Australia — Tom Price
Immerse yourself in the ancient grandeur of Karijini National Park on the Dales Gorge Trail. This moderate 12km walk winds through dramatic red rock canyons, revealing permanent waterholes and cascades. A 4-6 hour immersion into Western Australia's stunning Pilbara wilderness, showcasing unique geological formations and refreshing natural beauty.
Distance: 12.0 km
Elevation Gain: 300 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 4-6 hours
The Dales Gorge Trail is a spectacular day walk located within Karijini National Park in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. This trail offers a captivating journey into one of the park's most iconic gorges, showcasing dramatic red rock formations, ancient geological history, and the refreshing reward of permanent waterholes and waterfalls. It's a relatively short but immensely rewarding experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the raw beauty and unique ecosystem of the Australian outback. The trail is renowned for its accessibility, providing a taste of the grandeur of Karijini's gorges without requiring an overnight stay or extensive multi-day commitment. It's an ideal introduction to the park's geological wonders and a must-do for anyone visiting the region.
The Dales Gorge Trail is a circular route that takes walkers through the heart of Dales Gorge, one of Karijini National Park's most accessible and visually stunning gorges. The trail is a testament to millions of years of geological processes, with its towering, rust-coloured ironstone walls carved by ancient rivers. The walk involves descending into the gorge, traversing its floor, and then ascending back out, offering a diverse range of experiences and perspectives. Key highlights include the magnificent Fortescue Falls, a permanent waterfall cascading into a clear pool, and Circular Pool, another beautiful waterhole perfect for a refreshing dip on a warm day. The trail also passes by Djada Pool, a significant Aboriginal site.
The journey into the gorge typically begins with a descent via steps or a well-maintained path, leading walkers onto the gorge floor. Here, the scale of the ancient rock formations becomes truly apparent, with sheer cliffs rising hundreds of metres above. The air is cooler and more humid at the gorge floor, supporting a unique microclimate with hardy ferns and other vegetation clinging to the rock faces. The sound of water is a constant companion, whether it's the gentle flow of the Dales River or the more dramatic cascade of Fortescue Falls.
The trail is classified as moderate due to the need for scrambling over rocks, navigating uneven terrain, and the significant elevation changes involved in descending into and ascending out of the gorge. While the distance is manageable for most fit individuals, the challenging sections require careful footing and a reasonable level of physical fitness. The reward for this effort is an intimate encounter with a landscape that feels both ancient and alive, a stark contrast to the arid plains above. The Dales Gorge Trail is an essential experience for understanding the geological and ecological significance of Karijini National Park.
Karijini National Park, and specifically the area encompassing Dales Gorge, holds deep cultural significance for the local Banjima, Yinhawangka, Purduna, and Kurrama Aboriginal peoples. These groups have a continuous connection to the land spanning tens of thousands of years, utilising the gorges for water, shelter, and as important ceremonial sites. The permanent water sources within the gorges, such as Fortescue Falls and Circular Pool, were vital for survival in this arid environment and were central to traditional life, providing sustenance and a place for gathering.
The geological history of the gorges themselves is a story of immense time. The rock formations are part of the Hamersley Basin, one of the world's most significant iron ore provinces. The gorges were carved over millions of years by the erosive power of water, a process that continues to shape the landscape today. The distinct layers of rock visible in the gorge walls tell a story of ancient seabeds, volcanic activity, and the slow uplift of the land. The ironstone formations, rich in iron oxides, give the gorges their characteristic red and orange hues, particularly striking at sunrise and sunset.
European exploration and settlement in the Pilbara region began in the mid-19th century, primarily driven by pastoralism and later, mining. The area that is now Karijini National Park was initially part of pastoral leases. The recognition of the area's unique natural beauty and geological importance led to its proclamation as a National Park in 1967, initially as Wittenoom Gorge National Park, and later renamed Karijini National Park in 1991 to reflect its Aboriginal heritage. The development of visitor facilities, including the Dales Gorge Trail, has aimed to balance public access with the preservation of the park's natural and cultural values. Understanding this dual heritage—both Aboriginal and geological—is crucial to appreciating the profound significance of Dales Gorge.
The Pilbara region experiences a hot desert climate, with extreme temperatures during the summer months. Therefore, the best time to visit Dales Gorge and hike the Dales Gorge Trail is during the cooler, drier months, typically from April to September. This period, often referred to as the "winter" or "dry season" in Western Australia, offers more moderate temperatures, making hiking significantly more comfortable and enjoyable.
April to May (Autumn): Temperatures begin to cool, and the landscape can still show signs of recent rains, with some ephemeral wildflowers appearing. The heat is less intense, and the humidity starts to decrease, making it a pleasant time for hiking. Water levels in the gorges are usually good.
June to August (Winter): These are the coolest months, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 20°C to 25°C. Nights can be cool, sometimes dropping to around 10°C. This is the peak season for visiting Karijini National Park, and Dales Gorge can be quite busy. The waterholes are at their most inviting for swimming, and the weather is ideal for exploring the gorges.
September (Spring): Temperatures begin to rise again, but it is generally still a comfortable time to visit. Wildflowers may be more prevalent, especially if there has been good rainfall in the preceding months. By the end of September, temperatures can start to become quite warm, so early morning or late afternoon hikes are recommended.
October to March (Summer): These months are extremely hot, with daytime temperatures frequently exceeding 40°C. Hiking in the gorges during this period is strongly discouraged due to the high risk of heatstroke and dehydration. While the gorges offer some shade, the ambient temperatures can be dangerous. If visiting during these months, activities should be limited to early mornings and late evenings, and extreme caution must be exercised.
Rainfall: While the region is generally dry, occasional tropical cyclones can bring heavy rainfall between November and March. This can lead to flash flooding in the gorges, making them impassable and dangerous. Always check park alerts and weather forecasts before and during your visit.
Early Morning (Approx. 8:00 AM): Arrival and Descent
Morning (Approx. 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM): Fortescue Falls and Gorge Floor Exploration
Midday (Approx. 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Circular Pool and Djada Pool
Afternoon (Approx. 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Ascent and Return
Important Notes:
The Dales Gorge Trail is located within Karijini National Park, which is remote. The nearest town with significant services is Tom Price, approximately a 1-hour drive away. Paraburdoo Airport (PBO) is the closest airport, about a 1.5-hour drive from Tom Price. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, as roads within the park can be unsealed and corrugated. It is highly recommended to have a full tank of fuel before entering the park, as fuel is not available within Karijini. Carry ample water and food, as facilities within the park are limited. Mobile phone reception is unreliable to non-existent in most areas of the park, including within the gorges, so inform someone of your plans and expected return time.
Logistics:
This is a day hike requiring no overnight accommodation.
Typically, no specific permits are required for day hiking on the Dales Gorge Trail or for general entry into Karijini National Park. However, it is always advisable to check the official Karijini National Park website or contact the Parks and Wildlife Service of Western Australia for the most up-to-date information regarding park entry fees, any special conditions, or potential closures. Fees may apply for park entry, and these are usually payable at designated entry points or can be pre-purchased online.
Park Entry Fees:
Alerts and Closures:
Aboriginal Heritage Sites:
Detailed route notes, maps, logistics & tips for the Dales Gorge Trail (PDF).
Precisely traced GPX for the Dales Gorge Trail, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
Karijini National Park offers a wealth of other activities and gorges to explore, making it a destination that can easily fill several days:
Pre-Trip Checks:
Gorge Safety:
Communication:
First Aid: Carry a well-stocked first-aid kit and know how to use it. Be prepared to self-rescue or wait for assistance if necessary.
Fortescue Falls: The primary attraction of the Dales Gorge Trail. This permanent waterfall cascades over the ironstone cliffs into a clear, inviting pool below. It's a stunning visual spectacle and a refreshing spot to cool off. The falls are accessible via a well-maintained staircase from the gorge rim.
Circular Pool: Located further along the gorge floor from Fortescue Falls, Circular Pool is another beautiful and permanent waterhole. It's a popular spot for swimming and relaxing. The pool is surrounded by the impressive red rock walls of the gorge, creating a picturesque setting.
Djada Pool: Situated near Circular Pool, Djada Pool is a significant Aboriginal site. It is a place of cultural importance to the local Banjima people and should be treated with respect. Visitors are asked to observe the area quietly and not to disturb any natural or cultural features.
Gorge Floor Scenery: The entire walk along the gorge floor is a point of interest in itself. The towering, ancient ironstone walls, sculpted by millions of years of erosion, are a geological marvel. The unique flora that thrives in the shaded, humid environment of the gorge floor, such as ferns and mosses, adds to the dramatic contrast with the arid landscape above.
The Descent and Ascent: The experience of descending into and ascending out of the gorge provides distinct perspectives. The descent offers a sense of entering a hidden world, while the ascent provides expansive views back into the gorge and across the surrounding landscape.
The Dales Gorge Trail, like all natural environments, requires visitors to practice Leave No Trace principles to minimise their impact and preserve its beauty for future generations. Karijini National Park is a fragile ecosystem, and responsible behaviour is paramount.
Your responsibility as a walker:
By adhering to these principles, you help ensure that the Dales Gorge Trail and Karijini National Park remain a pristine and awe-inspiring destination.
