Karijini National Park in Western Australia is till day for us the best National Park in Australia… Maybe even the world when you talk about outback adventure, hikes and natural swimming pools.
There are several hike levels and trails variating from easy till very experienced hikers ( where you need ropes and other climbing material )
We did part of one of the most challenging hikes including Hancock Gorge, which was the best part ever. We needed to cross water, climb, crawl like a spider and even swim through water… Absolutely amazing experience. We felt like getting on a journey with Bear Grylls.
We hiked a total of 12km and had to pay the price of the beautiful surroundings with 3 days of muscle pain, but we wouldn’t have missed it!
Karijini National Park
Wandering over land that has existed on earth for 2 billion years is something we never stop to think about. If you ever want an opportunity to go back to where it all began, Western Australia’s Karijini National Park is a wander through nature, culture and history.
Situated in the Hamersley Range of WA, inland from the north-central coast of the state, the giant collection of hiking trails, gorges and vibrant ecosystem provides endless stimulation and awe for even the most seasoned adventurer.
Boasting bushwalking trails and spring water swimming, Karijini National Park redefines what it means to enjoy a real adventure. It means switching off from technology and embracing the ways of the traditional landowners and exploring pathways made by Indigenous people tens of thousands of years ago to discover a new way of life.
Hiking at Karijini National Park
Karijini National Park Features different classes of trails to ensure that anyone from children to experienced trailblazers is able to enjoy the surrounds, the pace and challenge can be set to your heart’s desire.
The Dale Gorge and Circular Pool Hike, for example, are defined as Class 4 hikes and perfect for a traveller in good health who wants to get away from it all for about 2 kilometres and celebrate with a dip in water surrounded by red cliffs, some of and natural fauna.
If you want something easier, you can go for the Hamersley Gorge, which is great! Hamersley Gorge is located in the north-west of Karijini, further afield than the other gorges but has a beautiful walking trail which leads upstream past rocky terrain, waterfalls, stunning colour reflections and beautiful rock pools like the ‘spa pool’ ( see our picture below )
The total walk is around 1 kilometre to the Grotto, a hidden chasm where you can cool down before walking back.
All of the other hikes in Karijini National Park range from 2 kilometres to 9 kilometres. In certain parts, the park has created bridges and paved pathways to enjoy the adventure and provide comfortable areas for lunch breaks. Of course, both time and weather are significant factors when deciding what to do and when.
Early morning hikes will get the most out of both the day and cooler temperatures. Although hiking just before sunset ( golden hour ) makes the rocks change in colour and reflection. Make sure tho that you know how long you need to get back to base camp, as you don’t want to end up walking in Karijini National Park during the night. Outback nights are very dark – great for stargazing, but not for getting lost 😉
When you are more a look out kind of person rather than enjoying a hike, it is possible to make it to the magnificent Oxer Lookout which features views over the four spectacular gorges – Weano, Red, Hancock and Joffre.
Watching the sunrise followed by a cooling off swim is one of the magical ways to spend a day in this ancient part of the world that asks nothing of you but respect of the land you are visiting.
We took 2 days to explore and discover Karijini and still didn’t see everything ( we are fast travellers, so if you want to see it all, make sure you take at least 3 days )
Our highlights of Karijini where the more challenging hikes to Handrail Pool and Hancock Gorge ( see our pictures below )
Nature & Animals at Karijni National Park
Karijini offers more nature than you can literally poke a stick at. Featuring some of the oldest rocks on the planet and landscape that dates back to over 2 billion years ago, the countries second biggest national park is flush with regional animals and plant life.
Exploring the park means meeting ring-tailed dragons, desert tree frogs and the Australian goshawks. It also means bumping into the occasional dingo. These native wild dogs are known to be sporadically aggressive but will more often than not occupy themselves by scavenging for food.
As Karijini is an Australian Outback National Park, there are of course a few crawlies and slithering serpents that can be almost invisible and very poisonous. Although changes are small you bump into one, a little first aid kit in your backpack is never a bad idea. Also, make sure you leave them alone when you spot them.
Accommodation at Karijini National Park
Although we slept on a budget in Karijini National Park, just in our car. Mind you – Not even on a mattress in the back, but just in the front seats – We didn’t even have any camping great with us, as we were driving from Perth to Kununurra after a trip to Europe. So we slept in Motels, Cabins and our car along the way.
Anyway, If you are camping, there are great camping spots in Karijini National Park, or you go for a bit of luxury and Glamping at the Karijini Eco Retreat.
In the heart of Karijini National Park, you will find the Karijini Eco Retreat, a mix of open-air ambience, outback hospitality and award-winning cuisine. In fact, the restaurant is so popular amongst travellers that both lunch and dinner reservations are essential and must be made in advance of the visit to the park.
The eco retreat is the only accommodation in the area to offer glamping – the comfortable 5 star alternative to camping that maintains the rustic elements that make sleeping under the stars an unforgettable experience. Of course, traditional tents are also on offer.
With 64 campsites, 5 group campsites and 40 upmarket eco tents with ensuites, plus a selection of cabins, Karijini Eco Retreat is designed to celebrate the surrounding environment. The open-air quality means waking up how our ancestors did before modern alarm clocks were invented and either spending the day exploring or simply grabbing a good book and relaxing on a rock.
Book your stay at the Karijini Eco Resort right here. ↓
