Karijini National Park is one of the most spectacular and thrilling National Parks in Australia. The landscapes and geology almost leave you feeling like you are on another planet. So much so, I’ve decided it’s my favourite National Park in Western Australia (and a strong contender for one of the best in Australia!)
In this guide, I share in detail what to expect when visiting each of the Karijini gorges. For everything else you need to know about planning your first trip to Karijini, make sure to read my full guide here.
Planning Your Karijini National Park Gorge Hikes
Understanding the Trail Class System
Each of the gorges in Karijini National Park are assigned a ‘Class’ to indicate the degree of difficulty of each hike. Use the following summary as a guide. I’ve included the Class rating for each gorge below, and there are signs before the start of the trails in the National Park.
- Class 2: An easy, well-defined walk trail with a firm surface. Suitable for all levels of experience and fitness, but may present difficulties for people with mobility impairments.
- Class 3: A moderate hiking trail with clear directional signage. There may be short, steep sections, shallow water crossings or slippery surfaces. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended.
- Class 4: A hiking trail with limited directional signage and difficult sections. A good level of fitness and hiking experience is recommended.
- Class 5: A hiking trail with no directional signage and very difficult sections. Only very fit and experienced hikers should attempt. No parts of these trails are to be done in the dark.
Safety Tips in the Karijini Gorges
Exploring Karijini National Park is exhilarating, but it does come with risks. Follow the safety tips below, as lives have been lost in the park due to poor decisions.
- Be prepared: Make sure you have sturdy shoes (no, flip-flops are not suitable for Karijini!). Make sure you have enough water to last your hike, there is no drinking water in the park.
- Take care in the gorges: the rocks can be slippery, especially when wet. Stick to the designated hiking paths and lookouts.
- Walk with someone: Make sure you have a companion with you when hiking. Plan your hike to have returned before sunset. Hiking in the gorges after dark is prohibited.
- Stay warm: Even though the temperatures can be scorching in the park, the water can be extremely cold, especially during the cooler months of June to August. Consider bringing a rash top or other protection for swimming.
Check for Gorge Closures Beforehand
The gorges are often closed by the Parks and Wildlife team due to several reasons. Maintenance of the trails, trail improvements, flooding and incidents can cause gorges to be closed for a day or longer.
On our first visit to Karijini in 2021, Handrail Pool was closed due to an accident that sadly resulted in the death of a visitor. Handrail Pool was closed for many months as safety upgrades were undertaken.
When visiting Joffre Gorge, the next day we were informed it was to be closed for a few weeks to install ladders down in the gorge. So, it isn’t uncommon for one or more of the sites or entire gorges to be closed to visitors.
To check the status of the gorges beforehand, check in either at the Karijini Visitor’s Centre or Reception at Karijini Eco Retreat for up-to-date information.
You can also check for any updates on park, gorge or road closures on the DBCA alerts page.
Luckily, on my second and most recent visit to Karijini in April 2025, all the gorges were open for adventuring!
Driving in Karijini
You do not need a 4WD to drive in Karijini National Park. We drove our 2WD SUV throughout our time in the National Park, and saw campervans and even small hatchback-type cars doing the same.
The roads are a mixture of sealed and unsealed roads, but are mostly sealed roads inside Karijini National Park.
See the map below: black is sealed road, and dark grey is unsealed road.
The unsealed road quality is generally OK, unless there has been heavy rains in the area. You can always stop at the visitor centre in Tom Price before heading into the park to check for any updates.
Drive slowly, and to the conditions on the unsealed roads, and you will be okay in a 2WD.
If you are nervous, Hamersley Gorge on the west side requires the most driving on unsealed roads (50 kilometres) to reach it. There are signs at the beginning of the drive recommending the road is for 4WD vehicles only, but I’ve now driven it twice in a 2WD car and had no issues – we also saw lots of campervans in the parking lot at Hamersley Gorge.
If you are hiring a car, don’t forget to check with your rental car provider that you can take the hire vehicle on unsealed roads to avoid any issues.
Karijini Gorges Map
The maps I’ve found online don’t show the latest sealing of the roads in Karijini, so refer to the photo of the physical map below I grabbed from the Eco Retreat in April 2025.
The unsealed road in the middle of the park, connecting Eco Retreat to the Visitors Centre, is now fully sealed (and makes it a lot quicker to drive between the Eco Retreat and Dales Gorge area!).
Please note that the roads to Hamersley Gorge are still unsealed.
Joffre Gorge
Joffre Gorge is the closest gorge to Karijini Eco Retreat. You can walk to the gorge from the Eco Retreat campsite in just 10 minutes. Car parking is available at the first turn-off on the left on Joffre Road.
There are four different sections to Joffre Gorge.
Joffre Lookout
Class 3 | 240m return | ~20 minutes
A short walk from the Joffre car park is a metal lookout platform overlooking the curved waterfall in the amphitheatre of Joffre Gorge.
Joffre Waterfall
Class 5 | 1.3km return | ~2 hours
This trail takes you all the way down into the gorge and was one of my favourites in the park. Follow the trail round past the top of the waterfall, before turning and descending steeply into the gorge.
There are now ladders installed here to help you down the steep decline. Once you reach the bottom of the gorge, turn right and head towards the waterfall.
Depending on rainfall levels, you will need to cross a small stream here. In May, we managed to get through by sticking to the edge of the gorge and avoiding getting our feet wet.
You will then reach the impressive natural amphitheatre, with a waterfall descending into a dark, deep and very cold natural pool. You can go swimming here – if you dare to brave the cold!
Joffre View
Class 4 | 1.3km return | ~1.5 hours
This trail begins the same as the Waterfall trail, but instead of heading down into the gorge, you can continue along the rim of the gorge to explore further down the gorge.
Alternative Joffre Lookout
From the very back of Karijini Eco Retreat, you can take a short 10-minute walk through the scrub to reach a small lookout area on the opposite side of the metal platform lookout.
Since we were staying at Karijini Eco Retreat, we came here for sunset drinks and to watch the walls of the gorge begin to glow as the sun disappeared below the horizon.
Hancock Gorge
You’ll find Hancock Gorge in the Weano Recreation Area, along with Weano Gorge. It is about a 15-minute drive on an unsealed gravel road (2WD suitable) from Karijini Eco Retreat.
Spider Walk & Kermits Pool
Class 5 | 1.5km return | ~2 hours
One of the most challenging gorges in Karijini, this Class 5 trail requires a high level of agility and fitness. While the trail starts fairly easy, you’ll soon descend to the gorge floor.
Here, there are sections where you need to either climb the gorge wall or step through the water. The water levels depend on the time of the year, but it could be anywhere from ankle to thigh-high deep.
You’ll then reach a small natural amphitheatre where your next challenge begins – the aptly named “Spider Walk.” The gorge is quite narrow in this section, with water running downstream at your feet.
You can either choose to tread carefully in the water or grip onto each side of the gorge with your hands and feet spread out and shuffle along (hence the origin of the name Spider Walk).
The hike ends at Kermits Pool, another deep and cold natural swimming hole. If the sun is overhead, the water is a startling emerald green colour.
We tackled this gorge first thing in the morning, and I’m glad we did. It is one of the more popular hikes in the area, and undertaking the spider walk is quite a small, narrow section to navigate.
Doing this with lots of other people around makes it that little bit trickier. Plus, we could enjoy Kermit’s Pool all to ourselves for a little while, even if it was very cold!
Update: When re-visiting Hancock Gorge most recently in April 2025, I was shocked to find there was no flowing water in the gorge! We didn’t even need to do the Spider Walk, it was so dry! Kermit’s Pool still had water, but it looked a bit stagnant, so sadly we didn’t go for a swim this time.
Unfortunately, unless there is some unexpected rain, Hancock Gorge will probably remain like this for most of 2025 until the next wet season.
Weano Gorge
Weano Gorge is split into two sections, Upper Weano Gorge and Lower Weano Gorge (including Handrail Pool). There is also a scenic lookout platform called Oxer Lookout, overlooking Hancock Gorge
Upper Weano Gorge
Class 4 | 1km return | ~45 minutes
Upper Weano Gorge is the least challenging one in the Weano Recreation Area, but don’t let this put you off – it’s a very relaxed and scenic trail, with some great photo opportunities.
From the car park, take the trail north towards the top of Weano Gorge. You will follow a scenic trail down into the gorge, walking through the gorge before coming to a set of stairs that lead up the other side of the car park.
Lower Weano Gorge (Handrail Pool)
Class 5 | 1km | ~1 hour
You can continue hiking from Upper Weano Gorge into Lower Weano Gorge, with the entrance just before the stairs leading up to the car park. There are sections where you’ll be walking through water, and the track is rough and rocky.
To reach Handrail Pool, you’ll need to hold onto the rail with both hands and carefully climb up the rocks to reach the pool on the other side. This is a one-way trail, so you’ll need to return the same way after taking a dip in the pool.
Oxer Lookout
Class 3 | 800m return | ~30 minutes
From the Weano Recreation Area (where you park near Hancock and Weano Gorge entrances), take a short walk down the road towards Oxer Lookout.
You can also drive down to a secondary small parking lot next to the lookout if your legs are tired after all the hiking!
Knox Gorge
Class 5 | 2km return | ~3 hours
Knox Gorge was one of my personal favourites. You’ll find this gorge at the end of Joffre Road, past Joffre Gorge, about 20 minutes drive from Karijini Eco Resort.
This hike descends steeply down into the gorge, where you’ll find fig trees clinging to the amber-hued walls of the gorge. The gorge continues straight before curving to the right. There is a pool of water here if you want a dip, or you can navigate your way past it by sticking to the gorge wall.
Shortly after, you’ll reach the end of the one-way trail. You know you’ve reached it when you see the ‘Gorge Risk Area’ sign, which means the end of the trail. Here there is a narrow chasm between the red rock of the gorge walls that makes for a spectacular photo spot.
When we returned to Knox Gorge in 2025, an impressive new lookout platform has opened, which extends out over the gorge, providing an insane view over the river below. Don’t skip this!
Dales Gorge
Dales Gorge is one of the largest gorges in Karijini National Park with a variety of different sites to explore.
It is a 10-minute walk from Dales Campground or about an hour’s drive from Karijini Eco Resort. You can park at the Fortescue Falls car park or continue to the Dales Picnic Area where there is more parking.
Fortescue Falls
Class 3 | 800m return | ~1 hour
Fortescue Falls is the most impressive waterfall in the park, descending a stepped ledge area, which also makes for a good sunbathing spot.
If you’ve parked at the Fortescue Falls car park or walked from Dales Campground, you’ll descend a steep set of stairs to the waterfall.
Fern Pool
Class 4 | 600m return | ~30 minutes
From the base of the Fortescue Falls stairs, turn to the right and walk through the path to reach Fern Pools. You’ll pass under a canopy of trees – from which we saw fruit bats hanging!
After a short 5-minute walk you’ll reach the luscious Fern Pool.
This small swimming spot is surrounded by greenery. Swim across the pool to a rock ledge with a small waterfall that you can sit under.
Fern Pool is a special place and culturally important to the Traditional Owners of the land. You’ll see signs in place respectfully asking visitors not to dive into the pool or make loud noises
Gorge Rim
Class 3 | 2.4km return | ~1.5 hours
You can start the one-way Gorge Rim hike from the Fortescue Falls stairs or the Circular Pool Lookout. Hug the edge of the gorge, stopping at the occasional viewpoints that look down into the gorge below.
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Dales Gorge
Class 4 | 1km one-way | ~1.5 hours
This hike mirrors the Gorge Rim, but from down below in the gorge. You’ll pass pools of water and white gum trees.
I recommend starting at Fern Pool, hiking past Fortescue Falls and along the base of the gorge until you reach the Three Ways Lookout. On the way, you’ll pass this gum overhanging the emerald river which makes for a great photo opportunity!
Steps ascend to the gorge rim and connect with the Gorge Rim trail. You can then follow this back to the car park at Fortescue Falls.
Circular Pool
Circular Pool Karijini has been closed for a few years now due to rockfall and traces of asbestos. There is a sign at the end of Dales Gorge, and the entrance is chained off. There is a lookout near the Dales Picnic Area that you can still reach to catch a glimpse of the pool from above.
Hamersley Gorge
Hamersley Gorge is one of the most visually fascinating gorges in Karijini.
Many say it is one of the best gorges in Karijini, and I tend to agree with them. Hamersley Gorge is the hardest gorge to get to as it is located on the west side of the park.
It is a one-hour drive on a gravel road from Karijini Eco Retreat.
Hamersley Waterfall
Class 4 | 200m return | ~30 minutes
After parking, descend the stairs into the gorge, taking note of the rich crimson rock shaped in undulating waves on the side of the gorge.
To the left, there is a pool that continues through the gorge. You can swim down and explore further, but I would recommend taking a floatie if you choose to do this. Turning to the right, there is a rocky and uneven path to navigate to reach a small waterfall.
Some climbing and rock clambering is required, so this one is short but challenging.
Spa Pool
Class 5 | 400m return | ~1 hour
Continuing past Hamersley Waterfall, you can make your way to Spa Pool. This is a very challenging path: you will be mostly climbing up and down rocks and there isn’t a clear path. T
he reward that waits at the end of it is worth it though – the naturally formed spa pool that has become somewhat of an icon for Karijini National Park on social media.
Despite its more remote location, Spa Pool and Hamersley Gorge draw a lot of visitors, so this is another gorge I would recommend visiting earlier in the day as the Spa Pool is quite small.
Kalamina Gorge
Class 4 | 3km return | ~3 hours
This is one of the gentler hikes in the park and leads to the swimming spot at Rock Arch Pool. This is where the trail ends. There is a picnic area at the top of the gorge.
When I last visited in April 2025, the road leading to Kalamina Gorge was signed as 4WD only, so we didn’t get a chance to visit it. Hopefully they upgrade and seal this road soon, as it’s the last 4WD road in the park (other than the roads leading to Hamersley Gorge).
Mount Bruce (Punurrunha)
Mount Bruce is not a gorge, but worth including in this list as it is a tough but impressive hike. It is recommended not to start this hike in the heat of the middle of the day. There are three distinct sections of the trail, with easier options if you don’t want to commit to the full summit to the peak.
Marandoo View
Class 2 | 500m return | ~30 minutes
This short trail takes you to a ledge where you can look out over the Rio Tinto Marandoo site. If you time it right, you might see a giant iron ore train delivering its cargo to the port.
Honey Hakea Track
Class 3 | 4.6km return | ~3 hours
From the Marandoo Viewpoint, continue further up the mountain.
Mount Bruce Summit
Class 5 | 9km return | ~6 hours
To reach the peak of the summit, you’ll need to do a lot of rock scrambling. The panoramic views that await at the very top make the sketchy climb worth it though!
Summary FAQ
How many gorges are there in Karijini?
There are 12 gorges in Karijini; 7 of these are open to visitors. The other gorges that are not open to the public are Wittenoom, Yampire, Range, Bee and Munjina Gorges.
What gorges are best to see at Karijini?
The best gorges to see at Karijini are Hamersley Gorge and Hancock Gorge. Spa Pool in Hamersley Pool is the most picturesque swimming hole in possibly all of Australia. Hancock Gorge is a very adventurous and thrilling hike, with water crossings and spider walking required to reach Kermits Pool at the end of the gorge.
What are the best gorges in Karijini for kids?
The best gorges in Karijini for kids are Kalamina Gorge and Dales Gorge. The hikes in these gorges are most suitable for kids and have swimming holes for the kids to enjoy.
What is the easiest gorge in Karijini?
Kalamina Gorge is the easiest gorge in Karijini thanks to its gentler terrain. Circular Pool and Fortescue Falls are also easy spots to get to in Dale Gorge.
Continue Reading:
- Complete Guide to Karijini National Park
- Karijini Accommodation Guide: Camping, Glamping & More!
- An Exciting Perth to Exmouth Road Trip Itinerary
- Things to Do in Exmouth
- All You Need to Know for a Perth to Kalbarri Road Trip
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