Fortescue Falls

Home | Karijini National Park, WA

Overview

Highlights

Take a refreshing dip under Fortescue Falls, Karijini National Park’s only permanent waterfall. The ancient gorges, tunnels and waterways of Karijini are famous for their bushwalking trails, lush vegetation and sheer-sided chasms up to 100 metres deep. You can reach Fortescue Falls and the aptly named Fern Pool by hiking down a steep trail from the car park and following a narrow path. As you descend you’ll notice the vegetation changes and becomes more dense and tropical, while the iron-ore rich gorge walls become deep red and purple in colour. At the end of the hike, take an energising swim in the spring-fed permanent pool beneath stunning Fortescue Falls.

Give yourself two hours for the return trip. Karijini National Park is about two hours drive from the town of Newman. It's best accessed by joining a four wheel drive tour. There are a number of tour operators taking visitors from Perth to Karijini and the surrounding region.

Activities

  • Hiking
  • Sight-seeing
  • Swimming
  • Photography

Facilities

  • Hiking trial 
  • Picnic area
  • Car park

Important Information

Guidelines

  • Always do some research before heading out for your journey. Visit the local visitor information centre for the most up to date information.
  • Stay back from cliff edges – they are about 100 metres high, often with loose rocks near the edge.
  • Flash floods can occur – do not enter gorges if there is rain in the area. If it starts raining when you are in a gorge, leave immediately.
  • The water in gorge pools can be extremely cold, especially between April and September; hypothermia can occur. Do not dive or jump into water.
  • During summer, temperatures frequently top 40 degrees Celcius. Carry plenty of water at all times. 
  • Dingoes are common around the Dales campground. They may scavenge for food and can be aggressive. Do not feed dingoes, supervise children at all times, walk in groups and store food in your vehicle.
  • Stay safe and get the most out of your visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.
  • Always enjoy waterfalls from trails and marked viewing points. Do not climb over barriers as cliff edges and slippery surfaces may cause injury or death.
  • Only swim where permitted. Don’t jump from cliff edges into water bodies.
  • Swimming near or under waterfalls can be dangerous due to strong currents, submerged hidden rock ledges and other dangers. The force of a waterfall can be incredibly strong and unfortunately, many people have drowned. Follow warning signs and take caution.
  • Wear suitable footwear and ensure to wear appropriate clothing to protect yourself from the elements when outside exploring.
  • Plan ahead and ensure to take enough food and water for your journey.
  • Always stay on the marked tracks where possible. Never climb fences, they are there for your own safety.
  • Please consider the environment, take your rubbish with you or place in the bins provided. We want to ensure these beautiful places are still here for our future generations to enjoy.
  • Ensure to let a responsible adult know of your plans and report back into them once you have finished exploring for the day.
  • National park fees apply to enter Karijini National Park in Western Australia. Check the parks website for bookings and/ or further details.
  • Entry fees may change at anytime at the discretion of WA Parks and Wildlife Services, check their website for the most up to date information.

Photo credits: WA Parks and Wildlife Service & Tom Price Visitor Centre

Content credits: Tom Price Visitor Centre, WA Parks and Wildlife Service & Aussie Bucket List®


Location & Supplier

Fortescue Falls

Address: Fortescue Falls, Karijini National Park, Tom Price, Western Australia 6751

Website: https://www.tomprice.org.au/karijini-national-park/fern-pool/

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