Dales Gorge

Top choice in Karijini National Park

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From the Fortescue Falls car park, a trail descends steeply via a long staircase to stunning Fortescue Falls (the park's only permanent waterfall; about one hour return) and a photogenic swimming hole, behind which a leafy 300m stroll upstream reveals beautiful Fern Pool.

You can enjoy a 2km gorge-rim trail from the start of the Fortescue Falls track to Circular Pool lookout, with great views into Dales Gorge. The Circular Pool lookout is connected to Dales Campground by an easy walking trail.

For a lengthy, spectacular walk of an additional 1.5km (for more experienced bushwalkers), head 1km downstream from Fortescue Falls to picturesque Circular Pool along the gorge floor that's bursting with greenery, then ascend steeply to Three Ways Lookout and return to the car park along the gorge rim.

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Nearby Karijini National Park attractions

1. Fern Pool

0.33 MILES

Swim quietly and with respect at this lovely, shady pool – it has special significance to the local Aboriginal people. It's a 300m (roughly 10-minute)…

2. Kalamina Gorge

10.46 MILES

A wide, easy gorge where you can hike to the falls located upstream of a small, tranquil pool (3km, takes about two hours return). Access by 4WD or high…

3. Knox Gorge

17.85 MILES

Knox Lookout (300m; 15 minutes return) is best at sunrise or sunset. Descend from Knox Lookout into the gorge (2km; about three hours return) to several…

4. Oxer Lookout

18.7 MILES

The 13km drive (past the Karijini Eco Retreat) to the breathtaking Oxer Lookout is bumpy and unsealed, but it's worth it for the magnificent views of the…

5. Weano Gorge

18.81 MILES

The Upper Weano is dry, but the steep track winding down from the car park to the Lower Weano narrows until you reach the perfect, surreal bowl of…

6. Hancock Gorge

18.89 MILES

The trail through Hancock Gorge is one of the shortest (400m, 80 minutes return) but also one of the most challenging in the park. A steep descent (partly…

7. Joffre Gorge

19.15 MILES

When not trickling, Joffre Falls are spectacular, but the frigid pools below are perennially shaded. The Joffre Lookout is 10 minutes' walk from the…