Karijini National Park - Gorgeous Gorges

12.8 - 14.8

  12.8 - Our next long-awaited travel destination was the Karijini National Park, which is located somewhat inland. The landscape has been shaped by erosion over 2000 million years and consists of partly forested gorges, natural pools, and a lot of red sand.

During a stop on our 4-hour drive, we made a stop at the Roadhouse in Auski Village, the last gas station before the park. In the park, we then tested the 4x4 drive for the first time to reach the Kalamina Falls. Since it was already late afternoon, we could only explore a part of the impressive gorge, which increased our excitement for the next days in the park. In the evening, we were able to admire many stars at our campsite (Dales Campground) and even saw a shooting star. 🌠

  13.8 - Today we went in the morning to the Dales Gorge. The hike led us into the gorge, through eucalyptus trees, and along small streams until we finally reached the Fortescue Falls and Circular and Fern Pools where we could swim. In the afternoon we headed to the Joffre Gorge, which was accessible via huge stone slabs and long ladders. A small river crossing and a cool swim then led us to the Joffre Falls, which unfortunately had very little water (end of the dry season). In the evening, our sparse car shower helped us feel a bit fresher after sweating and swimming. Because our campsite only had a modern compost toilet and there is otherwise very little infrastructure in the national park, as well as no possibility to refill drinking water or supplies.

  14.8 - On the last day in the park, we went to Knox Gorge, which is partly only accessible by swimming. However, the water level was low enough for us to walk and climb along the rocks. We spent the afternoon at the Visitor Centre, where there is an exciting museum about the origin of the park, flora and fauna, and the local Aborigines. The area was traditionally home to the Banyjima, Yinhawangka, and Kurrama Aboriginal tribes, who shaped the landscape and were later sadly exploited. Today they are supposedly included in the park management. Reading more about the park was a good conclusion to our visit to the national park.