Hancock Gorge and Kermits Pool

Via Banjima Dr West, Karijini National Park, 6751

Hancock Gorge is one of Karijini National Park’s most thrilling gorges, with narrow chambers, emerald rock pools, and towering canyon walls. The public trail is challenging but rewarding, winding along rock ledges and ladders through the gorge’s natural amphitheatre and the Spider Walk to Kermits Pool. Visitors can also extend their adventure with guided tours, which explore beyond the publicly accessible areas to reveal hidden chambers and restricted sections of the gorge.

Highlights of Hancock Gorge

  • Narrow rock passages and a series of ladders and steps
  • The Spider Walk, a challenging and unique section of the gorge
  • Kermits Pool, a striking green waterhole perfect for cooling off

Walking Trails

Hancock Gorge Trail

Class 5 Trail

From the Weano Recreation carpark, a short trail leads down a ladder into the gorge, opening into narrow chambers and past striking rock pools. The trail includes sections where walkers must carefully traverse rock ledges and scramble along steep walls, culminating at the famous Spider Walk, a unique canyon feature requiring agility and careful footing. The gorge finishes at Kermits Pool, a tranquil emerald pool that rewards those who navigate the gorge’s challenging but spectacular passages.

  • Shoes with grip soles (reef shoes) are essential, as some sections of the trail will be submerged or slippery. 

Guided Tours Beyond Public Trails

For those seeking a more adventurous experience, experienced Spacechameleon Adventure Co canyoning guides can take visitors further into restricted areas of Hancock Gorge, including the full Spider Walk, Reagan’s Pool, and the Centre of the Earth. Tours range from half-day to full-day adventures and often combine Hancock with Weano or Red Gorge, providing access to deeper pools, waterfall abseils, and remote amphitheatres that aren’t accessible on public trails.

Visitor Information

  • Access & parking: Accessible via unsealed roads; 4WD recommended. Parking at Weano Recreation carpark
  • Facilities: Picnic tables and shelters at the carpark; toilets nearby
  • Safety: Trails can be uneven, narrow, and slippery. Flash flooding can occur — check conditions before entering. Bring water and wear sturdy footwear.
  • Swimming: Allowed at Kermits Pool; always assess conditions before entering

Tours & Experiences

Spacechameleon Adventure Co

Spacechameleon Adventure Co

Spacechameleon Adventure Co: Canyon Tours in Karijini National Park Experience the Thrill of Canyoning in Karijini National Park Looking for an adventure like no…

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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 gorges around the Weano day use area is another excellent resource, and can be downloaded here.