Guide to Karijini National Park with a 15-days Itinerary from Perth

Karijini National Park, located in the heart of Western Australia's Pilbara region, is a stunning and remote destination renowned for its dramatic landscapes, ancient geological formations, and rich indigenous heritage. It is one of Australia’s most spectacular natural parks, offering visitors a unique outback experience.

Overview

Karijini National Park is approximately 1,500 kilometers north of Perth and spans over 627,422 hectares, making it the second largest national park in Western Australia. The park is characterized by its rugged landscapes, deep gorges, and pristine waterways, which have been carved out over billions of years. The area is also known for its vibrant red earth and striking rock formations.

Key Attractions

1. Gorges and Waterfalls

• Hancock Gorge: Known for its narrow passageways and breathtaking scenery, Hancock Gorge offers an adventurous trek through its winding paths, often requiring visitors to wade through water.
• Weano Gorge: Features beautiful rock pools and narrow chasms. The Handrail Pool is a popular spot for a refreshing swim.
• Dales Gorge: Home to two of the park's most famous waterfalls, Fortescue Falls and Fern Pool, which provide picturesque swimming spots.
• Knox Gorge: Offers dramatic views and a challenging hike, perfect for those seeking a more adventurous experience.

2. Lookouts

• Oxers Lookout: Provides a panoramic view of the junction of four gorges – Weano, Red, Hancock, and Joffre – making it one of the most spectacular lookout points in the park.
• Joffre Lookout: Overlooks the Joffre Gorge and waterfall, offering breathtaking views of the cascading water and rugged landscape.

3. Trails and Hikes

• Class 5 Trails: For the more experienced hikers, these trails offer challenging but rewarding experiences through the park’s rugged terrain.
• Class 2-4 Trails: Easier walks for less experienced hikers or those looking for a more relaxed pace, allowing them to enjoy the park’s natural beauty without the intense physical challenge.

Flora and Fauna

Karijini National Park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, many of which are unique to the region. The park’s vegetation includes spinifex grass, eucalyptus trees, and wattles. Wildlife in the park is equally diverse, with common sightings of red kangaroos, rock wallabies, and numerous bird species, including the striking rainbow bee-eater.

Cultural Significance

The park holds significant cultural importance for the Banyjima, Kurrama, and Innawonga Aboriginal people, who have lived in the region for tens of thousands of years. Visitors can learn about the traditional landowners' history and culture through interpretive signs and tours offered within the park.

Practical Information

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Karijini National Park is during the cooler months from April to September. During this period, temperatures are more moderate, making outdoor activities more enjoyable.

Park Entry Fees: Visitors are required to pay park entry fees when visiting Karijini National Park. If you are travelling in a rental vehicle, you can let the park authorities know that you will supply the vehicle registration number after you’ve picked-up the vehicle.

Access and Transportation: The park is accessible by road, with the nearest major towns being Tom Price and Newman. Visitors can drive from Perth, although it is a long journey, or they can fly into one of the regional airports and hire a vehicle. We recommend hiring a 4WD Camper or 2WD Motorhome from Perth for an up close and epic adventure.

Accommodation: There are several options for accommodation within and near the park, including eco-retreats, campsites, and nearby lodges.

Weather Alert: Pay attention to weather reports at all time. Flash floods can happen during rainy days. Do not enter gorges or bodies of water during the rain. Do not dive into gorges as the water can also be extremely cold, with risks of hypothermia.

15 Days Itinerary from Perth to Karijini National Park

• Day 1: Perth to Geraldton
• Day 2: Geraldton to Kalbarri National Park
• Day 3: Kalbarri to Monkey Mia
• Day 4: Monkey Mia to Carnarvon
• Day 5: Carnarvon to Karijini National Park
• Day 6 to 10: Explore Karijini National Park
• **From here, you can choose to head north to Broome or return to Perth.
• Day 11: Karijini to Newman
• Day 12: Newman to Meekatharra
• Day 13: Meekatharra to Mount Magnet
• Day 14: Mount Magnet to Geraldton
• Day 15: Geraldton to Perth

Recommended Campervans for a Trip to Karijini National Park

• 4WD Safari Camper: This 4WD Camper can seat up to 5 people. It comes with a roof top tent and annexe. It is built for rugged terrains our unsealed roads in the outback. With a fridge and stove on board, campers can also cook their meals as they camp.
• 4WD Maverick Camper: This 4WD Camper has a built in living area so campers can be sheltered from unpleasant weather conditions. Built for 2 adults, the camper is equipped with an awning, fridge, portable cooker and a solar panel that supplements the charging of the house battery.
• Euro Quest: This 2WD Motorhome is perfect for a couple or up to 4 adults. It has shower and toilet on board, air-conditioning, a kitchen and two double beds. Being a compact model it has an advantage when it comes to parking.
• CT 6 Berth Deluxe: This 2WD Motorhome is new to 2 years on fleet. It is equipped with premium features such as a separate dry and wet bathroom and a full size 3-way fridge that can run on the house battery, 240v mains power and LPG. It has a spacious interior, and a large outdoor sunshade awning if renters wish to spend some time outdoors.

Conclusion

Karijini National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Its breath-taking gorges, waterfalls, and rugged landscapes offer a unique glimpse into Australia’s ancient geological history and natural beauty. Whether you're hiking through its dramatic gorges, swimming in crystal-clear rock pools, or simply taking in the stunning views, Karijini National Park provides an unforgettable outback experience. If you need help hiring a campervan, feel free to reach out to our team members at [email protected]