Handrail Pool, Weano Gorge, Karijini NP

Overview

The 1.5km return Handrail Pool trail in Weano Gorge starts as a fairly easy walk but becomes quite challenging with climbing involved to get down into Handrail Pool including steep cliffs and narrow walking passages.  Be prepared to get wet and see Australia’s beauty at its best.

Handrail Pool

Handrail Pool, Karijini

Photo Credit: Mathews Fuentes

View trail map

About the Trail

Handrail Pool is one of the many spectacular gorges unique in Karijini National Park. It is not easily accessible, but you will be rewarded with an almost surreal adventure when finding yourself immersed in a water hole surrounded by a blend of yellow and red stones. It is a challenging walk that is described as a ‘journey to the centre of the earth’.

On  the surface, there are easy walks around the top of the gorge, accessible from the Weano Gorge day use area. For the adventurous, Weano Gorge offers a challenging Class 5 scramble over boulders and through narrow passages to Handrail Pool.  For the less adventurous, there is an easier option, as the first part of the trail is Class 3.

The track starts off as the 'Lower Weano Gorge Trail' (class 3), which originates from the Weano carpark/information shelter, leading you north towards the top of Weano Gorge and then down the steps to the bottom. Here, high walls of rock will tower above you and this is where the 'Handrail Pool Trail' (class 5) starts.  Use the handrail to climb down.  As the gorge narrows the trail becomes much more challenging. Take care as you climb your way down into the waters of Handrail Pool.

Need to Know

  • Time

    2 hours return

  • Distance

    1.5km return Length is 1.5km.

  • Trail Start

    To reach the Start of the 'Handrail Pool' trail, follow the 'Lower Weano Trail', north of information shelter at carpark

  • Degree of Difficulty

    Difficult - High level of fitness and experience required.
    Bush Walk: Grade 5 - Very experienced bushwalkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20km.

    As the gorge narrows, the trail changes from Class 3 to Class 5. Take care as you negotiate the slippery rocks on your climb down to the chilly waters of Handrail Pool.

  • What to Pack?

    Be prepared to get your feet wet. However, be mindful that the water in gorge pools can be extremely cold, especially between April and September; hypothermia can occur. Do not dive or jump into water.

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

    • Minimum 2 litres of water per person per day
    • Sturdy shoes
    • Sun hat or bike helmet (compulsory in WA)
    • Sunglasses, sunscreen (30+) and insect repellant
    • Binoculars and camera (optional)
    • Map or guide book where suggested
    • Snacks and/or lunch depending on length of trail
    • Clothes to suit the activity and potential weather conditions including a water/windproof jacket
    • First Aid kit

  • Best Time of the Year

    April to October

  • Facilities

    • Car Park

  • Hazards & Warnings

    Important: Flash floods can occur – do not enter gorges if there is rain in the area. If it starts raining when you are in a gorge, leave immediately. Stay back from cliff edges – they are about 100 metres high, often with loose rocks near the edge.

  • Prohibited Items

    Do not proceed beyond Handrail Pool; No dogs allowed

  • Access to the Trail

    Air ( Paraburdoo) and road (>1500km from Perth); Road to trail - parts unsealed - 4WD recommended but 2WD possible depending on conditions. Roads to Gorge may be closed after heavy rain. Check conditions before travelling.

  • Trail Contact

    Karijini Visitor Centre
    Telephone: (08) 9189 8121
    Web: http://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/site/karijini-visitor-centre
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exploreparkswa
    Twitter: @ExploreParksWA