Top 5 Best Karijini National Park Gorges and Pools
If you’re travelling in Western Australia, chances are you want to see those incredible Karijini National Park gorges. And for good reason. For years, I’d seen those beautiful photos of deep rock walls, sparkling turquoise pools, and narrow slot canyons winding through the Pilbara. When I finally made it here, I was determined not to miss a thing.
But like many travellers, I was overwhelmed at first. Where should we camp? How many days do you really need? Which Karijini National Park gorges are worth prioritising if time is short? How tough are the hikes? And can you really swim in those ice-cold pools?
So here’s the good news: after spending two full weeks in Karijini, walking just about every trail and plunging in almost every pool, I can confidently share which gorges stood out to me the most. Everyone’s preferences will differ, of course, but if you’re limited on time, these five Karijini National Park Gorges and Pools are the ones I’d recommend you don’t miss.
➤ If you’re planning a trip to Karijini (best time to visit, permits, etc.). Start with our complete Guide to Karijini National Park.
Why is Karijini National Park so special?
Before we dive into our top 5 Karijini National Park Gorges, let me explain what makes Karijini so special.
Karijini National park
Karijini National Park is the crown jewel of the Pilbara region in Western Australia, about 1400km north of Perth. Covering over 6,000 square kilometres, it’s the second largest national park in Western Australia and home to landscapes more than 2.5 billion years old. The park’s famous gorges were carved out over millions of years by water cutting through layers of ancient rock, leaving behind dramatic chasm, slot canyons and natural swimming pools.
Karijini was declared a national park in 1969, originally named Hamersley Range National Park, and renamed in 1991 to reflect its Aboriginal heritage. Today, it’s one of WA’s most iconic destinations, attracting adventurers, photographers and nature lovers from all over the world.
My top 5 Karijini National Park Gorges and Pools
1. Hancock Gorge and Kermits Pool – Best overall experience
If adventure is what you’re after, Hancock Gorge is where Karijini really shows off. Even the walk in feels like something out of an adventure movie. You start with scrambling down into the gorge, then walk through freezing water (luckily only up to the knees when we were there), and eventually you’ll “Spider Walk” through the narrow gorge to finally arrive at Kermits Pool.
Was it the most beautiful pool I swam in? Probably not, but it definitely was the coldest. It’s safe to say that it was by far the most fun one to reach. Hancock Gorge is less about the destination but more about the journey. And the cold shock when you plunge into Kermits Pool is unforgettable, and the kind of memory that will live rent free in your mind forever.
Hancock Gorge details:
- Distance: 1.5km return
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Grade: Class 5 (challenging, with slippery rocks and water crossings)
- Swimming: Yes, but be prepared for ice cold water
2. Hamersley Gorge and Spa Pool (most Photogenic)
If you’ve seen photos of Karijini on Instagram, I’m sure it was Spa Pool that caught your eye. Tucked away in Hamersley Gorge, this small, perfectly round pool with a tiny waterfall looks almost too good to be real.
And yes, it lives up to the hype. Hamersley Gorge itself is spectacular. The rock here is twisted in folded into incredible patterns, the result of billions of years of geological pressure. The short walk down is easy, compared to some of the other Karijini National Park gorges, and once you reach the water, you’ll want to spend as much time soaking in the beauty. Just be careful, the rocks near the water are very slippery! Trust me, I slipped and almost fell into the pool with our camera gear.
When we visited in winter, we arrived first thing in the morning. We were so lucky to have the place to ourselves, but we also had no sun. The water here is freezing cold year-round, so if you want it for yourself, you’ll need to embrace the cold. We went back around lunchtime, and it was packed, but also much warmer. You’ll need to make out for yourself how you want to experience one of the most magical natural pools you’ll ever see.
Hamersley Gorge details:
- Distance: around 400m return
- Time: 30 – 45 minutes
- Grade: Class 3 (moderate, some uneven ground)
- Swimming: Yes, but brace yourself, it’s cold.
Tip: Hamersley Gorge is a little out of the way compared to the main Karijini National Park Gorges. Road conditions can vary, so check with the visitor centre before heading out.
3. Dales Gorge, Fortescue Falls, and Fern Pool (Best all-rounder)
If you only have time to visit one gorge in Karijini, make it Dales Gorge. It’s the most accessible of the Karijini National Park Gorges, with sealed road access and a campground nearby, but that doesn’t make it any less impressive. This where many travellers base themselves, so it ties closely into your accommodation planning.
➤ For where to stay nearby, see our Camping in Karijini Guide.
Dales Gorge
The walk through Dales Gorge is stunning, water is flowing, it’s green and you’ll walk at the bottom of the gorge. You’ll also find two of the park’s most famous swimming spots here. Fortescue Falls and Fern Pool. You can either walk directly to Fortescue Falls & Fern Pool by walking down the stairs, or you start the Dales Gorge Hike at the other end to get the body temperature up and cool off at Fern Pool at the end.
Fortescue Falls
This is the park’s only permanent waterfall, and it’s absolutely breathtaking. The water tumbles down a natural staircase of rock ledges. It’s a great place for a swim, though the water is pretty cold.
Fern Pool
Only a short stroll upstream, you’ll find Fern Pool. It honestly feels like you’re stumbling into a hidden oasis. The pool is shaded by lush greenery, with a gentle waterfall trickling down at the back. A ladder makes it easy to enter the water, and there was a wooden deck for relaxing afterwards. Fern Pool had the warmest water we found in Karijini, and swimming under the waterfall was pure magic.
Dales Gorge details:
- Distance: 2km one way (full Dales Gorge Trail)
- Time: 2-3 hours return
- Grade: Class 4 (moderate, with steep sections and uneven terrain)
- Swimming: Yes, both at Fortescue Falls and Fern Pool
4. Knox Gorge (most underrated)
Knox Gorge was the first gorge we explored in Karijini, and it set the tone for just how jaw-dropping this national park really is. The descent into the gorge is steep, but once you’re down, the views are incredible, with towering red walls on both sides of the gorge.
The highlight for me was the first pool, which had an unreal blue glow when the sunlight hit it just right. We hesitated to swim, thinking something better was at the end of the trail. But honestly, I wish we jumped in here. By the time we returned, the sun had shifted, leaving the gorge in the shadows, making it too fresh to swim.
Knox Gorge might not have the same name recognition as Hancock or Dales, but it’s a must-do if you’ve got time. It’s by far one of the best Karijini National Park gorges you’ll come acreoss.
Knox Gorge details:
- Distance: 2km return
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Grade: Class 5 (steep and challenging, with some scrambling required)
- Swimming: Yes, the first pool is recommended. But again, it’s cold.
Kalamina Gorge (best walk)
Last but not least is Kalamina Gorge, one of the quieter spots in Karijini. While it’s not famous for swimming, it’s easily one of the most scenic walks in the park. The trail follows the creek through the gorge, passing small pools, little waterfalls and a beautiful rock formation at the end of the trail.
What makes Kalamina so special is the vibe. You’re surrounded by red cliffs and ancient rock formations, you just can’t help but feel small. Like you’ve stepped back millions of years in time, and you’re a dinosaur. It’s not as adventurous as Hancock Gorge, and not as photogenic as Spa Pool. But for pure walking pleasure, it’s my favourite gorge, with Dales Gorge number two.
Kalamina Gorge details:
- Distance: 4km return
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Grade: Class 4 (moderate, with uneven surfaces but less technical than others)
- Swimming: Limited, maybe because of the time of the year, but it’s not the ideal spot for a swim.
What to keep in mind when exploring Karijini national park gorges?
Check conditions
Some gorge trails are closed after heavy rain, or sometimes water is stagnant and you’re not allowed to swim. We had stagnant water at Handrail Pool, hence the reason why it’s not in our top 5.
Be prepared
When hiking, wear sturdy shoes, a hat, and bring a towel, plenty of water and some snacks. Many trails involve rock scrambling, water crossings, and lots of them are exposed to the sun.
Swimming
The water is freezing cold, even in summer. Be ready for a shock when you dive in, and that you have something dry to put on when you come out.
Take your time
Don’t try to cram everything into one day. Karijini deserves at least 4-5 days to really appreciate its beauty.
➤ For full planning advice – permits, weather, etc. – read: Complete guide to Karijini National Park.
Know before you go
Karijini is one of the most rewarding national parks in Australia, but it’s also remote and rugged. A few things you should keep in mind before heading off into the gorges:
Permits
To explore Karijini National Park, you’ll need a WA Parks Pass. You can purchase them online before you go.
Road Access
While some gorges like Dales Gorge are accessible by 2WD on sealed roads, others (like Hamersley Gorge and Kalamina Gorge) may require a 4WD depending on recent weather. Roads can change quickly after rain, so it’s always worth checking in with the Karijini Vistior Centre before heading out.
Hike safely
The hikes are almost all graded Class 4 or 5. When not everyone experiences these trails as hard, tracks can still be steep or slippery, and temperatures can rise above 50 degrees within the gorges. It’s important to come prepared.
Campfires
Campfires are not allowed in the national park, and given how dry the Pilbara can be, it’s easy to see why. If you’re camping in nearby areas where fires are permitted, use common sense. Never leave them unattended, keep them small and make sure they’re fully out before you leave.
Travel Insurance
Because Karijini is remote and many hikes are adventurous, it’s smart to have the right cover in case something goes wrong.
How to plan your Karijini Trip Properly
These Karijini National Park gorges are just one piece of the puzzle. To get the most out of Karijini, you need to combine:
- Gorge and hike selection
- The right campsite location
- Enough time in the park
➤ Start here: Complete guide to Karijini National Park
Karijini National Park gorges are unlike anything else in Australia. You’ll find the adventure at Hancock Gorge and serenity at Fern Pool. Each gorge has its own character and charm. The five Karijini National Park gorges above are my personal favourites, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of them.
The content on Bush and Bay is based on our personal experiences and opinions. While we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date information, travel conditions and recommendations may change over time. We do not take responsibility for any decisions or actions made based on our content. Always conduct your own research and consult with professionals where necessary. Bush and Bay may earn a small commission from affiliate links, but this does not influence our reviews or recommendations. We only endorse products and places we have personally tested and believe in.
