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  1. Home ›
  2. Australia's North West ›
  3. Pilbara ›
  4. Karijini ›

Dales Recreation Area

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Permanent waterfalls, pools and ferns contrast with the red, terraced cliffs weathered by centuries of exposure to the elements.

Dales Campground

The large camping area is within easy reach of Dales Gorge, Circular Pool, Fortescue Falls and Fern Pool and is a great place from which to explore the eastern end of the park.

  • Camping fees apply. 
  • For stays from 1 June 2019 bookings are essential.
  • Campsites are in very high demand from June to September.

Check availability & book 

The only other campground in the park is at Karijini Eco Retreat. 

Dales picnic area

Spend a day here or base yourself at the nearby Dales Campground and enjoy several days of walking and picnicking in this awe-inspiring area. You will be constantly surprised by the contrasts of red rock and green ferns, of the dry landscape above the gorge and the cool dampness of the pools. There are several lookouts giving spectacular views of the gorge and trails of various lengths and difficulty leading to Dales Gorge, Circular Pool, Fortescue Falls and Fern Pool.

Fortescue Falls

Permanent water is a welcome site in the arid Pilbara environment and Fortescue Falls is Karijini National Park’s only permanent waterfall. Fed by a spring, it cascades more than 20 metres down a series of natural rock steps before finishing in a fern-lined pool.

Fortescue Falls Lookout

Enjoy fabulous views of Fortescue Falls from the top of the 100-metre-deep Dales Gorge.

Fern Pool

Surrounded by paperbarks and delicate ferns, the pool is a lush oasis in a harsh environment.

Bushwalking

There are walking trails of various lengths leading from the Dales picnic area and Fortescue Falls car park. You can swim in Circular Pool and at Fortescue Falls. Please read all information carefully.

Circular Pool lookout

The flat, well-formed trail leads to the lookout and trailhead for the Gorge Rim Walk.

Distance: 150m  Time: Allow 15 minutes return  Difficulty: Class 2

Gorge Rim Walk

Follow the rim of the gorge between Circular Pool Lookout and the beginning of the Fortescue Falls walk. White barked snappy gums grow in the car park around the edge of the gorge and shady groves of native cypress shelter under the cliff face beneath the track. There are wonderful views into Dales Gorge.

Distance: 2km loop  Time: Allow 1.5 hours return  Difficulty: Class 3

For more information visit TrailsWA.

Circular Pool Trail

Descend to the base of the gorge on a steep, rough trail with uneven steps and a small ladder and turn left toward Circular Pool. The trail has many obstacles and limited signage and is for experienced bushwalkers with a good level of fitness.

Distance: 800m return  Time: Allow 2 hours  Difficulty: Class 2

Fortescue Falls viewing area

Follow the trail from the Fortescue Falls car park to the lookout on the edge of the gorge for great views into Dales Gorge and Fortescue Falls.

Distance: 150m  Time: Allow 15 minutes  Difficulty: Class 3

Fortescue Falls Trail

Descend into the gorge on the steps from the Fortescue Falls viewing area. The vegetation changes as you go deeper into the gorge, becoming more green and lush. The rocks also change colour, becoming richer red and purple. The pool at the end of the falls is a perfect place for a refreshing swim.

Distance: 800m return  Time: Allow 1 hour  Difficulty: Class 3

Dales Gorge Trail

The four-kilometre-return trail runs along the bottom of Dales Gorge between Fortescue Falls and the Circular Pool trail.

Distance: 2km return  Time: Allow 3 hours  Difficulty: Class 4

Fern Pool

From Fortescue Falls you can take an optional 300-metre detour to Fern Pool along the floor of the gorge. Bushwalking experience is recommended.

Distance: 300m return  Time: Allow 30 minutes  Difficulty: Class 4

Download the Dales Recreation Area map and walk trail guide 

Getting There

You can get to this site by: Two-wheel drive and large vehicles > 7m

GPS: -22.4707, 118.552

Get direction in Google Map

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Camping

$11 adult per night, $7 concession card holder per night, $3 child per night (over 5 and under 16 years)

Site Activities:

Swimming
Bushwalking

Site Facilities:

Toilet
Barbecue
Lookout/Deck
No dogs allowedNo drinking water available
Activities
  • Swimming

  • Bush Walking

    There are walking trails of various lengths at Dales Gorge Day Use Area. You can also swim in some of the pools, such as Circular Pool and Fortescue Falls

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