Karijini National Park: the most beautiful national park in Western Australia?

Ask ten travellers what Australia's most beautiful national park is, and chances are Karijini National Park will come up more than once. And honestly? I completely understand why.

In the middle of the remote Pilbara region of Western Australia you'll find a landscape that's totally different from what most people expect of Australia. Not endless sandy plains or beaches, but spectacular gorges, natural swimming holes, waterfalls and bright red rock walls that are sometimes hundreds of millions of years old.

During my own road trips through Australia, Karijini has been one of the places that made the biggest impression on me. It's adventurous, rugged and feels genuinely untouched in many spots.

Karijini National Park is located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, approximately 1,400 kilometers north of Perth.

Karijini National Park is located in the Pilbara, roughly halfway between Exmouth and Broome. This makes it a popular stop during a road trip along the west coast of Australia.

The distances in this part of Australia are vast. That's precisely why Karijini is such a special surprise. After hours of driving through the dry outback landscape, you suddenly find yourself in a world of deep gorges, natural swimming pools and spectacular walking trails.

For many travellers, Karijini is the reason to visit not just the coast of Western Australia, but to venture inland as well.

What makes Karijini special?

Where many national parks revolve around one viewpoint or a famous attraction, Karijini is all about exploration.

You're literally heading into the gorges here. Sometimes you walk through narrow passages between the rocks, other times you swim through natural pools or clamber over stones to reach hidden waterfalls.

The park therefore feels much more adventurous than many other natural areas in Australia.

Additionally, the colours change continuously throughout the day. Especially during sunrise and sunset, the red rock walls seem to almost glow.

The most beautiful gorges of Karijini

Hancock Gorge

For many visitors, Hancock Gorge is the absolute highlight of Karijini.

This gorge is famous for the "Spider Walk", where you propel yourself between the narrow rock walls with hands and feet pressed against both sides of the gorge.

At the end of the walk, one of the park's most impressive spots awaits: Kermit's Pool.

The water is crystal clear, the rock formations are spectacular and it feels as if you've stepped into a hidden world.

Weano Gorge

Weano Gorge is located right next to Hancock Gorge and is often combined during the same visit.

The walk takes you through an increasingly narrow gorge with impressive rock formations and small waterpools.

Some sections require a bit of scrambling, but that's exactly what makes this walk so enjoyable.

Dales Gorge

Dales Gorge is one of the most accessible parts of the park and perfect for travellers who want less scrambling.

Here are some of Karijini's most famous spots:

• Fortescue Falls
• Fern Pool
• Circular Pool

Fern Pool in particular is special. This natural swimming hole is surrounded by greenery and waterfalls and feels almost tropical, something you wouldn't expect at all in the middle of the Pilbara.

Joffre Gorge

Joffre Gorge is perhaps the most photogenic gorge in Karijini.

From the lookout, you gaze across an enormous natural amphitheatre-like gorge. When there's sufficient water, a waterfall cascades down, creating spectacular photo opportunities.

Hikes in Karijini

One of the best things about Karijini is that you can choose your own level of adventure.

There are simple viewpoints accessible to virtually everyone, but also challenging hikes where you need to scramble, swim and manoeuvre through narrow passages.

Note: some walks require good fitness and can be slippery. Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water.

Staying Overnight in Karijini with a Campervan

If you're travelling through Western Australia in your Campervan, there are several options for staying overnight in or near the park.

Karijini Eco Retreat

The best-known accommodation in the park is the Karijini Eco Retreat. Here you'll find both camping pitches and luxury safari tents. There are also full facilities including toilets and showers. There's also a lovely restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious dinner or a glass of wine at sunset. After spending one night here, it was hard not to book a few extra nights.

The big advantage is the central location. From here you can reach many of the most important gorges relatively quickly.

Dales Campground

For travellers who prefer simpler camping, Dales Campground is a popular choice. I stayed here for two nights myself and it's wonderful in the middle of nature. There are basic drop toilets available, but showers are absent. Good reason to cool off in the evening in the water of one of the gorges.

The campground is located close to Dales Gorge and makes a good base for multiple walks.

See 'Campgrounds in Australia' for more information

Best time to visit Karijini National Park

The best time to visit Karijini National Park is from April through to October. If you travel early in the season, for example in April or May, you'll have the best chance of seeing the gorges at their most beautiful. The wet season runs roughly from January through to March, which means there's often still plenty of water present in the waterfalls, natural pools and gorges.

Additionally, the temperatures during these months are much more pleasant, making exploring the various walking trails and gorges far more comfortable. During the day, temperatures typically range between 20 and 35 degrees, depending on the month.

During the Australian summer, from November through to March, temperatures can easily climb above 40 degrees. This makes walks through the gorges considerably harder and less pleasant, especially during the hottest hours of the day.

Keep in mind that heavy rainfall can cause temporary road closures or walking track closures. Always check current conditions before heading to Karijini National Park.

How much time do you need?

Karijini National Park is one of those destinations where many travellers wish afterwards that they'd stayed longer. Whilst many people only spend one or two nights here, I recommend spending at least two nights in the park.

With two nights you'll have enough time to explore some of the best-known highlights, such as Hancock Gorge, Weano Gorge and Dales Gorge, at a relaxed pace without constantly having to watch the clock. In Karijini especially, you want to take the time to walk through the gorges, swim in natural pools and stop regularly along the way to enjoy the landscape.

Do you have more time available? Then a stay of three to four nights is absolutely worthwhile. This way you can visit all the major gorges, do various walks and experience Karijini at a much more relaxed pace. In my opinion, this spectacular national park only truly comes into its own when you give yourself the time to discover it at your leisure.