use carparks.
• Facilities: Toilets, shaded picnic tables, and information signage are available at the Dales day use area. Toilets are also available at the Fortescue Falls carpark.
• Swimming: Allowed at Fortescue Falls and Fern Pool (always assess conditions before entering).
• Safety: Ensure you bring enough water with you -  the guidance is 1L per person per hour of walking. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, and also bring shoes that can grip wet and slippery rocks. water. Please do not enter the gorges if it's two hours or less to sunset - it's not possible to follow the trails in the dark. 
• How long to spend at Dales Gorge: Allow at least a couple of hours to visit Dales Gorge, though many travellers stay half a day or more. A quick visit takes in Fortescue Falls or Fern Pool and Circular Pool Lookout, while a half-day gives time for swimming at both pools and walking one of the trails. To fully experience the gorge — including the Rim and Gorge trails, swimming, and a picnic at the day-use area — plan to spend most of the day here.

Tours & Experiences

Discover more of Karijini

Dales Gorge is a perfect starting point, but each gorge in Karijini has its own character. From the narrow chasms of Hancock Gorge to the towering cliffs of Weano Gorge, there’s always more to explore. Discover more at the links below, or head back to our Karijini National Park page.

Karijini National Park Map

Discover the highlights of Karijini with this interactive map, including day-use areas, gorges, pools, and lookouts. Click on the pins to see more information about each location and plan your visit with ease. The Explore Parks WA factsheet on Dales Gorge is another excellent resource, and can be downloaded here.