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Hancock Gorge (with Kermits Pool), Karijini NP Hancock Gorge (with Kermits Pool), Karijini NP

Bush Walk  in North West

(+3)
The Kimberley, The Pilbara & Karijini, Broome & Dampier Peninsula

  • Half day
  • 1.5 km
    • Bush Walk Class 5

      Extreme trail with very rough surface, and may have very steep hills, arduous rock hopping or rock scrambling. Limited or no directional signage. For very experienced bushwalkers with navigation and emergency first aid skills, and high level of fitness.

For the fit and adventurous the Hancock Gorge Trail is one of the most spectacular short trails in Western Australia.  Whilst it’s a short 400 metres return,  suggested time to take on this trail is 80 minutes which gives a clue to its Class 5 level.

Climbing along the gorge wall
Earn 3 Points Waterfalls
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From the trailhead, this challenging hike starts easily enough to the edge of the gorge. You then decend a series of solid metal ladders to the gorge floor.

From there you wade through cold pools, negotiate rock ledges on the gorge walls and clamber through stony creek beds. Along the way, the steep gorge walls are imposing and there are amazing colours and textures in the finer detail.

The gorge soon dramatically narrows and that is where the really tricky part of the Class 5 section comes into play. To continue you need a degree of flexibility and nerve by doing what is called the "spider walk" (where you stretch your arms and legs out to straddle the gap and move along the walls) . After getting through that, it's only a matter of metres before coming to a roped off section, the end of the trail. The gorge continues on, but it is simply too dangerous.

The view of Kermits Pool from here is wonderful. A good idea for your feet are reef shoes. They have a better grip than hiking boots and make wading through water better than bare feet.

Be trail ready for Hancock Gorge (with Kermits Pool), Karijini NP

Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.

Time / Duration

Up to 3 hours

Length

1.5km return

What To Pack

Group B (Bushwalks and/or longer trails) required.

Trail Start

Weano Gorge carpark, Karijini Visitor Centre is 105km from Tom Price, which is 1500km (16 hours) north of Perth

Get directions

Trail End

Bush Walk

Class 5

Extreme trail with very rough surface, and may have very steep hills, arduous rock hopping or rock scrambling. Limited or no directional signage. For very experienced bushwalkers with navigation and emergency first aid skills, and high level of fitness.

Visit Trail Tips for further information.

Difficulty Notes

The Spider walk can be challenging for some.

Hazards & Warnings

This is a slippery, fall risk area. Be very careful

Facilities

Nearest accommodation is Karijini Eco Retreat and Savannah Camp. Camping to luxury eco tents.
  • Car Park
  • First Aid Equipment
  • Interpretive Centre
  • Lookouts

Best time of year

June to August

Fees

National Park Fees

Trail Access

Drive or bus to Tom Price (100km to Karijini Visitor Centre) or Fly to Parabadoo, Roads to Park may be closed after heavy rain. Check conditions before travelling.

Prohibited Items

No pets; No fires in National Parks
Edge shaped like mountain horizon
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Waterfalls

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Edge shaped like mountain horizon
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