Karijini 3

The final day of the Park involved Hancock Gorge, a trickier adventure that the previous 2 days but a very rewarding one. It was an early start to ensure that I could get on with the journey.

Hancock required the scaling of a vertical ladder some 20m high that once descended down was promptly told of the warnings and danger and reiterated that water crossing were a bigger part of this gorge. I was a little nervous, being on my own, but carried the EPIRB, medical kit, whistle and safety matches and possibly the kitchen sink… just to be on the safe side.

The landscape in the gorge was stunning and being early, quite chilly . A rather precarious clamber over some slippy rocks followed that once completed only displayed deeper water crossings. As soon as the water appeared however all of the stuff was dumped on the ground.

 

Kermit’s Pool is the focal point for the Gorge and it doesn't disappoint. A purple shade glistens over the rocks due to the concentration of iron ore and blue asbestos and the water quietly flows around you. The early morning start and the cool shades gave this place an atmosphere that was very calming. A reassuring group of 4 travellers were in front of me in case of any troubles but fortunately was ok.

Spiders Walk is a must do too and can’t remember whether this was before Kermit’s Pool. It seemed the only way down was to get on yuor bum and slide/scurry along the canyon floor. It was a narrow canyon without much to hold on to so was slippy in many places. As I got down I did wonder how I’d get back up!!! Fortunately the name Spider’s Walk is very fitting so using arms and legs managed to make my back up. After clambering back under a low overhang of rock and the precarious bit mentioned above made it back to the van for 9am and carry on to Tom Price.

More photos from Ben Knapinksi

Karijini 2

After finishing another book, Dan Brown’s Lost Symbol (just as good as the others!!!) Weano Gorge was next in line.

Ben Knapinski’s photos are definitely a must to check out as the two gorges here involved water crossings and I wasn’t taking the DSLR just in case. It was a puzzling conundrum at first. Can you guess why?

  

After a while pondering the problem with a family who turned up, we all left bags and waded into the chilly water. Some found a deep channel that required a little swim, whilst others found the proximity to the canyon wall accessible so clambered over the obstacle.

Weano Gorge is famous for Handrail Pool, a good swimming spot but requires a tricky traverse along a water filled crack in the chasm. The crack is handrailed and the water at the bottom very cold but an amazing experience. Jumping into the pool numbs you to the bone and your brain has to remember how to breathe as its quickly stunned, but once you’re in and moving around a very refreshing experience. We went further down the gorge to another eroded section that could be named “Sheep Dip” Gorge as the canyon narrowed and the water deepened to your chest for approx 100m before stopping in a hollowed corner. Strict warning signs are located here as it turns to a Grade 6 area that can only be accessed by qualified people with abseiling and rock-climbing experience. It did look tempting though ;)

Fortunately the sun was out for us so the beads of light that did filter down allowed us to warm quickly but would recommend taking a towel and change of clothes just in case!!! Our bags were still there, as were cameras, and as we returned the same confused faces of walkers contemplating the crossing welcomed us. Our top tips passed on, we all left the Gorge knowing that we’d completed something special.

At the top, it seemed as though Wicked had opened up a Karijini branch..

Karijini

Karijini National Park is an amazing place. You drive for ages through some weird landscapes, drive through some gates announcing the park, drive a bit more to the visitor centre and you’re still at a loss to understand what it is you’re expecting to see. For example, you drive to Uluru and you see a great big rock in the middle of the desert, you drive to the Bungle Bungles and you see alien rock formations, you drive to Karijini and you see nothing. Not a smidge.

Hmmm.

So you park, perhaps camp and start wandering around and you’re still not any clearer until you reach the first lookout!

   

Karijini National Park is all about gorges and the exploration of them. If you’re also lucky you might see wildflowers. The two main gorges are Dale and Weano with camping permitted at the first. It wasn’t the best of arrivals as rain started to fall that afternoon. Typical. The following day was spent tucked in the van reading a couple of books and hoping the leaky windscreen would hold out.

The second day was a bit better so after bumping into a couple I’d met at Port Hedland set off to explore properly. The gorges are stunning and in my opinion some of the best of Australia. Both are deep below ground level requiring ‘a good level of fitness” that at first made me question my own ability but after completing, made me feel jolly good about myself :) Me. Fitness. Never before have these two words been in the same sentence!!!

 

The rock strata here is sensational and provides clear evidence about the deposits of iron ore in the area. Some have been collected and polished in the visitor centre as gifts and look amazing.

Huge colour and texture contrasts can be found walking around the gorges with the almost dry walling effect looking rigid against the tall grasses. Clear water runs through the gorge that is tempting to drink but in the presence of humans, never too sure. Turning left into the gorge leads to Circular Pool, a beautiful deep green pool within the rocks that creates a nice relaxing area. Several other walkers were there and couldn’t help but just stare and gaze at the spectacular colours.

 

Turning right round and heading back along the full length of the gorge leads you to an eerie opening in the track. Little cairns have been built by passersby constructed as good luck charms creating a “Blair Witch” moment and a bit creepy. We had fun building our own just in case..

Dales Gorge walk leads to Fortescue Falls and Fern Pool, spectacular waterfalls and spots for swimming in the right parts of the year. They dominate the face of the gorge and mark the end of the walk only requiring a steep climb up some built in steps.

Typically, as I returned back to Stan, the weather brightened but didn’t help the poor mats and Merrells from being painted red.

 

I’d recommend looking at Ben Knapinski’s photos of the place to get the real essence of the place!