Hamersley Gorge, WA: Karijini swimming hole guide

Swimming in Hamersley Gorge is one of the highlights of the Karijini National Park. Accessible in a conventional vehicle, the gorge’s crocodile-free swimming holes are a great stop in the Pilbara between Perth and Broome.

Hamersley Gorge in Karijini National Park is one of the best swimming holes in Australia.

Of course, when people talk of great swimming spots in Australia, they’re normally looking at the coast. Sydney’s harbour beaches, the ocean baths in Newcastle and Lake McKenzie on Fraser Island offer spectacular swimming experiences.

In Western Australia, there are also some dramatic places to go swimming. Greens Pool in the William Bay National Park near Albany and Denmark is a perennial favourite, while Lucky Bay in the Cape Le Grand National Park near Esperance has the whitest sands in Australia.

Hamersley Gorge and other outback swimming holes

However, when you’re in the hot outback, finding a great swimming hole is on a whole new level. A safe swimming hole amongst the red dirt and dramatic rumpled landscapes is a precious thing indeed. Who cares if you’ve not brought your swimming gear with you? Just strip off and jump on in.

The Karijini National Park in Western Australia’s hot, empty Pilbara region is one such place. The Pilbara is generally seen as a place of a few isolated mining towns, to be rushed through as quickly as possible on the drive from Perth to Broome.

But the Karijini National Park is a genuine highlight of that long drive up the west coast. It is tough, it is rugged and it is often spectacular.

Getting to Hamersley Gorge

Hamersley Gorge is in the north-western chunk of the Karijini National Park. It is reached via a turn-off on the Nanutarra Road between Wittenoom and Tom Price. It’s a properly dramatic gorge, with swirls of colour running through the rocks.

Hamersley Gorge waterfalls and swimming pools

There are also several waterfalls, rushing into peaceful little pools. These pools are what make swimming in Hamersley Gorge so delightful. Pick whichever pool takes your fancy, and enjoy the refreshing waters.

There’s also a short 1km walking trail at Hamersley Gorge. This heads upstream towards a chasm known as the Grotto. It’s on the eastern side of the gorge, lined by ferns.

Are there crocodiles at Hamersley Gorge, Karijini?

You can swim safely knowing there are no crocodiles at Hamersley Gorge. It is too far south and inland for them.

Hamersley Gorge on a sealed road

In recent years it has become considerably easier to reach Hamersley Gorge. There’s no longer any need for a 4WD vehicle. There’s now a sealed road leading to the lower car park, plus toilet facilities and a newly-built lookout. Find more information on the Western Australian Parks and Wildlife Service website.

Other top spots in Karijini National Park include Fern Pool, Fortescue Falls and Circular Pool in Dales Gorge.

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