Best Karijini Gorges: 7 Epic Gorges You Can’t Miss

This is your guide to the best Karijini Gorges

If there’s one thing that makes Karijini National Park one of the most unforgettable places in Australia, it’s the gorges. This Karijini guide will cover the best Karijini Gorges you do not want to miss while exploring Karijini National Park.

Towering red rock walls, hidden waterfalls, blue swimming holes and narrow canyon passages make every gorge feel completely different to anything I’ve seen in Australia. Some are easy and peaceful, while others involve scrambling through water, climbing down ladders and squeezing between rock walls.

After spending three days exploring Karijini as part of our Perth to Exmouth road trip, these were the gorges that stood out the most to us. From iconic spots like Hancock Gorge and Hamersley Gorge, to quieter hidden gems like Kalamina Gorge, this guide covers the best gorges in Karijini National Park, what each one is like and which are worth prioritising.

If you’re travelling through the Pilbara on a budget, camping is definitely the best way to experience Karijini National Park and I recommend downloading WikiCamps Australia before any camping road trip.

Planning your Karijini National Park trip? Head to my Complete Karijini National Park Itinerary: Stunning Gorges & Best Campsites for a detailed 3 nights, 4 days Karijini guide.

Welcome to the Karijini Gorges

For me personally, Karijini ended up being one of the most unforgettable stops on our Perth to Exmouth road trip. There’s something about swimming through hidden gorges and watching the sunset over the Pilbara that makes Karijini feel unlike anywhere else in Australia.

The main gorges in Karijini are spread across different sections of the park:

• Eastern Karijini:
  • Dales Gorge
  • Fortescue Falls
  • Fern Pool
  • Kalamina Gorge
• Central Karijini:
  • Hancock Gorge
  • Weano Gorge
  • Joffre Gorge
  • Knox Gorge
  • Oxer Lookout
• Western Karijini:
  • Hamersley Gorge
  • Spa Pool

Additionally, if you’re looking for Karijini accommodation, check out my Karijini National Park Map and my Best Campsites in Karijini National Park (+ Hidden Gem Stay) for all your Karijini accommodation options. Paired with this blog covering Karijini gorges so you can group the gorges together efficiently and avoid unnecessary driving.

Where is Karijini National Park?

Karijini is located in the remote Pilbara region of WA, 1500kms from Perth and 600kms from Exmouth, and is home to some of the most breathtaking gorges, waterfalls and outback scenery I’ve seen in Australia.

Why Karijini National Park is Famous for its Gorges

Located in the remote Pilbara region of Western Australia, Karijini National Park is home to some of the oldest exposed rock formations on Earth, estimated to be over 2.5 billion years old…. crazy!

Furthermore, what makes Karijini so unique is how different each gorge feels. Some are wide open with waterfalls and easy walking tracks, while others become narrow slot canyons where you’ll scramble through water and climb over rocks to continue exploring. If you’re into photography, it doesn’t get much better than Karijini National Park photos.

For us personally, this was what made Karijini feel so special. Every day and gorge felt completely different.

Map of the Best Karijini Gorges in Karijini National Park

1. Hancock Gorge (Most Adventurous Gorge)

Hancock Gorge was easily one of the biggest highlights of our entire Karijini trip.

Most importantly, this is the gorge famous for the “Spider Walk”, where you brace yourself between the canyon walls and shuffle across above the water. It honestly felt like stepping into another world. There’s also a great swimming spot here called Kermits Pool.

The deeper you go into Hancock Gorge, the narrower and more dramatic it becomes. 

If you only do one adventurous gorge in Karijini National Park, make it Hancock Gorge!

Hancock Gorge Hike Info

• Return distance: Approx. 1.5-2km
• Time: 1.5-2.5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
• Best for: Adventure, canyon scenery and iconic Karijini experiences

Top Tips for Hancock Gorge

• Wear water shoes or hiking shoes with grip
• Start early before crowds arrive
• Take a waterproof bag for phones/cameras
• Avoid after heavy rain

2. Weano Gorge (Best Combination of Adventure & Accessibility)

ILocated close to Hancock Gorge, Weano Gorge is another of the most iconic gorges in Karijini National Park.

Unlike Hancock, Weano Gorge has a mix of easier walking sections combined with more adventurous areas involving ladder descents, water crossings and scrambling over rocks.

The colours here are incredible – deep reds, oranges and glowing rock walls contrasting against bright blue water.

Even if you don’t complete the entire gorge trail, the scenery near the start is still worth visiting.

Weano Gorge Hike Info

• Best for: First-time visitors wanting adventure without a huge hike
• Return distance: Approx. 2km
• Time: 1-2 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate

3. Hamersley Gorge (Most Unique Swimming Spot)

If you’ve seen photos of Karijini online, chances are they were taken at Hamersley Gorge.

Located on the western side of the park, this gorge is famous for its swirling layered rock formations and the iconic Spa Pool,  a naturally heated rock pool tucked between curved canyon walls.

The rock formations here look completely different from the rest of Karijini and honestly felt almost unreal in person.

Because Hamersley Gorge is further away from the central gorges (it took us about 1.5 hours, and a chipped window screen to get here!), it also felt quieter and more remote.

Hamersley Gorge Walk Info

• Return distance: Approx. 1-2km
• Time: 45 minutes -1.5 hours
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Best for: Swimming, photography and unique scenery

4. Dales Gorge (Best All Round Gorge)

This was our first gorge, and if you’re visiting Karijini for the first time, Dales Gorge is probably the best place for you to start.

This gorge combines waterfalls, swimming holes, easy walking tracks and stunning scenery all in one place. It’s also one of the most accessible areas in the park.

Walking through the base of Dales Gorge was one of my favourite experiences in Karijini. Above the gorge feels dry and rugged, but once you descend into the canyon, everything suddenly becomes green and lush.

Dales Gorge is also home to:

• Fortescue Falls
• Fern Pool

Which are two of the best swimming spots in Karijini National Park.

Dales Gorge Hike Info

• Best for: First-time visitors, swimming and full-day exploring
• Return distance: Approx. 4-6km depending on route
• Time: 3-5 hours including swimming stops
• Difficulty: Moderate

5. Kalamina Gorge (Most Underrated Gorge)

Kalamina Gorge ended up being my personal favourite gorge in Karijini National Park.

Compared to Hancock or Weano Gorge, it feels much quieter and less visited, but the scenery is still incredible. Narrow layered rock walls, calm swimming holes and smaller canyon sections make it feel peaceful and hidden away. There was also a hidden swimming spot where we cooled down after the return hike in the gorge.

The walk itself is shorter and easier than many of the other Karijini gorges, making it perfect if you want something more relaxed.

The drive in to reach the gorge can feel rough and unsealed at times, which probably keeps some visitors away, but honestly, that’s part of why we loved it so much.

Kalamina Gorge Hike Info

• Best for: Quieter scenery and relaxed exploring
• Return distance: Approx. 3km
• Time: 1-1.5 hours
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

6. Knox Gorge (Best Hidden Dramatic Views)

Knox Gorge feels wild, dramatic and far less crowded than some of the more famous Karijini hikes.

The lookout alone is incredible, with huge canyon walls dropping down beneath you. If you continue into the gorge itself, you’ll walk through towering red cliffs and deep canyon scenery that feels incredibly remote.

It’s one of the quieter gorges we visited and definitely deserves more attention.

Knox Gorge Hike Info

• Best for: Dramatic landscapes and fewer crowds
• Return distance: Approx. 2km
• Time: 1-2 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate

7. Joffre Gorge (Best Gorge Near Karijini Eco Retreat)

Joffre Gorge is one of the easiest gorges to access if you’re staying at Karijini Eco Retreat, making it a great option for sunrise or sunset exploring.

The circular amphitheatre shape of the gorge is what makes it stand out, with layered rock walls curving around the swimming hole below.

While we personally spent more time at some of the other gorges, Joffre Gorge is still absolutely worth adding to your Karijini itinerary – especially because of how accessible it is from the central accommodation area.

Joffre Gorge Hike Info

• Best for: Easy access and iconic Karijini scenery
• Return distance: Approx. 2km
• Time: 1-2 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate

Which are the best Karijini Gorges?

Honestly, it depends what kind of experience you want.

Here’s my personal breakdown:

• Adventurous gorge: Hancock Gorge
• Swimming gorge: Hamersley Gorge
• Beginner-friendly gorge: Dales Gorge
• Underrated gorge: Kalamina Gorge
• Dramatic views: Knox Gorge
• Easy-access gorge: Joffre Gorge

If I could only recommend three gorges in Karijini National Park, I’d personally choose:

1. Dales Gorge
2. Hamersley Gorge and Spa Pool
3. Kalamina Gorge

Those three felt the most unforgettable to me personally.

Tips for Visiting the Best Gorges in Karijini National Park

Before visiting Karijini National Park, here are a few things I’d highly recommend preparing for:

• Start hikes early to avoid the midday heat
• Carry more water than you think you’ll need
• Wear proper hiking or water shoes with grip
• Download offline maps before arriving
• Some gorge hikes involve scrambling and water crossings
• Check weather and gorge conditions before entering
• Fuel up before entering the park
• Book your accommodation early and in advance (here is my guide to the best Karijini campgrounds)

Karijini is remote and conditions can change quickly, especially after rain. You can read my full Karijini travel guide here for a simple overview.

Where to Stay When Exploring the Karijini Gorges

Some of the best places to stay near the Karijini gorges include:

• Dales Campground
• Karijini Eco Retreat
• Karijini Overflow Campground
• Mt Bruce Campground (free camp)
• Buddha’s Overnighter (hidden free camp outside the park)

For a full breakdown of where to camp, facilities, costs and which locations work best for each gorge, check out my guide to the best campsites in Karijini National Park.

Final Thoughts: Are the Karijini Gorges Worth Visiting?

Karijini National Park genuinely felt like one of the most unique places we’ve visited in Australia. Between the towering red canyons, hidden swimming holes, remote camping and adventurous hikes, every gorge felt completely different from the last.

Whether you’re road tripping through Western Australia, travelling the Pilbara or planning a Perth to Exmouth adventure, the gorges in Karijini National Park are 100% worth adding to your bucket list.

And honestly? Photos still don’t fully do this place justice until you’re standing inside the gorges yourself.

FAQs About the Best Gorges in Karijini National Park

What is the best gorge in Karijini National Park?

Hancock Gorge is often considered the best gorge in Karijini National Park thanks to its adventurous hiking, narrow canyon walls and famous Spider Walk. But my favourite was Dales Gorge or Kalamina Gorge.

Which gorge in Karijini has the Spa Pool?

Hamersley Gorge is home to the famous Spa Pool, one of the most iconic swimming spots in Karijini National Park.

What is the easiest gorge to visit in Karijini?

Dales Gorge is one of the easiest and most beginner-friendly gorges in Karijini National Park, with accessible walking tracks, waterfalls and swimming holes.

Which Karijini gorge is best for swimming?

Some of the best swimming spots in Karijini include:

• Fern Pool
• Fortescue Falls
• Hamersley Gorge Spa Pool
• Kalamina Gorge

Do you need a 4WD for the Karijini gorges?

Not necessarily. Many of the major gorges are accessible in a 2WD during dry conditions, although some roads are rough and corrugated. A 4WD definitely makes exploring more comfortable. I would recommend stopping by the Karijini National Park Visitor centre at the start of your trip to get the latest updates on gorge closures and accessibility.

Following Cyclone Narelle, some campgrounds and roads may still have temporary closures. Please always check local conditions and destinations before traveling.