Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
In the park's north are the stunning breakaways and eroded mesas of the
Chichester Range
. Don't miss the amazing panorama from the top of Mt Herbert (the viewpoint is a
10-minute walk from the car park) and on the road to Roebourne. You can continue walk-
ing to McKenzie Spring (4.5km, one hour return). Lower down the range,
Python Pool
is
worth a look, though check for algal bloom before diving in; the pool is linked to Mt Her-
bert by the Chichester Range Camel Trail (16km, six hours return).
TOP OF CHAPTER
Karijini National Park
Arguably one of WA's most magnificent destinations,
Karijini National Park
(per car $11)
reveals
itself slowly. Ragged ranges, upthrust and twisted by nature, glow in the setting sun.
Wedge-tailed eagles soar above grey-green spinifex and goannas shelter under stunted
mulga. Kangaroos and wildflowers dot the plains, criss-crossed by deep, dark chasms
emitting the enticing sound of distant water.
While the narrow, breathtaking gorges, with their hidden, sculptured pools are Karijini's
biggest drawcard, the park is also home to a wide variety of fauna and flora, with an es-
timated 800 plant species, including some 50 varieties of wattle (acacia). Dragon lizards
scurry over stones, rock wallabies cling to sheer cliffs, and endangered olive pythons lurk
on the far side of pools. The park also contains the state's three highest peaks: Mt Me-
harry, Mt Bruce and Mt Frederick.
Banyjima Dr, the park's main thoroughfare, connects with Karijini Dr at two entrance
stations. The eastern access is sealed to the visitor centre and Dales Gorge, while the rest
of the park is unsealed. Take extra care driving as tourist rollovers are common. Avoid
driving at night.
Choose walks wisely, dress appropriately and never enter a restricted area without a
certified guide. Avoid the gorges during and after rain, as flash flooding does occur.
1
Sights & Activities
Scenic
Dales Gorge
and its campground are 19km from the eastern entrance. A short, sharp
descent leads to
Fortescue Falls
, behind which a leafy stroll upstream reveals the beautiful
Fern Pool
; head downstream from Fortescue Falls to picturesque
Circular Pool
; ascend to
Three Ways Lookout
and return along the cliff top.
