Karijini National Park

A park of deep red gorges cut into the ancient rock of the Pilbara, with waterfalls, cold clear rock pools and fern-lined chasms. Swim at Fortescue Falls and Fern Pool in Dales Gorge, scramble through Hancock Gorge to Kermits Pool, and edge along Weano Gorge to Handrail Pool. Oxer Lookout looks down where four gorges meet.

Some gorge trails are very difficult, involving wading and climbing, so check the trail class and conditions at the visitor centre. The best time is April to September; summer is very hot and flash floods can close the gorges. Drinking water is available in the park, but bring plenty.

Stay at the Dales campground or the Karijini Eco Retreat. The nearest town is Tom Price. It's about 1,400 km north of Perth, so most people combine it with Exmouth and the Ningaloo coast.