Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 591m
Min elevation: 580m
Total Ascent: 25m
Safety advice
During summer, temperatures frequently top 50 degrees Celcius. Carry plenty of water at all times. Flash floods can occur €“ do not enter gorges if there is rain in the area. If it starts raining when you are in a gorge, leave immediately.
Hike overview
A visit to Hamersley Gorge in Karijini National Park offers a chance to experience nature’s spa in its most raw and stunning form. Picture yourself floating in a natural pool, surrounded by rock formations that have stood for billions of years. The Hamersley Gorge Walk, a 1-kilometre trail rated Grade 4, provides the perfect way to explore this dramatic landscape. It’s a relatively short hike, taking about 45 minutes to complete, but it’s filled with breathtaking sights along the way. The gorge itself is a masterpiece of colour, texture, and reflection, offering a peaceful spot to take a swim or simply sit and soak in the surroundings.
Located in the north-western part of Karijini, Hamersley Gorge is a bit further out than the other gorges, making it a quieter, more secluded place to explore. As you walk through the gorge, the swirls of rock seem to sweep down towards the water, and waterfalls cascade into tranquil pools below. There have been significant improvements to the site in recent years, including sealed road access to the lower car park, a newly constructed lookout, and upgraded facilities like toilets, making it more accessible to visitors.
There are two main walks at Hamersley Gorge that allow you to take in the area’s beauty from different perspectives. The Hamersley Waterfall Walk is a Grade 3, 400-metre return trip that takes around 30 minutes to complete. It starts with a set of steps, making it accessible for most visitors. The walk offers ever-changing light, with colours and reflections that highlight the gorge’s complex geological features.
For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Hamersley Gorge Walk itself is a Grade 4, 1-kilometre return trail that typically takes around 3 hours. It’s one of the more difficult walks in the area, but the rewards are well worth it. The track follows the river upstream, passing still pools and polished boulders, before reaching 'The Grotto'—a fern-lined chasm tucked away on the eastern side of the gorge. From here, you can climb through the pools and rocks to an upstream pool known as Spa Pool, a heart-shaped natural pool where you can relax under a small waterfall, surrounded by nature’s beauty.
While Hamersley Gorge is an incredible highlight of Karijini National Park, there are many other walks nearby that are equally rewarding. Explore Knox Lookout, Knox Gorge, Joffre Lookout, Joffre Falls, and Handrail Pool, each offering unique landscapes and experiences for every hiker. Whether you’re seeking a challenging hike or a peaceful swim, Karijini is a true bushwalker’s paradise, full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Tips
- Leave the gorge promptly if it begins to rain.
- Do not dive or jump into water.
- Avoid walking on wet rock.
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Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 591 m
Min elevation: 580 m
Total climbing: 25 m
Total descent: -25 m
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Getting there
Closest towns to this walk: Marble Bar, Newman, Nullagine, Onslow, Pannawonica, Paraburdoo, Port Hedland, South Hedland, Tom Price
Getting to the trailhead in Karijini National Park.To reach the trailhead for Hamersley Gorge, head to Karijini National Park, located 130 kilometres from Tom Price, which is 1,500 kilometres (roughly 16 hours) north of Perth. The start and end points of the Hamersley Gorge Walk are just off Nanutarra Wittenoom Road, within the northern section of the park. While much of the southern half of Karijini is inaccessible, visitors typically focus on the park’s stunning northern gorges, renowned for their rock pools, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.
Karijini can be accessed from Tom Price, as well as from Roebourne, Port Hedland, or Newman. Keep in mind that distances in the park can be vast, and fuel is located over 80 kilometres away at Munjina Roadhouse or Tom Price, and about 70 kilometres from the Karijini Eco Retreat to Tom Price. If you’re planning to visit various spots within the park, a trip from Dales Campground to Weano Gorge is about 112 kilometres return. It’s important to plan your trip carefully to ensure a smooth and well-prepared adventure.
About the region
Karijini National Park is one of those places that leaves you in awe, where the landscape seems to whisper stories of ancient times. Described by many as breathtaking and rugged, it’s often hailed as the crown jewel of Western Australia. Stretching across the Pilbara region, Karijini is home to the Banyjima, Innawonga, and Kurrama people, who have been the Traditional Owners of this land for thousands of years. With rock formations that date back over 2.5 billion years, the park offers a stunning blend of natural history, adventure, and beauty.
Before you begin your journey, it’s a good idea to stop by the Karijini Visitor Centre, where the friendly locals can point you in the direction of the best spots to explore. Once you’ve gathered your information, it’s time to dive into the park’s striking landscapes. Wander through the ancient gorges, where the layers of red rock tell stories of erosion and time. The freshwater falls and secluded swimming holes, surrounded by lush ferns, are a sight to behold, and you’ll quickly understand why this place captures so many hearts.
For the full experience, it’s worth staying a couple of nights. Camping under the wide open sky will allow you to take in the full wonder of the park, with the stars coming alive as the sun sets. If you prefer a more comfortable stay, the Karijini Eco Retreat offers glamping options and guided adventure tours. The park’s beauty shifts with the seasons, and after the rains, the landscape comes alive with vibrant yellow cassias and wattles, as well as northern bluebells and purple mulla-mullas, creating a spectacular contrast against the rust-red rock.
As you explore, keep an eye out for the various wildlife that call this place home. Large termite mounds dot the grasslands, and you might spot birds, rock wallabies, echidnas, red kangaroos, goannas, and even snakes. The park is an ideal place for those who enjoy both adventure and nature, with plenty of opportunities to cool off in sparkling rock pools after scrambling over rocks and climbing through gorges.
To reach Karijini National Park, you can travel from Tom Price, Roebourne, Port Hedland, or Newman, but be mindful of the distances in the area. Fuel stations are over 80 kilometres away from Dales Campground at Munjina Roadhouse or Tom Price, and the Karijini Eco Retreat is about 70 kilometres from Tom Price. If you're planning to explore different parts of the park, a trip from Dales to Weano Gorge and back is approximately 112 kilometres. It’s important to plan your visit carefully as the southern half of the park is inaccessible and distances can add up quickly when touring the area.
From June to September, Karijini bursts into colour, with wildflowers in bloom, making it an ideal time for hiking. Whether you're navigating the walking trails or simply taking in the views from one of the lookout points, like Oxer Lookout, you'll be mesmerised by the vastness and beauty of the landscape. As the day winds down, the night sky offers another spectacle, with shooting stars and meteor showers lighting up the heavens. This ancient land, with its stunning gorges, rock pools, and waterfalls, is a truly enchanting place to visit. Before heading out, be sure to check for any alerts, incidents, or road closures to ensure a smooth adventure.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for hikes and trails in Karijini National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.
Track grade
Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
Packing checklists
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Let someone know
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Suggest an edit
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.
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.