The 1.5km return Handrail Pool trail in Weano Gorge starts as a fairly easy walk but becomes quite challenging with climbing involved to get down into Handrail Pool including steep cliffs and narrow walking passages. Be prepared to get wet and see Australia's beauty at its best.
Handrail Pool is one of the many spectacular gorges unique in Karijini National Park. It is not easily accessible, but you will be rewaRoaded with an almost surreal adventure when finding yourself immersed in a water hole surrounded by a blend of yellow and red stones. It is a challenging walk that is described as a 'journey to the centre of the earth'. On the surface, there are easy walks around the top of the gorge, accessible from the Weano Gorge day use area. For the adventurous, Weano Gorge offers a challenging Class 5 scramble over boulders and through narrow passages to Handrail Pool. For the less adventurous, there is an easier option, as the first part of the trail is Class 3. The track starts off as the 'Lower Weano Gorge Trail' (class 3), which originates from the Weano Car Park/information shelter, leading you north towards the top of Weano Gorge and then down the steps to the bottom. Here, high walls of rock will tower above you and this is where the 'Handrail Pool Trail' (class 5) starts. Use the handrail to climb down. As the gorge narrows the trail becomes much more challenging. Take care as you climb your way down into the waters of Handrail Pool.
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.
Start Point: To reach the Start of the 'Handrail Pool' trail, follow the 'Lower Weano Trail', north of information shelter at Car Park
End Point: To reach the End of the 'Handrail Pool' trail, follow the 'Lower Weano Trail', north of information shelter at Car Park
Region: Weano Gorge, North West
For more information, a location map and GPS file please visit Trails WA.
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Mount Augustus National Park
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