Karijini National Park – Dales Campground

 15 – 18 October 2022

We left Tom Price and drove the 110 km to Karijini National Park, arriving around morning tea time. We called into the visitor centre and were given lots of great information about the walks. The lady we spoke to took the time to explain the different walks, and created a possible itinerary for us. We found our campsite and set up, with a bit of shade as well as lots of sun to keep the solar panels working well.

It was a very hot afternoon, so we waited until late in the day to drive the short distance to Dales Gorge to have a bit of a look around and decide what we would do the following day. First we went to the Circular Pool Lookout, then to the Three Ways Lookout. We’ve seen lots of gorges on this, and previous, trips and this one is quite spectacular. We also drove to the Jubula (Fortescue Falls) Lookout and again marvelled at this magnificent sight.

We decided to tackle the Ngirribungunha (Dales Gorge) Rim Walk early in the day and drove back to the Circular Pool Lookout as our starting point as that would give us the sun behind us for the outward journey. This walk is the only easy walk in the park – Grade 2/3 – and is about 2.4 kilometres return. There is a loop that can be completed by descending into the gorge but we decided that would be too strenuous for us as it is rated Grade 5. The rim walk is mostly a well-made, fairly level pathway, but there are a couple of gully crossings that are quite rough, and some small up and down sections. The path is mostly on gravelly ground so good shoes are essential.

On our walk between Circular Pool and Fortescue Falls Lookouts we saw the spot where you can access or climb out of the gorge – definitely not for us as it looked like it would involve some serious steep rock climbing. The guide booklet says there is a ladder and steep stairs. Access at the other end is via approximately 245 stairs that descend to Fortescue Falls.

After morning tea back at camp we set off for a swim at Fortescue Falls – down the 245 stairs. The walk down was easy and once we reached the bottom we continued on to Jubura (Fern Pool) which most people agree is the nicest spot. There is a fairly new platform where you can sit and enjoy the surrounds, as well as ladders to climb in and out of the pool. We took the pool noodles and floated around in the very cool water of Fern Pool. You can swim right over to the waterfall. This is a sacred place and visitors are asked to remain quiet and not jump or dive into the water.

From Jubura we walked back to Jubula and had another swim. We felt we should try both spots and have to agree with popular opinion – Jubura is by far the nicer swimming spot. The trek back up the stairs required a couple of stops along the way at the strategically place seats. It’s also nice to stop occasionally and take in the fabulous views.

We spent the rest of our time in and around the campground - there were lots of birds around and a curious dingo who visited each morning and afternoon. It looked like it was just waiting to pounce on any food left laying around. Unfortunately some well meaning but ignorant vistors feed these beautiful animals, causing them to become aggressive looking for more food. The result is that rangers are forced to euthenise them. 

We left Karijini after three nights and set off towards Newman and Meekatharra, slowly making our way to Perth.