What is Karijini National Park?
Karijini National Park, in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, is famous for deep red gorges, waterfalls and rock pools. It is the state's second-largest national park.
The park lies in the Hamersley Range, about 1,400 kilometres north of Perth. Its gorges were cut into banded iron formations, rocks that are around 2.5 billion years old and stripe the cliff walls in red, brown and grey.
Popular sites include Fortescue Falls, Fern Pool, Circular Pool, Hancock Gorge and Weano Gorge. Some walks require wading, climbing and squeezing through narrow passages, such as the Spider Walk in Hancock Gorge.
Culture and wildlife
The Banyjima, Kurrama and Innawonga peoples are the Traditional Owners. The Karijini Visitor Centre, shaped like a goanna, shares their stories.
Wildlife includes rock wallabies, red kangaroos, echidnas and many reptiles. Spinifex and snappy gums cover the plateau between gorges.
Mount Bruce, known as Punurrunha, is the second-highest peak in Western Australia and offers a challenging hike. The best time to visit is in the cooler months from May to September.
Did You Know?
Karijini means hilly place in the Banyjima language.