Karijini National Park
Karijini National Park is a land of contrasts. From the semi-arid plateaus stretching in a vast vista of spinifex grass, mulga trees and chilli-red dust to the steep gorges plunging down to clear, fern-lined pools and impossibly twisted rock, Karijini offers landscapes that will stun, delight and inspire. Located approximately 1400km northwest of Perth in the Pilbara's Hamersley Range, Karijini is the state's second largest national park (627,445 hectares) and one of the most popular. However, because of its size and remoteness, you'll be able to enjoy great solitude and tranquillity.
Get oriented at the Visitor Centre
Karijini's traditional Aboriginal owners, the Banyjima, Yinhawangka, and Kurrama people—whose ancestors occupied the region at least 20,000 years ago—offer a wealth of information at this unique goanna-shaped iron structure. Learn all about their dreamtime stories, relationship to the land, and more modern-time contributions to the pastoral grazing industry. Discover the park's many species of wildlife and plants and read about the millions of years of geological forces that have shaped Karijini.
Stroll along Dales Gorge at sunset
This easy two-kilometre walk follows the edge of Dales Gorge between Circular Pool and Fortescue Falls, offering gorgeous gorge glimpses and amazing colours especially at sunset.
Swim in Fortescue Falls
You'll feel like you're in a tropical paradise at this clear, spring-fed pool surrounded by ferns and trees. Park managers have erected a wooden swimming platform with stairs, so water access is easy. Make sure you sit under the permanently cascading waterfall; the water is warm and shower like. Access is down a steep, but manageable path from the Fortescue Falls carpark, past the first set of falls (stop here to admire Dales Gorge) and along a narrow track. Be wary in the cooler months (April - September) as the water can be cold!
Hang up a hammock
Whether at your campsite or at one of the two, shaded day-use areas (Weano and Dales), there's nothing more relaxing than watching the world idle by from the depths of a hammock. Don't forget to bring a cushion and some insect repellent.
Hike any of the level-one gorge trails
No visit to Karijini is complete without venturing into at least one of the gorges including Circular Pool, Dales Gorge, Knox Gorge and Joffre Falls. Each gorge offers a different perspective and the hikes themselves are fantastic with rugged rock faces, narrow vertical chasms and hidden pools. The rocks can be slippery and there are steep descents, so you need to take care. If you're unsure about going it alone, then go with a tour; the trails are manageable with a professional guide.
Aim to visit during full moon and watch it rise
The Pilbara is big-sky country and when the full moon rises, it's big! Before moonrise, marvel at just how dark the landscape is and gaze at the star-fest above; it will be all but obliterated when the orange orb appears. If you can't get to Karijini at full moon, don't worry - the desert night sky dazzles during any phase.
Make a checklist of flora and fauna and mark off each one
Grab a guide book from the visitor centre and see what you can find! Native wildlife includes red kangaroos, rock-wallabies, echidnas, dragons, dingoes, bats, snakes and lizards.
During good winter rains, wildflowers abound such as northern bluebells and purple mulla-mullas. Other flowering plants include yellow sennas and acacias.
Appreciate from above
If you can't get down into the gorges, a number of easy tracks lead to various lookouts that afford spectacular views. You'll need some extra film! Don't miss Karijini's crown jewels—Oxer Lookout—where Weano, Red, Hancock and Joffre Gorges all meet.
Pinic at Hamersley Gorge
Located at the far-western tip of the park, Hamersley Gorge is 100km from the visitor centre. The drive will feel lonely, but you'll be well rewarded when you reach this often ignored, but gorgeous spot. Easy steps lead down to a pool fringed by zigzagging bands of rock face, shady gum trees and waterfalls. Pack a picnic and your swimming things and plan to stay a while. An energetic walk leads up the gorge past still pools and rambling undergrowth to "The Grotto" - an almost perfectly round, fern-lined chasm etched into the side of the gorge. Excellent for skimming stones; try to get there at midday when sunlight fills the chamber.
Climb Mt Bruce
At 1235m, Mt Bruce (Bunurrunha to Aboriginal people) is WA's second-highest peak. There are three walks of varying difficulty: Marandoo View - 500m; Honey Hakea Track - 4.6km; and Mt Bruce Summit - 9km. This walk takes five hours and is recommended only for fit and experienced walkers. All walks offer the chance to view the busy Marandoo Mine site.