đ In this travel post weâll share all you need to know about Karijini National Park in Western Australia. Give a đ at the end of this post & feel free to share your experience or any updates you might have in the Australian Forum. Keep in mind that the content below is updated to the best of our knowledge & does not replace official sources & your research.
About Karijini National Park
Karijini is located in Western Australia (WA) and is the stateâs second largest National Park, spreading across over 600,000 hectares. The national park is currently owned and leased by the Banyjima, Yihanwangka and Kurrama Aboriginal people. The Park features unique wildlife and gorges to explore in your own time there. The climate is best described as tropical semi-desert with thunderstorms and cyclones filling in the gorges during rain season during summer mostly (Nov-Feb) when the park can sometimes close. Karijini is one of the most isolated places on Earth and getting there can only be done by ground transportation.
Where is Karijini National Park and how to get there?
đKarijini National Park is located between Broome and Cape Range National Park and has two entrances (East and West) depending on which way youâre arriving from.The main town nearby is Tom Price where you will find petrol and a small groceries stop if needed (prepare yourself ahead as much as possible). The Park has an entrance fee of $15 per vehicle.
đĄSmart tip - Get yourself a yearly, monthly or quarterly national park pass if you intend to visit at least 3 National Parks in WA. Get more help from the Visitor Center, located near Dales Campground, a the parkâs East entrance:
Open from November to March (9am to 4pm)
Phone is (+61) 8 9189 8121
đ°Good to know Karijini does not have any treated water onsite so make sure to bring heaps of water with you during your time here, it is recommended 15L per day per person especially during summer when temperatures can reach 40C.
Getting to Karijini from Broome (East entrance):
đ Coming from Broome, you will necessarily pass by the town of Porth Headlands on your way which is the place to stock up on groceries and water. Still about 400kms from the National Parkâs entrance, you will get a last chance to refuel at Auski roadhouse (highly recommended before entering Karijini). The East entrance brings you to the visitor centre and Dalesâ campsite where you can rest overnight.
Getting to Karijini from Cape Range National Park (West entrance):
đ Coming from Cape Range NP, you will be passing by the town of Tom Price which is your last chance to refuel and stock up on necessary groceries to stay overnight. The West entranceâs closest accommodation area is Karijini Eco Retreat.
What to do in Kariji National Park?
Go hiking
Karijini features 3 main areas to explore. We found the hikes signage very confusing as local authorities basically divide a hike into 3 or 4 sections into fitness levels but honestly most could do all of them at once in a small loop.
Hikes around Dalesâ campground (East entrance): starting from the campgroundâs entrance, start with Dalesâ Gorge Hike (1km), itâs a steep rewarding descent which is most appreciated as the sun begins to set down. By starting with the walk, you will end with a rewarding dip in Fortescue Falls to refresh yourself.
đĄTravel Tip - On your way back climb up the cliff from Fortescue Falls and take the Gorge Rim scenic return so you will get a chance to see in and above the Gorge all during the same hike.
Hikes around Karijini Eco Resort (West entrance): walking distance from the campground is Joffre Falls which offers scenic views from in and above the gorge. Continue another 4kms to end at Knox Gorge where a rewarding 2kms return hike into the gorge awaits you. Carry on your day and drive to Weano Picnic Area (13kms unsealed 4WD only road) to spot the most outstanding areas of Karijini National Park.
Hikes around Weano Picnic Area (West entrance): The park has divided all walks into 6.. but its really just 1.. Start your way by following the Upper Weano Gorge Hike which will lead you down into the heart of the Gorge about 1km in.. Return using the Lower Weano Gorge Hike which will join and end at the Handrail Pool. Once at the pool, make sure to swim further into the gorge and you will feel alone in this world.. just stunning. On you way back up, cross the carpark and take the Hancock Gorge hike which is a 1.5kms return steep one bringing you to Kermits Pool..
đĄTravel Tip - If you have time, head to Hamersley Gorge located 75kms away, or 2kms from the Nanutarra Road for a rewarding short 800m hike to the Spa Pool.
Swimming
You can swim in almost all hiking areas, swimming spots are Fortescue Pool (near Dalesâ campround), Joffre Falls, Hanrail Pool (the deepest and largest area), Kermits Pool & Hamersley Gorge.
đĄTravel Tip - If youâre in need of a shower during your camping stay, the visitor centre offers free showers onsite, located in the public bathroom.
Camping
There are two campsites available to book online at Karijini National Park. Note that these sell out quickly and bookings will be checked upon arrival so we really recommend you book yourself a stay at least 3 days ahead of arriving to avoid disappointment. You will need to bring your own water supply and take all your rubbish out with you. Optus seems to be the best operator in the Karijini NP with a few patches of network.
đ Dingos are common in the area and you should not leave any food, rubbish or shoes without supervision. They arenât aggressive and will leave you alone should you encounter one, but please just respect them and avoid feeding them.
Can I fly my drone in Karijini National Park?
â Flying your drone in a national park or reserve of Western Australia (WA) is allowed. However there are some rules you will need to follow:
continue looking up to CASA safety rules & do not fly above anyone.
comply with the CALM Act & Regulations (don't create any danger for anyone or disturb any animals).
if you see an emergency scene or fire for example, land as soon as possible to not disturb emergency operations & rescue teams.
contact the rangers prior each flight to avoid any interfering with their operations.
You can find all latest information here
đ¨ However, if you want to fly for a commercial purpose, you will need to apply for a permit.
What to think of Karijini National Park?
Well we don't like to write this part of the story so we've put together some of our coolest pics. If you don't feel like seeing them before heading there, we get it and won't be sad.
đĄ You're a local, have a question or want to share a travel experience? Head to the Australia Drone Discussion Group
â Please leave a comment or update the Australian Forum when you receive news and/or gain experience in Karijini National Park! Have fun over there and make a lot of good memories! #travel #experience #karijini #western #wa #australia #australian #nationalpark #park