Hamersley Gorge

Hamersley Gorge Rd, Karijini National Park, 6751

Located in the north west corner of Karijini National Park, Hamersley Gorge is the most remote of Karijini's gorges. It offers a tremendous view of folded bands of coloured ancient rocks, with stepped waterfalls at the base of the gorge. Here you will clearly see how the layers of rock bent and buckled before they pushed their way to the surface millions of years ago. 

Wider than many of the park’s other gorges, it offers expansive views from the lookouts and a natural pool at the base that’s ideal for a refreshing swim. A short walk from the carpark, a newly constructed lookout offers views of the gorge for those who don’t want to undertake the trail into the gorge.

Highlights of Hamersley Gorge

  • Sweeping folds of rock and banded iron formations revealing millions of years of geological history.
  • The Spa Pool,  a small but stunning gorge pool.  
  • Seasonal waterfalls and watercourse features, especially after rain, which enhance the amphitheatre effect of the gorge.
  • A lookouts for those who prefer views without the descent — including a sealed access pathway.

Walking Trails

Hamersley Gorge Lookout

Class 2
A 300m return walk from the carpark leads to a purpose-built lookout offering panoramic views across the gorge. This is a good option for those not wanting to make the descent to the gorge floor.

Hamersley Gorge Trail

Class 3
From the trailhead, a steep but short (400m one way) descent leads you down roughly hewn steps into the gorge. The walk offers sweeping views of the gorge walls. At the base, a permanent pool invites visitors to cool off, shaded by trees along the water’s edge.

At the western end of the gorge, a narrow chute of water carved into the rock has created a small, circular pool often referred to as the Spa Pool. It’s reached by a short ladder section and scrambling over rocks along the watercourse. This section is not a formal trail and can be slippery; attempt it only if conditions are safe and you are confident on uneven terrain.

Visitor facilities 

  • Access: Located in the north-west corner of Karijini National Park, about 90 minutes’ drive from Tom Price. Access is via sealed and unsealed roads, with sealed road access to the lower carpark.
  • Facilities: Toilets and an information shelter are available at the carpark.
  • Swimming: Swimming is permitted in the gorge pool. Always check conditions and take care on slippery rocks.
  • Safety: The descent into the gorge is steep and uneven in places. Rocks can be very slippery when wet. If you’re unsure, enjoy the views from the lookout instead. Do not attempt to access Spa Pool in wet conditions.
  • How long to spend at Hamersley Gorge: Allow 1-2 hours to descend into the gorge, enjoy a swim, and take in the lookout views. Those exploring further along the gorge floor or attempting the scramble to Spa Pool should allow extra time.

Discover more of Karijini

Discover more of Karijini's gorges and attractions at the links below, or head back to our Karijini National Park page for more information including blogs, and a 4 day suggested itinerary.

A man stands looking over water flowing through Dales Gorge, in Karijini National Park Tourism Western Australia

Dales Gorge

At Dales Gorge you can experience three major highlights of Karijini National Park and…

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 And Kermits Pool

Hancock Gorge is simply stunning, but best experienced with a Karijini tour guide. After climbing…

A group sitting at the base of the Joffre Gorge waterfall, with reflections in the pool in front of them. Karijini Eco Retreat, Tourism Australia

Joffre Falls Gorge And Lookout

Joffre Gorge is a stunning natural amphitheatre with a spectacular curved seasonal waterfall. Views…

A view of the water and gorge walls at Kalamina Gorge, Karijini National Park CJ Maddock

Kalamina Gorge

Located part-way between the Weano Gorge and the Karijini Visitor Centre, Kalamina Gorge is the…

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

Karijini Flora And Fauna

Karijini National Park encompasses an area of immense biological diversity, including vegetation…

Woman walking through Knox Gorge in Karijini National Park, with towering red rock gorge walls Tourism Western Australia

Knox Gorge And Lookout

The Knox Lookout has spectacular views across Knox Gorge towards its intersection with Wittenoom…

Mount Bruce

Mt Bruce, or Punurrunha, is the Western Australia’s second highest mountain, boasting one of…

Walking Trail Safety

Trails in Karijini National Park are graded to the Australia Walking Track Grading System. Walk…

Overhead shot of two people in a narrow section of Weano Gorge, Karijini National Park. One is walking along the gorge floor, through water, and one is relaxing on the rocks. Tourism Western Australia

Weano Gorge

A short walk into Weano Gorge brings you to Handrail Pool, which is great for swimming and provides…

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. Another great resource is the Visitor Guide from Visit Ashburton, which you can download, or pick up from the Onslow or Tom Price Visitor Centre