Karijini National Park

Our journey took us early in the morning (departure at 06:20!) via Port Hedland for refueling, to Karijini National Park. We wanted to leave early so that we could do some walks with swimming stops before sunset, which is already around 18:00. And...it was worth it.

In the Visitor Center, we registered properly for the Holiday Pass (pass for almost all national parks in Western Australia for 1 month). After a 6-hour drive, we refreshed ourselves, so we were ready. In Dales Gorges, there were two walks. One led to the beautiful Fern Pool via Fortescue Falls. According to reports and statements, this is one of the most beautiful around, which we can confirm. In Fern Pool, we found a cooling reward. Swimming towards the waterfall with the goPro, we wanted to capture some beautiful memories.

Martin posed under the waterfall, and Jacqueline wanted to press the button when suddenly something bit her foot. Screaming, she swam back to the jetty like a fury. She kept lifting her foot out of the water, which luckily was still there, to see if there were bite marks. We asked an Australian who was swimming what kind of creatures were in this pool??? He just laughed and said, 'Oh, those are just the little fish that nibble on your feet. In other countries, you pay for that.' Interestingly, he quickly jumped out of the water because he was also bitten on the foot. He agreed with Jacqueline that it really hurt because there were also slightly bigger fish that you don't see initially. A little further, we jumped back into the water at Fortescue Falls. Another beautiful place to refresh ourselves.

The second walk led steeply down into the gorge and ended at Circular Pool. A beautiful shaded pool. A snake sunbathing not far from the pool paid little attention to the bathers and let itself be photographed in peace. We then climbed up the gorge to find our campsite. After 43 km of gravel road, we settled down at the Eco Retreat. A nice bush camp with existing tents and simple pitches. With a great sunset, we sizzled our burgers and then admired the starry sky, including the Milky Way. A hobby astronomer showed us and a group two constellations in the sky, and with his telescope, we could even see Saturn. For the next day, we planned to explore all the gorges and walks in the western part.

The day started in Weano Gorge. The path led down the gorge to Handrail Pool. The name comes from the fact that the last descent to the pool is mastered with a 'handrail'. A bit of climbing, but for us Swiss mountain people, it's no big deal.

Although it was definitely an advantage that we had exchanged our beloved flip-flops for good footwear. Hardly back up, we headed straight to the next gorge, Hancock Gorge. The path to Kermits Pool was extremely adventurous. After wading through a waist-high river along the gorge, we reached the section labeled 'Spider Walk'. Jacqueline made it clear from the beginning that if there were too many spiders there, we would turn back. 'Laugh' The section was labeled that way because you have to crawl along the gorge walls on all fours. All efforts were rewarded in the end with Kermits Pool. A cold endeavor, but beautifully nestled in the gorge. Refreshed as we were, we made our way back through the Spider Walk, the river, and up the gorge.

Next, we tackled Knox Gorge. Another beautiful and adventurous walk. The climb down into the gorge made us sweat a bit. Unfortunately, the walk ended without a pool at the end. Due to the dryness, the water level was a bit too low. Well, then we went back up the gorge. At the next stop, Joffre Falls, we first looked down from the lookouts to see if we could swim there. Full of motivation, we descended the last gorge, now skillfully, and worked our way along the gorge walls to the pool with a small waterfall. The pools, practically surrounded by the gorge walls and in shade all day, are so cold. But when you think about the strenuous climb up the gorge to the parking lot, you gladly accept it and enjoy the coolness even more.

Exhausted but very satisfied, we spent another night in the national park before heading the long way (about 700 km) to Exmouth the next morning.