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)
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.
Looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one you’d be willing to share, please email it to me so we can help other hikers have a safer, easier time out there. I’ll double-check each file to make sure it aligns with official tracks and topo maps before adding it to this hike. Thanks so much for helping build an even better hiking resource.
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.
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A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
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.
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
