Karijini is the second largest national park in Australia, consisting mainly of several canyons where you can hike, swim, climb, camp, and experience the red-layered rock walls formed over billions of years, blending seamlessly with nature!
Where is Karijini National Park and how to get there?
Located in Karijini WA 6751 (about 1,400 km north of Perth). Fly into Perth, Australia and then take a 3-hour drive to Paraburdoo airport before entering the amazing and lesser-known Karijini National Park by self-driving. You can also consider renting a car or 4WD from car rental company like Hertz.
Karijini National Park accommodation
There are two entrances to Karijini. One is through Newman, where you can choose Dales Gorge Campground (basic facilities, no power supply, no washing facilities), while the other is through Tom Price, where you can choose Karijini Eco Retreat (better camping conditions, with showers, power supply, and cabins available).
Entrance fee: $15 for cars and $7 for motorcycles (camping grounds require payment, which can be made online through the website. However, there is no network inside the park, so don’t panic. You can make the payment at the visitor centre, where they have tablets and Wi-Fi available).
Karijini National Park is mainly composed of the following canyons:
Dales Gorge
This is the easiest and most accessible canyon, closest to the campsite. The difficulty level for hiking in the gorge is divided into several grades (levels 2-6) to accommodate different levels of physical ability. Dales Gorge is rated as a level 4 difficulty. One end of the gorge leads to Fortescue Falls (swimmable), while the other leads to Fern Pool (not swimmable).
Joffre Gorge
This canyon has a hiking difficulty level of 4 and mainly features Joffre Gorge Fall, which may have water for swimming after the rainy season. However, the flow of water usually stops, and the water becomes less clear.
Hancock Gorge
This canyon is rated as level 5 difficulty and is suitable for experienced hikers. The gorge is narrow and ever-changing, with Kermit’s Pool at the end, which is swimmable! The hiking difficulty level in the canyon beyond Kermit’s Pool is rated as level 6, with stop signs indicating that passage is generally not allowed!
Weano Gorge
This canyon has a hiking difficulty level of 3-5 and is recommended for travellers who are good at swimming because there are places where visitors need to swim to get through. Visitors will reach Handrail Pool (swimmable) in the gorge, where there are handrails providing some security for visitors.
Knox Gorge
This canyon is rated as level 5 difficulty and is also the longest. The round trip takes six hours and is suitable for physically fit hikers.
Hamersley Gorge
Compared to the other canyons, this is the only one that is a little further away and takes about 40 minutes to drive to. Therefore, there are fewer tourists. There are two swimming pools and a famous small waterfall in this canyon!
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