Karijini

Karijini has been on our bucket list for years but Covid restrictions and floods kept us away. Now, happily, we’ve fulfilled that wish and have lots of wonderful memories. Life in the Pilbara is very busy with mining activities and along the road to Karijini, we captured this road train and rail train which says it all! Everything runs 24/7 and we wonder at the fuel bills!

We set up at Dales campground within the National Park, and did the walks near there. It was a real change to hear dingoes howling at night rather than trucks and trains!   We climbed down many steps to Fortesque Falls and then onto Fern Pool. Looking at the steps now, I’m surprised how steep they were and how many!

At the base of the stairs was Fortesque Falls and a bit further along was Fern Pool. There were enthusiastic people swimming there but we weren’t that keen to get wet, especially when those coming out, said the water was freezing! We were happy to watch and admire the beauty of the pool. 

We undertook a hike around the rim to see the gorges and rock formations. 

Unfortunately the internal road in the park was closed as it’s being sealed, so to get to the other sites, we had to exit the park and add some 50km to enter from the western side. At Hancock and Weano Gorges, Darryl & I were pretty happy to complete most of the level 5 walk - again many stairs and clamouring over rocks. We had thought we were past doing this but lived up to the challenge with no aches or pains! We were not prepared to wade and swim through water, so didn’t get to Kermit's Pool. The scenery was awesome and well worth the effort.

Unfortunately, the waterfall at Joffre wasn’t flowing but we could imagine how spectacular it would be.

Our last big gorge walk was at Hamersly where the rock colours and formation, are amazing - especially with the sun shining on them.  

We were camped just outside Hamersly Gorge in a great free spot which gave us lovely views of the ranges and we were so happy to have our campfire again. We have been fortunate with the weather as its great hiking temperature during the day and cool evenings and mornings. The cooler weather has also meant the flies haven’t been that bad - thank heavens! 

We’re now in Tom Price before heading further south away from this beautiful Pilbara region. Our advice certainly would be that if you’re considering visiting this area, then do it! You won’t be disappointed. We feel so fortunate to have now ticked this off our list. We hope all the readers are well - as we are. ❌❌❌❌ from the Brays & Greenwoods.