Trail summary
Hike overview
For the fit and adventurous the Hancock Gorge Trail is one of the most spectacular short trails in Western Australia. Whilst it's a short 400 metres return, suggested time to take on this trail is 80 minutes which gives a clue to its Class 5 level.
From the trailhead, this challenging hike starts easily enough to the edge of the gorge. You then decend a series of solid metal ladders to the gorge floor. From there you wade through cold pools, negotiate rock ledges on the gorge walls and clamber through stony creek beds. Along the way, the steep gorge walls are imposing and there are amazing colours and textures in the finer detail. The gorge soon dramatically narrows and that is where the really tricky part of the Class 5 section comes into play. To continue you need a degree of flexibility and nerve by doing what is called the "spider walk" (where you stretch your arms and legs out to straddle the gap and move along the walls) . After getting through that
Tips
Start Point: Weano Gorge Car Park, Karijini Visitor Centre is 105km from Tom Price, which is 1500km (16 hours) north of Perth
End Point: Weano Gorge Car Park, Karijini Visitor Centre is 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.
Map and GPX file
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.
Getting there
Closest towns to this walk: Tom Price, Paraburdoo, Ashburton, Onslow, Newman
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.
Photo gallery
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
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.
Track grade
Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.
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.
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.
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Let someone know
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.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
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.