Karijini National Park is home to everything from gentle lookout walks to challenging gorge adventures involving ladders, rock scrambling and water crossings. With so many trails to choose from, understanding your fitness level and hiking experience will help you enjoy Karijini safely and confidently.
It is important to remember that distance alone does not determine how difficult a trail will be. Some of Karijini’s shortest walks are also its most demanding, thanks to steep descents, slippery rocks and natural obstacles.
Here is our guide to choosing the right Karijini trail for you.
uNDERSTAnding karijini's trail classes
Walking trails in Karijini National Park are graded from Class 2 to Class 5:
- Class 2: Easy, well-defined trails suitable for most visitors.
- Class 3: Moderate trails with some steps, slopes or uneven surfaces.
- Class 4: Difficult trails that may be steep, rough and require a good level of fitness.
- Class 5: Extreme trails for experienced and well-prepared hikers, often involving scrambling, ladders, water crossings and slippery surfaces.
These classifications consider the terrain and technical difficulty—not just the length of the trail.
EASY TRAILS AND LOOKOUTS
If you prefer shorter walks, are travelling with young children or simply want to experience Karijini’s scenery without descending into the gorges, begin with one of the park’s lookout trails.
Marandoo View
Class 2 | 500m return | Allow 30 minutes
Located along the Punurrunha (Mount Bruce) trail, Marandoo View is a short and relatively easy walk offering views across the surrounding landscape. It is a great introduction to the rugged beauty of the Hamersley Range.
Joffre Lookout
Class 3 | 240m return | Allow 20 minutes
Conveniently accessed from Karijini Eco Retreat, Joffre Lookout offers a spectacular view into the curved natural amphitheatre of Joffre Gorge. The trail includes rock steps, so some care is required, but it is a rewarding option for visitors who do not want to enter the gorge.
Knox Lookout
Class 3 | 800m return | Allow 20 minutes
This short walk leads to breathtaking views over Knox Gorge and the surrounding landscape. Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to see the gorge walls illuminated by softer light.
Oxer Lookout
Class 3 | 800m return | Allow 30 minutes
Oxer Lookout offers an incredible view over the meeting point of four dramatic gorges. The trail follows a sloping path with minor obstacles and steps, making it a good choice for visitors who are comfortable walking on slightly uneven surfaces.
MODERATE TRAILS
These walks are suited to visitors with a reasonable level of fitness who are comfortable with steps, slopes and uneven ground.
Gorge Rim Walk
Class 3 | 2.4km return | Allow 1 hour 45 minutes
The Gorge Rim Walk traces the edge of Ngirribungunha (Dales Gorge), connecting Circular Pool Lookout with Fortescue Falls Lookout. The trail features gentle slopes, occasional steps and beautiful views across the gorge.
It is one of the best options for experiencing the scale of Karijini without navigating the more difficult terrain found on the gorge floor.
Jubula (Fortescue Falls)
Class 3 | 800m return | Allow 1 hour
The trail begins at Fortescue Falls Lookout before descending a series of steps to the waterfall. There are seats along the way where you can pause and enjoy the view.
Although the path is well defined, remember that every step you take down must also be climbed on the return journey.
Honey Hakea Track
Class 3 | 4.6km return
Following the first section of the Punurrunha (Mount Bruce) Summit Trail, the Honey Hakea Track provides sweeping views of the Hamersley Range. It is a good option for hikers who want a longer walk without committing to the full summit trail.
TRAILS FOR ACTIVE AND CONFIDENT HIKERS
Class 4 trails are best suited to experienced walkers with a good level of fitness, balance and confidence on rough surfaces.
Nhamarrunha (Kalamina Gorge)
Class 4 | 3km return | Allow 3 hours
Often considered a wonderful introduction to Karijini’s gorge system, Kalamina Gorge features steps, rocky sections and a peaceful creek-side trail leading to Rock Arch Pool.
While it is less technical than the park’s Class 5 adventures, the uneven terrain and gorge descent still require suitable footwear and preparation.
Upper Weano Gorge
Class 4 | 1km return | Allow 45 minutes
This trail descends into Upper Weano Gorge and follows the gorge floor. Expect uneven terrain and natural obstacles along the way.
Visitors looking for a more challenging experience can continue towards Lower Weano Gorge and Handrail Pool, where the trail changes to Class 5.
Ngirribungunha (Dales Gorge) Trail
Class 4 | 1km one way | Allow 1 hour 45 minutes
This creek-side trail connects Fortescue Falls with Three Ways Lookout. It crosses the bottom of the gorge and includes rocks, pools, steep stairs and a ladder.
It is a memorable way to explore Dales Gorge at ground level, but you should be comfortable navigating rough and varied terrain.
Class 4 trails are best suited to experienced walkers with a good level of fitness, balance and confidence on rough surfaces.
TRAILS FOR ACTIVE AND CONFIDENT HIKERS
Karijini’s Class 5 trails are designed for very experienced, fit and well-prepared hikers. They can involve steep descents, ladders, rock scrambling, narrow passages, slippery rocks and sections through water.
Bilungunha (Hancock Gorge) and Kermits Pool
Class 5 | 1.5km return | Allow 2 hours
Although it is relatively short, Hancock Gorge is one of Karijini’s most technically demanding and memorable trails. Hikers descend ladders, travel through water and negotiate narrow sections of the gorge before reaching Kermits Pool.
Shoes with excellent grip are essential, as the rocks can be extremely slippery.
Lower Weano Gorge and Handrail Pool
Class 5 | 1.2km return | Allow 1 hour 30 minutes
This trail begins easily before becoming progressively more challenging. The final descent to Handrail Pool requires hikers to use a handrail while carefully climbing through a narrow section of the gorge.
You should be confident using both hands to climb and comfortable getting wet.
Knox Gorge
Class 5 | 2km return | Allow 3 hours
Knox Gorge begins with a steep descent over loose rocks before reaching the gorge floor. A high level of fitness and agility is required, particularly for the climb back out.
The trail ends at the designated stop sign, and hikers must return the same way.
Joffre Waterfall
Class 5 | 1.3km return | Allow 2 hours
Located close to Karijini Eco Retreat, the Joffre Waterfall trail follows a rough, unformed track and crosses Joffre Creek before descending into the gorge.
Do not proceed if water is flowing strongly. This trail is suitable only for experienced hikers who are confident scrambling across uneven rock.
Punurrunha (Mount Bruce) Summit
Class 5 | 9km return
As the second-highest peak in Western Australia, Punurrunha offers spectacular views across the Hamersley Range. The trail follows a ridge and includes steep, rocky climbs, making it a demanding experience requiring endurance as well as agility.
stay safe while exploring karijini
Conditions in Karijini can change quickly. Flash flooding is possible, so never enter a gorge when rain is forecast or falling nearby. Gorge pools can also be extremely cold, particularly between April and September.
Carry plenty of water, wear appropriate footwear, stay on marked trails and obey all warning signs. Always check current park alerts and speak with Parks and Wildlife staff before attempting a challenging walk. Official trail details and safety updates are available through Explore Parks WA.
Find Your Karijini Adventure
Whether you prefer a peaceful lookout walk or an unforgettable Class 5 gorge adventure, there is a Karijini trail to suit your experience and fitness level.
Base yourself at Karijini Eco Retreat and spend your days discovering ancient landscapes, cascading waterfalls and some of Western Australia’s most remarkable walking trails. After your adventure, return to the retreat to relax, refuel and enjoy the tranquillity of the national park.
Ready to experience Karijini? Book your stay at Karijini Eco Retreat and start planning your next adventure.