Your map to an iconic WA road trip
Karijini National Park, in Western Australia’s remote Pilbara region, is a natural wonder beyond compare.
From the towering Dales Gorge in the east, a plethora of hikes and swimming holes in the western gorges, to the breathtaking views from Oxer Lookout, Karijini is a sunburned wilderness waiting to be explored.
If you’re ready to hitch the caravan and journey to one of Australia’s must-see destinations, keep reading to find out everything you need to know about Karijini National Park.
How to get to Karijini
Karijini National Park is around 1,400km from Perth in the Hamersley Ranges, on the traditional lands of the Banyjima, Kurrama and Innawonga people.
Driving the inland route through Newman takes around 15 hours. The coastal road up to Exmouth and inland to Karijini is a little longer at 17 hours, but well worth the trip if you have time.
Karijini is accessible via Newman 160km to the east and Tom Price 80km to the west. Those are also the closest petrol stations to the park, so remember to fill up on fuel and water before you arrive.
You can also fly to Paraburdoo and hire a car and caravan before making the 1.5-hour drive to Karijini. Still, we believe the best way to see WA is in your own vehicle.
Did you know: The name “Karijini” is the Banyjima name for the Hamersley Ranges.
Best time to visit
April to May and September to October
Late autumn and early spring are the best times to visit Karijini. The days are warm and dry, with cool nights and little chance of rain.
Expect large crowds in the Easter holidays because the weather is perfect and the wet season has filled all the swimming holes.
Now is the perfect time to arrange car financing or a caravan loan to enjoy the ultimate year of road trips, kicking off with Karijini.
June to August
Winter is a wonderful time in Karijini. Daytime temperatures are perfect for hiking the gorges, and if you time it right, you can treat the family to a vibrant wildflower display.
November to March
While it’s summer in Perth, Karijini is bracing for flash floods, rain and the occasional cyclone. Instead of going to the Pilbara, head south to WA’s stunning southern coast.
Places to explore
Karijini is famous for its powerful gorges and picturesque walks. There are a few must-dos depending on your fitness level (and when you visit).
Dales Gorge
Experience the wonder of a 2.5-billion-year-old gorge with a gentle walk between the 100-metre tall gorge walls. Start at the Circular Pool lookout and descend into the gorge. Then, head to Fern Pool via the marked trail, where you can take a dip under the famous Fortescue Falls.
Fern Pool and Fortescue Falls are places of cultural significance, so remember to abide by the signs asking visitors to respect the living history in the area.
Hancock Gorge
Definitely one for the more adventurous explorers, a walk through Hancock Gorge traverses twists and turns, with the odd scrambling along a rock wall. Bring suitable footwear for this one. But it’s all worth it when you reach Kermit’s Pool via the narrow “Spider Walk”. The waters are cold and deep, which might be just what you need after a hairy walk.
Joffree Falls
Joffree Gorge is a picturesque amphitheatre supplied by the gently cascading Joffree Falls. Reaching the falls is relatively easy via a class-4 trail through the gorge. However, the last section to descend into the pool is class-5, so be ready for some physical activity.
Weano Gorge
There’s a reason Weano Gorge is one of the park’s most famous spots. Two trails – Upper and Lower Weano – take you on a meandering journey into lush growth, over fallen trees and through shallow pools. Lower Weano leads to Handrail Pool, named for the handrail you hold onto while descending into the water.
Oxer Lookout
Take in the majesty of three gorges dating back billions of years from Oxer Lookout. The best access to Oxer is from the Eco Retreat. You can walk from the Weano recreation area or drive right up to the lookout for incomparable views over the gorges.
Insider tip: Check which gorges are open before you visit. In recent years, rockfalls and cyclones are just two reasons gorges can close at short notice.
How long do you need in Karijini National Park?
Three days is the minimum to experience the highlights of Karijini National Park, but you can soak in so much more over five days.
Especially if you visit during seasons with uncertain weather, having more time is never a bad thing.
If you only have three or four days, plan your time so you can fit in everything on your list.
What sort of car is best for Karijini?
Like many of WA’s rugged road trips, 4WD is the best way to explore all that Karijini has to offer. Internal roads in the park are unsealed, and while most are accessible with a sturdy 2WD, you will feel safer in a 4WD.
Towing a caravan in Karijini is also possible. So if you’ve been thinking about caravan loans for Perth road trips, this is your sign!
Where to stay in Karijini
There are two campsites within Karijini National Park. Remember that there are limited services and no petrol, so it’s best to BYO supplies for the entire trip. Visiting Karijini with a caravan is the most comfortable option by far.
Dales Gorge campsite (eastern side)
A back-to-basics campsite with non-potable water and drop toilets. The campsite provides the best access to Dales Gorge, but you will need to be self-sufficient to camp here.
Karijini Eco Retreat (western side)
Powered campsites and a restaurant to kick back in your caravan after a long day of exploring. Karijini Eco Retreat is the best place to stay to access Weano, Hancock, Red and Knox gorges, plus Handrail Pool, Oxer Lookout and Joffree Falls.
Insider tip: Book your campsite online in advance via DPAW or the Eco Retreat. Both locations fill up fast, especially in peak periods.
Experience the ultimate road trips with car financing or a caravan loan from Yes Loans
Looking to finance a new 4WD or caravan so you can explore the best road trips WA has to offer? Contact Yes Loans or apply for financing online to get fast approval and competitive rates.