Caroline Knight rated Gorge Rim Walk and Dales Gorge Trail, Karijini NP a 4 out of 5
Absolutely lovely day doing this walk and swimming along the way!
Gorge Rim Walk and Dales Gorge Trail, Karijini NP Gorge Rim Walk and Dales Gorge Trail, Karijini NP
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Learn moreAbout Gorge Rim Walk and Dales Gorge Trail, Karijini NP
Follow the rim of Dales Gorge from the Fortescue Falls car park all the way to the Circular Pool Lookout. White-barked snappy gums grow along the edge of the gorge and shady groves of native cypress shelter on the cliff face beneath the track. Enjoy the wonderful views deep into Dales Gorge.
Descend into the gorge near the Three Ways Lookout, turn left and follow the trail markers to Circular Pool where the water is icy cold all year round.
Retrace your steps and follow the creek-side trail, between towering, 100m high red rock cliffs and past shallow reedy pools, all the way to Fortescue Falls.
Allow time to swim in the pool and sit on the ampitheatre style, rock ledges where Fortescue Falls tumble into the pool below.
Continue along the trail to the tranquility of Fern Pool and sit in the small cave behind the falls with the water cascading in front of you.
After another refreshing swim, follow the trail back to Fortescue Falls and up to the car park.
Visitor Information Centres
National Parks
Other Links
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Karijini National Park
Handy Visitor Guide on the Maps and Brochures Tab
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Dales Gorge and Circular Pool
Tourism WA webpage Dales Gorge and Circular Pool
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Ngurrangga Tours
Discover the Pilbara through the eyes of Traditional Owners whose ancestors have walked this land for more than 40, 000 years.
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Australia’s North West
Comprehensive information on the North West region including destinations, things to see and do, accommodation and tours.
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Australia’s Coral Coast
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Be trail ready for Gorge Rim Walk and Dales Gorge Trail, Karijini NP
Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.
Time / Duration
Time varies depending on how many places you stop to swim
Length
5.1 km loop
What To Pack
Group B - Hiking & Long Distance Trails (Bushwalks and/or longer trails) required.
What To Pack
Group B - Hiking & Long Distance Trails (Bushwalks and/or longer trails)
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Insect repellent
- Plenty of drinking water (as a minimum carry and drink 1 litre of water per hour of walking, per person).
- PLB or satellite phone
- Clothing to suit the activity, environment and weather conditions.
- Map/ Compass, do not rely on your phone in remote locations.
- Snacks/ Meals to keep your energy levels up on longer walks
- Extra food and water in case of unexpected delays
- Rubbish bag to remove all your rubbish
- Reference material such as wildflower wildlife guides.
- Whistle (for emergencies, six short blasts per minute)
- Small trowel for toilet emergencies, and a few sheets of toilet paper in a small waterproof bag.
- Personal first aid kit (check that items are clean, properly sealed, have not exceeded expiry dates and that used items have been replaced).
- Torch/ Headlamp
- Binoculars and camera (optional)
Additional Useful Items
Take at least 3 litres of water per personTrail Start
Fortescue Falls car park, Dales Gorge, Karijini National Park. 105km from Tom Price, which is 1500km (16 hours) north of Perth
Trail End
Bush Walk
Class 4
Difficult trail with rough surface that may have very steep hills or extensive rock hopping. Directional signage may be limited. Bushwalking experience, navigation and emergency first aid skills, and good fitness required.
Visit Trail Tips for further information.
Difficulty Notes
The Gorge Rim Walk and Lookouts is a much easier walk for those not wanting or able, to descend into the gorge via the many steps
Hazards & Warnings
Stand back from edge of cliffs - Roads to Gorge may be closed after heavy rain. - Check conditions before travelling.Facilities
Assisted wheelchair access to Circular Pool lookout.- BBQ Facilities
- Camping
- Car Park
- Lookouts
- Picnic Area
- Public Toilet
- Shop
- Visitor Information Centre
Best time of year
May to September
Fees
National Park entrance fees apply
Trail Access
Self drive or local tour operator from Tom Price
Prohibited Items
No pets; No fires in National Parks
Complete Gorge Rim Walk and Dales Gorge Trail, Karijini NP to earn badges and points!
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Earn 2 points towards
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Earn the Waterfalls , Gorges , and Popular Trail badges when you complete this trail.
This trail is part of the Aboriginal Culture badge.
3 trail goers have rated Gorge Rim Walk and Dales Gorge Trail, Karijini NP as 4.67 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.
Add your review of Gorge Rim Walk and Dales Gorge Trail, Karijini NP
Martin Hadley rated Gorge Rim Walk and Dales Gorge Trail, Karijini NP a 5 out of 5
This is another walk I first did in the early 80's when it was tough going. It is so much easier now which I really appreciated on my last visit in 2022. Take this one slowly and stop to look around a lot. Don't get too focused on the high points of the walk and thereby miss the many almost as good points along the way. Wear good footwear, be careful and take water as you are in a remote hot area and you really don't want to force others to carry you out. Most importantly, don't leave rubbish and keep beautiful for all. In late 2022 the Circular pool section was closed due to a rockfall and risk of more. Nature is like that, things will break when they break but the rest of the walk is still fabulous.
Kim Fawcett rated Gorge Rim Walk and Dales Gorge Trail, Karijini NP a 5 out of 5
This is an amazing walk. Not particularly difficult. Except maybe the steps back up to the carpark. If you stop to swim in all three waterholes you can easily spend a day there. But make sure you take the time to take in your surroundings. The towering layered gorge walls that took millions of years to develop, the immense forces of nature that have pushed and curved the rocks into amazing shapes and patterns and the thunderous river that carved out the gorge itself. Sit at Fortesque Falls and just take it all in. Amazing! Oh and the water at Circular Pool is icy, but if you climb onto the ledge on the far side of the pool the water coming out of the fern covered rocks is wonderfully warm. Enjoy!
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Fern Pool, Karijini NP
Circular Pool, Karijini NP
Dales Gorge Trail
The Dales Gorge Trail follows the creek along the bottom of the gorge
The pool below Fortescue Falls
The views from the Gorge Rim Walk
See deep down into the 100 metre deep Dales Gorge along the Gorge Rim Walk TrailView 5 Photos of Gorge Rim Walk and Dales Gorge Trail, Karijini NP
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