Famous for its rugged red rock, sheer gorges, waterfalls and swimming holes, Karijini is one of the largest national parks in Australia. Located just over 1,000 kms north-east of Perth, Karijini is part of the Hamersley Ranges in the Pilbara region of northwestern WA.
Its trademark northern gorges were carved into a 2,500 million year-old seabed when the land began to rise and the rivers left behind cut down into the sedimentary bedrock.
Well hidden when walking among the golden spinifex and the snappy gum trees along the rolling Karijini plateau above, the vertical sides of the gorges open out suddenly in front of you.
Sometimes well over 100 metres deep, they must be explored with care and are best enjoyed on one of the guided tours which range from walking to climbing, abseiling and sliding down naturally formed rock chutes. Maps for a range of walk trails of varying adventure levels are available from the Visitor Centre in the north of the Park.
Karijini is the traditional home of the Banyjima, the Kurrama and the Innawonga aboriginal people who have lived in the region for more than 20,000 years. You can now stay in a luxury eco retreat, owned by the Gumala Aboriginal Corporation which reinvests all its proceeds back into the local indigenous communities. Read more and book this accommodation.
Read more about Outback adventures in Western Australia
