Hamersley Gorge Karijini National Park

Hamersley Gorge is located in the north west of Karijini National Park, Western Australia. While it’s worth the drive, it is a little further away from the other Karjini gorges at around 1 & 1/2 hours drive each way from both Fortescue Falls and Weano Gorge. It’s one of Karijini’s most accessible gorges with the carpark located just a 200 metres from the gorge and easy 2WD access to the carpark. Hamersley Gorge features a large amphitheatre style gorge, with spectacular rock formations amongst the large surrounding walls. At the top of the waterfall that flows into the pool at the base of the gorge is another large pool where you can find the unique and famous Hamersley Gorge Spa Pool.

How do you get to Hamersley Gorge?

Karijini Visitors Centre to Hamersley Gorge (approx 105km) via Karijini Drive, Mount Bruce Road and Nanutarru-Munjina Road

Tom Price to Hamersley Gorge (approx 70 km) via Nanutarra-Munjina Road

Karratha to Hamersley Gorge (approx 300km) via the Tom Price to Millstream Chichester Rail Access Road (public access allowed with a Permit) and Hamersley Road.

Can you use the Tom Price to Millstream Chichester Rio Tinto Rail Access Road?

Using the Tom Price to Millstream Chichester Rio Tinto Rail Access Road can take around 45 mins off your drive from Karratha to Hamersley Gorge. Access to this road is strictly with a permit only.  Not only does this road provide a much shorter route, it is usually in very good condition as it’s maintained regularly by Rio Tinto. You can obtain a permit (valid for 30 days) online. Fines may apply to those found using the road without a permit (and they do regularly check). More information and a link to apply for your permit can be found at www.visitashburton.com.au.

Can you access Hamersley Gorge with a 2WD?

The roads into Hamersley Gorge are unsealed however are generally accessible to 2WD’s. Depending on the condition of the roads and weather conditions a 4WD may sometimes be required or may be preferable. Travel on these roads can be slow with a 2WD when roads are in need of grading.

Is there a lookout?

Yes there is a lookout at Hamersley Gorge just a short stroll from the carpark. You can see the gorge below but you cannot see the Hamersley Gorge Spa Pool from the lookout.

How long is the Hamersley Gorge Walk?

Hamersley Gorge features two main walks –

Hamersley Gorge Walk (1km return) – wander down the Grade 4 trail to the base of Hamersley Gorge from the carpark. Here you can leave your items on the rocks and swim in the pool at the bottom. You can also swim along the gorge (to your left if you are facing the gorge from the carpark) and follow the water along for a few hundred metres to explore the spectacular tall rock formations that frame either side of this gorge.

Hamersley Gorge Waterfall Walk (1.5km return) – Use the Grade 5 trail from the carpark to use the ladder to access the top of the waterfall, or use the Grade 4 trail to walk to the bottom of the gorge then climb up the waterfall. From the top of the waterfall, swim across the large pool here, to find the Hamersley Gorge Spa Pool on the other side.

What is there to see in Hamersley Gorge?

The rock formations throughout Hamersley Gorge are just breathtaking. From the range of colours, waves within the rocks and of course the famous Hamersley Gorge Spa Pool the formations are truly a natural wonder. Swim down the gorge to admire these tall rock formations either side of the gorge, climb the waterfall and swim to the Spa Pool. Hamersley Gorge is an adventure to explore in both directions.

There is plenty of rocky area at the base of the gorge, to leave your items and sit under the shade for a drink and a bite to eat, in between exploring.

What’s the best way to access the Spa Pool?

Follow the Grade 4 walk track down to the lower pool at the bottom of the amphitheatre. Climb the waterfall to your right (if you are looking at the gorge from the carpark) and swim to the other side of the large pool at the top of the waterfall to find Hamersley Gorge Spa Pool

You can also follow the Grade 5 track which takes you down a ladder to the top of the waterfall, so you don’t have to climb your way up.

Do you need to wear good shoes?

While you will do more swimming than walking to explore this gorge, it’s recommended you do wear shoes with good grip. It’s a steep walk in and out, down and up via the rocky steps, plus the climb up the waterfall is best done in shoes also. Additionally the rocks can get very hot, in which case you will need shoes to navigate the rocks. Consider reef sandals or aqua shoes as these offer great grip and are also perfect to swim in, so you still have shoes when you reach the other side of the water. 

 

What is the best time to visit?

We visited in summer (early January) but arrived very early to beat the heat. There hadn’t been much local rain but there was still water flowing and plenty of water for swimming. The rocks did get very hot towards the middle of the day so be sure to wear shoes or sandals with good grip that ideally are also suitable for swimming ie aqua shoes, reef sandals. (Don’t climb the waterfall without shoes and then find the rocks are too hot to get back down later).

Best times to visit are Autum and Spring when the temperature is not too hot and the water is also a little warmer. Summer can be a little hot and if there have been large rainfalls from the wet season, flooding and flash flooding can be an issue. In winter while the temperature is pleasant during the day, the water can be very cold and the nights very cold also if you are staying overnight.

Always check the status of Karijini National Park roads before you visit. 

Do entry fees apply?

Entry fees to the Karijini National Park apply, however there is no pay station at Hamersley Gorge. 

What facilities are at Hamersley Gorge?

There is a 14 bay carpark, lookout and toilet facilities at Hamersley Gorge

Can you camp at Hamersley Gorge?

There is strictly no camping permitted at Hamersley Gorge. There is a free campsite at the other end of Hamersley Road with a beautiful Pilbara backdrop. The campsite named “Buddah’s Overnighter” does not have any facilities and you’ll need to be self contained, however it’s proximity to Hamersley Gorge and Tom Price make it a good place to stay for those exploring this area. 

Where is the best place to stay near Hamersley Gorge?

Closest accommodation can be found at the Tom Price Tourist Park (approx 70kms), Karijini Eco Retreat or Dales Gorge Campground. (approx 105km).

What should you pack for a visit to Hamersley Gorge?

Plenty of water
Food / snacks
Bag to place rubbish in
Hat
Sun protective clothing
Sunscreen
Waterproof Camera or Phone & Waterproof case
Shoes with good grip for climbing and suitable for swimming ie aqua shoes or reef sandals
Flotation devices (ie swim rings, pool noodles)
Drybag (to keep items carried across water dry)

Can you fly a drone in Hamersley Gorge?

No there is to be no unathorised use of drones in Hamersley Gorge.

Who are the traditional owners?

The park is the traditional home of the Banyjima, Kurrama and Innawonga Aboriginal people.

Hamersley Gorge Summary

Hamersley Gorge is worth the 1 & 1/2 hour drive from the other Karajini gorges and makes a great day trip from Karratha or Tom Price. It’s easily accessible by 2WD and is only located a short walk from the carpark. The walk trails are short and most of the adventure and exploration through the gorge is done by swimming. The Hamersley Gorge Spa Pool will take your breath away and you can easily explore this gorge in a few hours if you want to try include it with other gorges for the day.

Distance: 300kms from Karratha (via Tom Price Rail Road); 70kms from Tom Price; 105kms from other Karijini gorges
Access: 2WD
Trail Distances: 1-1.5km return
Trail Difficulty: Grade 4 & Grade 5
Facilities: Toilets
Time: 2-3 hours to half a day

Hamersley Gorge Map