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Length: 2km
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Duration: 0.75hrs
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Grade: 3
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Style: Circuit
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Start: Fortescue Falls Car Park
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End: Fortescue Falls Car Park
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Location: Karijini National Park
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Closest Town:
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Distance from CBD: 1500km
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State: WA
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Latitude: -22.475583
Longitude: 118.551517
Keep the Trail Access info current...

Select items to indicate conditions for access to the trail.


2WD Access


4WD Access


Public Transport


Bitumen Road


Gravel Road


Steep Road


Winding Road


Speed Bumps


Vehicle Ford


Entry Fee


Large Car Park


Small Car Park


Accessible Parking


Accessible Toilet


Public Toilets


Drinking Water


Untreated Water


Picnic Shelter


Picnic Table


BBQ Facilities


Campfire Pit


Camping Area
Keep the Trail Features current...

Karijini National Park...
Select items to indicate features found along the trail.


Concrete Path


Timber Boardwalk


Gravel Path


Sandy Trail


Rough Trail


Undefined Trail


Prams & Strollers


Manual Wheelchair


Motorised Wheelchair


Bicycle Trail


Mountain Bike Trail


Historic Rail Trail


Dog Friendly


Urban Walk


Coast & Beach


Historic Lighthouse


Waterfalls & Lakes


Rainforest Walk


Goldfields & Mining


Heritage Walk


Aboriginal Art


Alpine Region


Alpine Huts


Exposed Ledges


Rock Scrambling


Steep Terrain


Bush Bashing


River Crossings


Scenic Viewpoints


Well Marked


Drinking Water


Untreated Water


Fishing Spots


Swimming Spots


Overnight Campsites


Trail Running


Horse Riding
Hike Summary
The Gorge Rim Walk follows the rim of Dales Gorge, in Karijini National Park which is a bushwalker’s delight. The track goes between the vertigo inducing views of Circular Pool Lookout to the beginning of the Fortescue Falls track.
This walk offers spectacular views and is ideal for those who do not want to venture into the depths of Dales Gorge. For the more adventurous, the steep trail down to the gorge floor to the sublimely beautiful Circular Pool, with its fern lined crystal clear pool, trickling waterfall and sheer rock face backdrop, is well worth the effort. Walk from here to Fortescue Falls for a swim, traversing flat pavement like rocks, through glades of reeds, paperbarks and across shallow streams and pools. Negotiate the rocks above the falls and follow a shady trail to Fern Pool, another tranquil swimming waterhole of spiritual significance to the local indigenous people. Back at Fortescue Falls climb the steps back up the gorge to the Car Park. Other tail features include ochre grinding holes, the Pilbara savannah, the lush green riverside ecosystem and the stunning wildlife, including Birds, fish, bats, kangaroos and dingoes. The Gorge Rim walk is a two kilometre 1.5 hour return walk. The loop walk however contains three walks in one (follow the yellow, red and green markers) taking approximately four hours to walk the five kilometres. Beware as parts of the trail are located near cliff risk areas so stand well back as cliffs are about 100 metres high, often with loose rocks near the edge. Take care in the gorges as rocks are smooth and slippery when wet. Do not enter the gorges if there is rain in the area as flash floods occur. Karijini is a bushwalker's delight, so whilst in the area try the many other walks including Knox lookout, Knox Gorge, Joffre Lookout, Joffre Falls and Handrail Pool. Camping is available at Dales Campground. Access is via a sealed road. Caravan, Tent, Bus and Generator sites available. All sites are unpowered and bookings are not available. In peak season, June to Aug, it is receommended you arrive early to avoid disappointment. Camp hosts are on site during peak season. Facilities include toilets and BBQs. Washouts can occur during heavy rain, resulting in road closures. Check travel conditions with the Department of Parks and Wildlife (phone 08 9182 2000) or the Shire of Ashburton (phone 08 9189 1029)
About the region
Karijini National Park offers spectacular rugged scenery, ancient geological formations, a variety of arid-land ecosystems and a range of recreational experiences. Covering 627,422 hectares just north of the Tropic of Capricorn in the Hamersley Range, Karijini National Park is Western Australia’s second largest national park. Massive mountains and escarpments rise out of the flat valleys. The high plateau is dissected by breathtaking gorges, and stony, tree-lined watercourses wind their way over the dusty plain. Erosion has slowly carved this landscape out of rocks that are over 2,500 million years old. There are many beautiful gorges and sites to visit in Karijini National Park, but be sure to include Dales Gorge, Fortescue Falls, Weano Gorge and Oxers Lookout.
Getting there
Much of the southern half of the park is inaccessible. Visitors concentrate on the spectacular gorges in the north, with their rock pools, waterfalls and unique wildlife.
You can enter Karijini National Park from Tom Price, Roebourne, Port Hedland or Newman.
Be aware that distances travelled can add up quickly when touring this park. The nearest fuel is over 80km from Dales Campground at Munjina Roadhouse or Tom Price and around 70km from the Karijini Eco Retreat to Tom Price. A trip from Dales to Weano via the shortest route is about 112km return. Plan your visit carefully.
Tips
Start Point: Fortescue Falls Car Park, Dales Gorge, Karijini National Park. 105km from Tom Price, which is 1500km (16 hours) north of Perth
End Point: Fortescue Falls Car Park, Dales Gorge, Karijini National Park. 105km from Tom Price, which is 1500km (16 hours) north of Perth
Region: Karijini National Park, North West
For more information, a location map and GPS file please visit Trails WA.
Hikes Nearby
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Karijini is stunning. Remote, colourful and a mix of difficulty!