Karijini National Park

Before you go

• Go between May and September; summer often tops 40 degrees and gorge water is cold in the cooler months.
• Dales Gorge is the easiest introduction; Weano and Hancock gorges are demanding and can be dangerous after rain.
• There is no fuel or shop inside the park; fill up in Tom Price and bring water and food.

The gorges

The park's iron-rich rock was laid down more than 2 billion years ago and carved by seasonal creeks into deep gorges. Dales Gorge has Fortescue Falls and Fern Pool; Oxer Lookout overlooks Junction Pool. Weano and Hancock offer water-filled slots for experienced walkers, graded up to level 5. Mount Meharry, 1,253 m, is Western Australia's highest point.

Country and culture

Karijini is the country of the Banjima, Kurrama and Innawonga peoples, whose occupation goes back more than 20,000 years. Many sites are sacred; stay on marked tracks and follow park signs. The Visitor Centre explains the geology and culture and is the best first stop for current conditions.

Staying safe

Never enter a gorge if rain is falling anywhere nearby, as flash floods can arrive suddenly. Pool water is cold from April to September, and hypothermia is possible. Rim edges are loose and 100 m high. Avoid Yampire and Wittenoom gorges, where blue asbestos is present in the rock. Dingoes occur near campgrounds, so secure food.

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