The Complete Karijini National Park Itinerary: Stunning Gorges & Best Campsites

If rugged red landscapes, turquoise swimming holes, remote camping and adventure-filled hikes sound like your kind of road trip, then this Karijini National Park itinerary belongs on your Western Australia bucket list.

Welcome to Karijini National Park

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.

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.

This 4 day Karijini itinerary covers what to do in Karijini National Park, the best gorges, where to camp, hike times, driving distances and practical travel tips to help you plan your trip. From swimming at Fern Pool and exploring Hamersley Gorge, to sunrise hikes up Mt Bruce and evenings around camp, this Karijini guide combines adventure with remote outback camping.

So let’s get into it…

Quick info: Karijini National Park Itinerary

Location	Pilbara Region, Western Australia
Closest Town	Tom Price
Best Time to Visit	May – September
Recommended Trip Length	4 Days / 3 Nights
Best For	Camping, hiking, swimming & road trips
Main Highlights	Dales Gorge Gorge, Hamersley Gorge, Mt Bruce
4WD Needed?	Helpful for some roads, but not essential in dry conditions
Phone Reception	Very limited
Closest Fuel Stops	Tom Price & Auski Roadhouse
Part of Road Trip	Perth to Exmouth Road Trip

Karijini National Park Itinerary Map

Best Time to Visit Karijini National Park

Karijini National Park is located in the Pilbara region in the north west of Western Australia, and because of its remote location, it experiences extreme weather and seasons to other parts of Australia.

To avoid the wet and humid season (where temperatures can reach over 40 degrees!) you’ll want to avoid visiting between November and March. The best time to visit Karijini National Park is between May and September.

I visited in August and the weather was an enjoyable heat between 25-30 degrees during the day. The gorges were green and the swimming holes were filled with bright blue fresh water. This made the perfect climate for hiking, camping and swimming in Karijini National Park.

How Many Days in Karijini National Park?

I spent three nights camping at different spots around the park and had two full days exploring the gorges and hikes. However, my recommended Karijini National Park itinerary length is four days and three nights.

Additionally, you could easily park up at one of the campgrounds for a few extra nights and completely switch off from the outside world. If you’re planning to do this, I’d especially recommend the hidden gem free campsite mentioned in my guide to the Best Campsites in Karijini National Park (+ Hidden Gem Stay).

If you have less time, you can shorten this itinerary. However, I’d highly recommend still prioritising some of the core gorges such as:

• Dales Gorge
• Joffre Gorge
• Hamersley Gorge

These are some of the most iconic places to visit in Karijini National Park and absolutely worth including, even on a shorter trip.

Top tip

Karijini National Park is very remote, therefore travel times can be huge depending on where you’re coming from. We drove inland from Perth to Karijini, splitting the 14 hour drive with a stay in land at Nallan Station Stay in Cue.

If you’re doing a Perth to Karijini road trip, I’d recommend arriving the evening before your itinerary begins so you can properly enjoy your first full day exploring the gorges.

Day 1 – Dales Gorge, Fortescue Falls & Fern Pool

Drive time: Minimal driving within the eastern side of the park
Accomodation: Dales Campground

After visiting the Karijini Visitor Centre, start your Karijini itinerary exploring the stunning eastern side of the park, home to some of the most accessible hikes, swimming spots and gorge walks in Karijini.

Firstly, we began the morning with the Dales Gorge Rim Walk before descending down the staircase into the gorge itself. Walking through the base of Dales Gorge was one of my favourite hikes in Karijini National Park – towering red rock walls, flowing water and lush greenery make it feel completely different from the dry Pilbara landscape above.

After following the trail along the gorge and passing through rock pools, you’ll eventually reach Fortescue Falls, one of the only permanent waterfalls in Karijini National Park. After cooling off with a swim, continue a few minutes further onto Fern Pool, a peaceful swimming spot tucked beneath the gorge walls and surrounded by greenery.

Finish the day at Dales Campground, surrounded by bushland and native wildlife – the perfect spot to cook dinner, relax under the stars and unwind after a day hiking and swimming through Karijini National Park.

Hike info

• Dales Gorge Rim Walk + Gorge Trail: approx. 4-6km depending on route
• Allow: 3-5 hours including swimming and photo stops
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Fortescue Falls to Fern Pool walk: approx. 5-10 minutes

Spend the afternoon relaxing at the swimming holes or exploring additional sections of the gorge before heading back to camp for the evening.

Karijini National Park itinerary top tips

• Start early to avoid the midday heat
• Wear proper grip shoes – we found the rocks in the gorge very slippy!
• Carry more water than you think you need
• Bring fly nets if visiting outside winter

Day 2 – Kalamina Gorge, Knox Gorge, Joffre Gorge & Hidden Swimming Holes

Drive time: Approx. 1-2 hours total throughout the day
Accomodation: Dales Campground, Karijini Overflow Campground or Karijini Eco Retreat

Next you want to focus on some of the quieter and more adventurous gorges in Karijini National Park.

We started day two by driving to Kalamina Gorge. While technically accessible by most vehicles depending on conditions, the road itself is unsealed and feels a little like a rough 4WD track at times. The drive is absolutely worth it – Kalamina Gorge is one of the most underrated gorges in Karijini National Park, and because of the road to access, is one of the quieter gorges.

The walk into the gorge is relatively short and easy, leading to stunning layered rock formations, narrow gorge walls and one of the most beautiful swimming holes in the park.

Kalamina Gorge Hike

• Return walk: approx. 3km
• Time: 1-1.5 hours
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

After Kalamina, head back to the car and continue on to Knox Gorge, one of the more dramatic and less crowded gorges in Karijini. The lookout alone is incredible, but heading down into the gorge rewards you with more towering rock walls and deep red canyon scenery.

Knox Gorge Hike

• Return walk: approx. 2km
• Time: 1-2 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate

Lastly, I recommend continuing towards Joffre Gorge, one of the most easily accessible and photogenic gorges in Karijini National Park. Located close to Karijini Eco Retreat, Joffre Gorge is known for its curved natural amphitheatre, layered red rock walls and peaceful swimming hole below.

The lookout itself is stunning, but if conditions are safe, the trail down into the gorge rewards you with even more dramatic scenery and flowing waterfalls during certain times of year. Compared to some of the more adventurous hikes in Karijini, Joffre Gorge felt like a great balance between accessibility and incredible scenery. If you’re not stopping at Karijini Eco Retreat, now is a great time to take a detour and visit for a cold drink or ice cream.

Joffre Gorge Hike

• Return walk: approx. 2km
• Time: 1-2 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate

If you’re camping, head back to either:

• Dales Campground
• Karijini Overflow Campground

However, if you can secure availability, this is the perfect night to stay at Karijini Eco Retreat and treat yourself to a hot cooked meal from the restaurant after a few dusty (and cold!) camping nights.

Karijini National Park itinerary top tips

• Fuel up before entering Karijini National Park as there is no fuel once you’re in the park
• Roads can become corrugated and rough, make sure you’re aware of which roads are 2WD or 4WD friendly – the map from the visitor centre helps with this
• Download offline maps or pick up a leaflet from Karijini National Park visitor centre – reception is limited
• Bring swimmers and wet shoes for gorge entries

Day 3 – Hancock Gorge, Weano Gorge & Oxer Lookout

Drive time: Approx. 1 hour total
Accomodation: Mt Bruce Campground

If you stayed at Karijini Eco Retreat, today’s hikes are incredibly convenient, with some of Karijini’s most famous gorges located nearby.

Start early at Hancock Gorge, one of the absolute highlights of our Karijini itinerary. This is where you’ll find the famous Spider Walk and some of the most dramatic narrow gorge sections in the park.

Hancock Gorge Hike

• Return walk: approx. 1.5-2km
• Time: 1.5-2.5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

Next, continue to Weano Gorge, another iconic Karijini gorge featuring ladder descents, water crossings and incredible red rock formations.

Weano Gorge Hike

• Return walk: approx. 2km
• Time: 1-2 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate

After your hikes, stop at Oxer Lookout, where four massive gorges converge. We thought this was one of the best viewpoints in Karijini National Park and the perfect place to enjoy a packed lunch while overlooking the landscape.

Later in the afternoon, begin the drive towards Mt Bruce campsite and set up camp early ready for the sunrise hike the following morning.

Drive time

• Karijini central area to Mt Bruce: approx. 1-1.5 hours

Karijini National Park itinerary top tips

Day 4 – Mt Bruce Sunrise Hike, Hamersley Gorge and Spa Pool

Drive Time: Approx. 2.5-3 hours total
Accomodation: Buddha’s Overnight Camp

Wake before sunrise and tackle the incredible Mt Bruce (Punurrunha) hike, Western Australia’s second highest mountain. Watching the sunrise over the Pilbara landscape is one of the most rewarding and iconic experiences in Karijini National Park.

Mt Bruce Summit Hike

• Return hike: approx. 9km
• Time: 4-6 hours
• Difficulty: Hard

The trail includes steep inclines, loose rock and scrambling sections, but the panoramic views across Karijini National Park make the effort worthwhile.

After visiting Mt Bruce, we drove across to Hamersley Gorge, one of the most unique and photogenic locations in the park.

The highlight here is the famous Spa Pool – a naturally heated rock pool tucked within swirling layered rock formations. It’s one of the most iconic swimming spots in Karijini National Park and the perfect way to recover after the Mt Bruce hike.

Hamersley Gorge Walk

• Return walk: approx. 1-2km
• Time: 45 minutes – 1.5 hours

Lastly, finish your Karijini adventure by driving to Buddha’s Overnight Camp, a free and remote relaxing spot to spend your final evening before continuing your Western Australia road trip. Buddhas Overnighter campground is a real hidden gem, I talk more about it in my Best Campsites in Karijini National Park (+ Hidden Gem Stay) blog post.

Karijini National Park itinerary top tips

• Start the Mt Bruce hike before sunrise for cooler temperatures but take a head torch
• Carry plenty of water and snacks
• Hamersley Gorge becomes extremely hot during midday
• Pack your swimming costume for a swim in Spa Pool
• Wear sturdy hiking shoes for all gorge trails

Best Gorges in Karijini National Park

Some of the best gorges in Karijini National Park include:

• Hancock Gorge
• Weano Gorge
• Hamersley Gorge
• Dales Gorge
• Joffre Gorge
• Knox Gorge
• Kalamina Gorge (My favourite!)

Each gorge offers something completely different, from narrow slot canyon walks and deep swimming holes, to waterfall lookouts and dramatic red rock landscapes. I truly felt like I was on another planet, it felt like I was in a movie.

Where to Stay & Camp in Karijini National Park

Some of the most popular places to stay in Karijini National Park include:

• Dales Campground
• Karijini Overflow Campground
• Karijini Eco Retreat
• Mt Bruce Campground
• Hidden free campsites outside the park such as Buddhas Overnighter

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.

Check out my Best Campsites in Karijini National Park (+ Hidden Gem Stay) blog for booking guidance on all the campsites mentioned above. 

One thing we’ll never forget from staying here was hearing dingoes howling throughout the night. Dingoes are common in Karijini and this part of Western Australia, so always keep food packed away when camping and avoid leaving anything unattended around your camp.

What to Pack for Karijini National Park

• Hiking shoes with grip
• Plenty of water and food
• Swimmers
• Fly nets
• Sunscreen (lots of!)
• Torch/headlamp
• Offline maps
• Camping gear
• Quick dry towel
• Waterproof bag for gorge hikes
• Warm clothes – the clear skies mean very very cold evenings and night

Karijini National Park itinerary travel tips

• Fuel stations are limited around Karijini National Park so be sure to fill up before heading in
• Download maps before arriving – reception is minimal
• Start hikes in the early mornings to avoid the heat
• Always check gorge conditions with the Karijini National Park visitor centre before swimming
• Some roads may require high clearance after rain, and some are unsealed and 4WD accessible only
• Carry extra food and water if planning to camp
• Respect warning signs and weather alerts in gorge areas – the area is beautiful but can be dangerous in the wrong conditions

Summary

Karijini National Park is easily one of the most breathtaking places I have visited in Western Australia. Between the towering red gorges, hidden swimming holes, remote campsites and incredible hiking trails, being here truly helped me feel completely disconnected (in a good way!) from the outside world.

Whether you’re road tripping from Perth to Exmouth, planning a Pilbara adventure or simply looking for one of the best camping destinations in Australia, this Karijini National Park itinerary is the perfect starting point for an unforgettable trip.

FAQs About Your Karijini National Park Itinerary

Is Karijini National Park worth visiting?

Absolutely. In my opinion, Karijini National Park is one of the most unique and beautiful places to visit in Western Australia. The combination of red rock gorges, waterfalls, swimming holes, remote camping and adventurous hikes makes it one of the best road trip destinations in Australia.

How many days do you need in Karijini National Park?

I’d personally recommend spending at least 4 days and 3 nights in Karijini National Park. This gives you enough time to explore the major gorges, enjoy some of the hikes without rushing and properly experience the remote but beautiful surroundings.

Do you need a 4WD for this Karijini National Park Itinerary?

Not necessarily. Many of the main areas in Karijini National Park are accessible with a 2WD during the dry season. However, some of the roads were rough and corrugated, and having a 4WD definitely made exploring more comfortable for us.

What is the best time to visit Karijini National Park?

We visited in August and it was the best weather for camping and hiking. I recommend visiting Karijini National Park between May and September when temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for adventuring outdoors. During summer (November to April), temperatures regularly exceed 40 degrees and the wet season can cause gorge closures and dangerous conditions.

Can you swim in Karijini National Park?

Yes – swimming is one of the best parts of visiting Karijini National Park, and there are no crocs! Some of the most popular swimming spots include:

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

What are the best gorges in Karijini National Park?

Some of the best gorges in Karijini include:

• Hancock Gorge
• Weano Gorge
• Hamersley Gorge
• Dales Gorge
• Joffre Gorge
• Knox Gorge
• Kalamina Gorge

Each gorge offers something completely different, from easy swimming spots to more adventurous hikes and narrow canyon walks. We loved starting our trip with Dales Gorge, and walking through Joffre Gorge and Kalamina were both so memorable.

Is Karijini National Park suitable for beginner hikers?

Some hikes in Karijini National Park are beginner friendly, while others involve scrambling, ladder climbs and water crossings. Dales Gorge and Fortescue Falls are great for most visitors, while Hancock Gorge and sections of Weano Gorge are better suited to confident hikers.

Is there fuel and food available in Karijini National Park?

Fuel and basic supplies are limited within the park itself, so it’s important to prepare ahead of time. The closest major services are located in Tom Price and Auski Roadhouse. If you stay at Karijini Eco Retreat, you can also enjoy meals from their onsite restaurant, but other than this – I suggest taking more water and food than you think you’ll need! Especially healthy snacks and fresh fruit to have throughout the day to fuel all your outdoors adventuring.

Common Spelling: Karijini vs Karajini

It’s Karijini National Park, not Karajini National Park.

A lot of people accidentally misspell it as “Karajini”, but the correct spelling is Karijini National Park in Western Australia. Something to be aware of and make sure you use the correct spelling when searching, planning, or booking your trip.

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