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Handrail Pool, Weano Gorge, Karijini NP Handrail Pool, Weano Gorge, Karijini NP

Bush Walk  in North West

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

  • 1-3 hours
  • 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.

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, Karijini
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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.

Tom Price Visitor Centre

(08) 9188 5488

Be trail ready for Handrail Pool, Weano Gorge, Karijini NP

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

Time / Duration

2 hours return

Length

1.5km return

What To Pack

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

Trail Start

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

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

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.

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.

Facilities

  • Car Park

Best time of year

April to October

Trail Access

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.

Prohibited Items

Do not proceed beyond Handrail Pool; No dogs allowed
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Waterfalls Gorges

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1 trail goers have rated Handrail Pool, Weano Gorge, Karijini NP as 5 out of 5!

We love to hear from people who've been on our Western Australian trails, so it would be most appreciated it if you wanted to leave a review.

steve bennett

Reviewed 13 Feb 2017, 8:14am

This was my family's favorite place on the Perth to Broome route. A rainstorm had cleared out all tourists and we had Karajini to ourselves. WA gorges are spectacular.

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