Located 1,500km north of Perth and around 80km north-east of Tom Price, Karijini (formerly Hamersley Range) National Park is the second largest national park in Western Australia covering 627,422 hectares and is ranked in the top 5 visitor experiences for the state.
Karijini is famous for its spectacular gorges and slot canyons, towering sheer sided chasms up to 100 metres deep, dramatic waterfalls, rocky creeks, refreshing waterholes and colours ranging from pindan red-orange to deep blue-purple rocks and jade green water.
Accommodation
Karijini Eco Retreat is one of Australias leading eco-tourism attractions. Situated 1,500km north of Perth in WAs second largest national park, the retreat offers safari-style eco tents, cabins and campsites nestled amongst native bushland at the edge of Joffre Gorge (Jijingunha), along with an outback restaurant and bar, and access to the parks walks and guided adventure tours.
A popular and enjoyable respite with clean and modern facilities, well grassed and shaded sites and sealed interconnecting roads. You could also consider staying at Tom Price and making day trips to the national park.
Top things to see and do
Mount Bruce has incredible views of the surrounding Hamersley Range and Marandoo mining operations.
This is a dramatic gorge, full of colour, texture and reflections and a great spot for a swim.
With its delightful trail and picnicking area, Kalamina Gorge is a great introduction to the gorgeous gorges of Karijini National Park.
Take in the beauty of the stunning Joffre Gorge with fantastic views of the falls and the surrounding landscape.
Spectacular gorges with panoramic views and unique walking experiences close to picnic area
Permanent waterfalls, pools and ferns contrast with the red, terraced cliffs weathered by centuries of exposure to the elements.
Permanent waterfalls, pools and ferns contrast with the red, terraced cliffs weathered by centuries of exposure to the elements.
Gorge Rim Walk and Dales Gorge Trail
1 kilometres
The Gorge Rim Walk and Dales Gorge Walk Trails create a 5.1km loop trail in the Karijini National Park. The Gorge Rim Walk follows the rim of Dales Gorge all the way to Three Ways and Circular Pool Lookouts, before descending into the gorge.
1 kilometre
Hamersley Gorge is in the north-west of Karijini, further afield than the other gorges. Swirls of rock sweep down through the gorge and waterfalls rush into tranquil pools. There have been improvements to the site including sealed road access to the lower car park, a new constructed lookout, toilet and various infrastructure items.
Hancok Gorge with Kermits pool
5 kilometres
For the fit and adventurous the Hancock Gorge Trail is one of the most spectacular short trails in Western Australia.
Eating and drinking
The famous outback Karijini Restaurant
- Start your day with a continental breakfast or a hot cooked breakfast. For lunch, you can choose to dine in at the restaurant or takeaway a packed picnic lunch. At dinner, enjoy a chilled glass of your favourite beverage from our fully licensed bar while enjoying our quality, freshly prepared a-la-carte dishes with an outback twist. Enjoy our live music nights every now and then from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. during dinner hours after spending a day exploring the gorges, waterfalls, and wonders that make up Karijini National Park
How to get there
14 hr 32 min (1,379.0 km) via National Highway 95
When to go
The best time to visit Karijini National Park is during autumn (February to April) as the moderate temperature means excellent walking conditions while still being warm enough to dip into the hidden water holes along your journey.