Karijini National Park Guide 2026 – Best Gorges, Camping & Travel Tips
If there’s one place in Western Australia that completely blew us away, it’s Karijini National Park.
Hidden deep in the Pilbara, this rugged red-earth landscape feels like another planet. With dramatic gorges, crystal clear swimming holes, beautiful hikes and epic camping spots, it’s the kind of place you’ll keep on talking about.
We spent two weeks exploring everything that Karijini has to offer. We hiked almost every trail, swam in every pool we were able to, and camped in almost every possible spot you can find in and around the national park. So if you’re planning a trip, this guide is everything we wish we knew before going. Consider it your go-to plan for an unforgettable adventure in Karijini.
➤ If you’re planning a bigger trip through the state, make sure to check our full Western Australia travel guide to connect Karijini with the rest of your route.
Watch our Karijini National Park Experience
If you want to get a real feel for what exploring Karijini National Park is like, we’ve put together a video from our time there. We take you through the gorges, hikes, swimming spots and campsites so you can see exactly what to expect before you go
Know Before you go
Before heading into Karijini National Park, there are a few things worth knowing.
Karijini Visitor Centre
The Visitor Centre is located just off Banjima Drive on the eastern side of the park. It’s open from 9am to 4pm (March to November), with shorter hours in the hotter months. Sometimes it even closes between December and February, so plan ahead.
Park Permits
You’ll need a WA parks pass to enter. There are daily or annual passes available and you can purchase them online.
Camping permits
Planning to stay inside the national park? You’ll need an additional camping permit. These can also be booked online.
Bring Supplies
Tom Price is the last proper town to stock up on groceries, fuel and water. The national park does have water, but it’s untreated. Make sure you boil or treat it before drinking. The Visitor Centre also sells bottled water.
Safety
Weather can change quickly in the Pilbara. Flash floods are a real risk in the gorges, so always check conditions with the Visitor Centre. If it rains while you’re down there, you’ll need to head out straight away.
Phone Reception
Don’t expect much reception. Here’s where you might get some bars:
- Telstra: Karijini Visitor Centre, Karijini Eco Retreat, Mt Bruce and Hamersley Gorge
- Optus: Karijini Visitor Centre, Karijini Eco Retreat and Dales Campground.
Rubbish
There are no bins in Karijini, so take all rubbish with you. Long-term campers can use a rubbish trailer located 2 km east of the Visitor Centre. Check in with them before using it.
Size
Karijini National Park is huge! It’s the second largest National Park in WA. Distances between gorges, campsites and lookouts can be much bigger than they look on the map, so give yourself plenty of time to get from A to B. It’s easy to underestimate just how spread out everything is, especially when you’re trying to mix in hikes and photo stops along the way. Planning ahead will make your trip way more relaxed.
Where is Karijini National Park located?
Karijini sits in the heart of the Pilbara region in Western Australia, about halfway between Perth and Broome.
- 14-15 hours from Perth
- 10-11 hours from Broome
It’s closest to the mining town Tom Price, which is about an hour’s drive from Karijini. At Tom Price, you’ll find a Coles to stock up with groceries, you can refill your water here, and there are showers available at the visitor centre for a small fee.
This national park gives you the real outback vibe. It’s remote, vast and absolutely stunning. It’s one of the best natural wonders WA has to offer.
Do you need a 4WD?
Not really, but, as always, it makes life a lot easier. Many of the main roads in the national park are sealed. The dirt tracks to Hamersley Gorge and Kalamina Gorge are sometimes 4WD only, depending on weather conditions. Most of the best spots at the free camps are only accessible with a 4WD. When we visited in July, the dirt roads were heavily corrugated with a few washouts. Conditions change throughout the season. Best tip? Always check road conditions with the visitor centre. You can either give them a call or hop in before entering the park.
What’s the best time to visit Karijini National Park?
Karijini is in the outback, so weather extremes are real. And don’t forget about the flies…they can test your patience.
Best months: April to September, and very few flies (at least when we went in July) These months are cooler and drier. It’s prime hiking and camping weather, with daytime temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees, but the nights are cold. We had single digit mornings, waking up in two degrees and frost.
I would avoid the summer months (December to March). Temperatures will go over 40 degrees! It’s also cyclone season which can cause flooding, and I can imagine there will be a lot more flies.
If you’re planning hikes or swims, I would aim for winter or shoulder season.
Karijini National Park Map
How many days do you need?
If you’re short on time and want to see the highlights only, you can do it in 3-4 days, but ideally, I would recommend 5-6 days if you want to fully experience this natural wonder and do more than just the big name gorges.
- Short trip (3-4 days): Focus on Weano Gorge, Hancock Gorge and Dales Gorge.
- Recommended trip (5-6 days): Add Hamersley Gorge, Joffre Gorge, Kalamina Gorge and Mt Bruce.
Trust me when I say that Karijini is not a place to rush. Chances are low you’ll visit this remote national park again. Every gorge is unique, so give yourself the time to really enjoy it.
➤ Read our 3- to 7-Day Karijini Itinerary for more inspiration.
Where to stay in Karijini?
Camping is the most popular way to experience Karijini, and there are plenty of options to choose from.
Dales Campground (run by Parks & Wildlife):
Basic but well-located near Dales Gorge and Fortescue Falls. Basic amenities include drop toilets, no showers. You can shower at the Karijini National Park Visitor Centre for a small fee.
Karijini Eco Retreat
A more comfortable option with glamping tents, cabins, and unpowered campsites. There are showers here, plus a licensed restaurant and bar.
Free camping outside the park
If you’re self-contained and you really want the full outback experience, free camping is the way to go. There are a few incredible options just outside the national park if you don’t mind a little drive. And honestly, these were one of the best free camps we’ve ever come across when travelling Australia.
➤ For a full breakdown, including our favourite free camps, read our Camping in Karijini Guide.
Which gorges and hikes to prioritise?
This is where most people get overwhelmed. Karijini is packed with incredible gorges. Each one is unique, but below we listed the highlights:
Hancock Gorge
Our favourite one… And the best overall experience, and it brings you to Kermits Pool
Weano Gorge
Access to Handrail Pool.
Knox Gorge
Underrated and fewer crowds.
Joffre Gorge
A natural amphitheatre with a seasonal waterfall.
Dales Gorge
Easy access and multiple waterfalls and pools to visit, such as Fortescue Falls, Circular Pool and Fern Pool.
Hamersley Gorge
The iconic Spa Pool.
Kalamina Gorge
A great introduction to the gorge system.
➤ If you want to go into full detail, read our Top 5 Karijini National Park Gorges and Pools. This guide will help you prioritise based on time, difficulty and experience.
Mount Bruce
A long 9km and challenging return hike, but a must-do.
➤ Read our full guide on Mount Bruce.
How difficult are the hikes?
Hikes in Karijini range from Class 2 (easy) to Class 5 (challenging). Here’s what it means:
- Class 2-3: shorter walks, relatively easy with some steps.
- Class 4: a bit more demanding, often with some rock hopping
- Class 5: technical and challenging, expect some climbing, water crossings and narrow ledges.
Even if you’re not super fit, you’ll still find plenty of accessible gorges and lookouts to discover. Personally, we found the Class 5 hikes weren’t as intimidating as the signs made them sound. But it’s all about common sense. Wear proper shoes, take your time and stay safe.
Things to do Karijini national park
Besides hiking, there are a few other things to do in Karijini National Park.
Swim in natural pools
If you’re into ice baths, you’re in for a treat. The coldest pool we plunged into was Kermits Pool. Fern Pool was fresh, but still pleasant for a swim.
Photography
The red rocks are spectacular in any light, but with sunrise and sunset, the colours light up and it becomes a photographer’s dream.
Stargazing
With zero light pollution, Karijini’s night skies are incredible. You’ll surely spot the milky way and might see some shooting stars when camping.
Wildlife spotting
Keep an eye out for dingoes, rock wallabies and heaps of birdlife.
Are dogs allowed in Karijini National Park?
Sadly, no. Like most national parks in Australia, dogs aren’t permitted in Karijini.
Is Karijini National Park worth visiting?
Without a doubt: yes! It’s one of the most unique places in Australia. The combination of ancient gorges, crystal clear waterholes and the remoteness makes it unforgettable.
Karijini is not the kind of place you stumble upon. You’ve got to make an effort to get here, plan it properly and you’ll understand why it’s so special.
Plan your Karijini Trip
Karijini works best as part of a bigger trip through the Pilbara region.
➤ Start here to build your full route: Western Australia Travel Guide
➤ Find the Karijini itinerary that suits you best
➤ Dive deeper into where to stay in Karijini and the Top 5 Gorges.
Karijini National Park FAQs
When is the best time to visit Karijini National Park?
The best time to visit Karijini National Park is during the dry season between May and September. During these months, temperatures are milder, making it ideal for hiking and exploring the gorges. Water levels are usually safe for swimming, and road conditions are more reliable. Avoid visiting in summer, as extreme heat and flash flooding can make the park dangerous.
How many days do you need in Karijini National Park?
You need at least 3 to 4 days to see the highlights of Karijini National Park, including Hancock Gorge, Weano Gorge and Dales Gorge. Ideally, allow 5 to 6 days to explore the park properly without rushing, especailly if you want to include Hamersley Gorge or the Mount Bruce hike.
Do you need a 4WD for Karijini National Park?
You do not strictly need a 4WD to visit Karijini National Park, as many of the main roads are sealed and accessible to 2WD vehicles. However, a 4WD is recommended if you want to access more remote areas, free camps or gorges like Kalamina Gorge or Hamersley Gorge. Especially after rain when road conditions can change quickly.
Can you swim in Karijini National Park?
Yes, you can swim in many of the natural pools in Karijini. Including Fern Pool, Fortescue Falls and Kermits Pool. Keep in mind that the water is very cold year-round, and conditions can change. Always check for safety updates, as swimming may be restricted if water becomes stagnant or unsafe.
Are there crocodiles in Karijini National Park?
No, there are no crocodiles in Karijini National Park. The park is located inland in the Pilbara region, far from coastal habitats where saltwater crocodiles are found. This makes swimming in Karijini’s gorges safe from crocodiles.
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