When is the best time to go to Karijini National Park?

Posted on September 3, 2019

Karijini National Park is a 6000 square metre wilderness area in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. As the state’s second largest national park it contains some of the country’s most remote and untravelled attractions so is perfect for anyone wanting to escape the tourist trail and experience the Australian outback.

Karijini is a place of diversity. It boasts the quintessential red plains that the Pilbara is known for as well as the rugged Hamersley Range. But undoubtedly, one of the central attractions of Karijini National Park are the spectacular deep-cut canyons and gorges that dissect its vast expanse. At their base lie 2.8-billion-year-old Banded Iron Formations: some of the oldest rocks in the world. While their depths are protected from the extremes of weather and fed year-round by aquifers which means they host a prolific variety of plant and animal life as well as offering exceptional walking, swimming and (for the more adventurous) canyoning opportunities.

The best time to visit Karijini National Park

Karijini is an exquisite place year-round. But being in such a remote and arid part of Australia, timing your adventure to Karijini to suit the elements will greatly influence your trip. Whilst crowds are never much of a concern, daytime temperatures well over 45 degrees in summer can have huge impacts on your travels with sections of the park shutting down in severe weather events. On the other extreme, flooding in the wet season leads to road closures and parts of the park being inaccessible.

Fun Fact: In the summer of 1923 the nearby town of Marble Bar recorded 160 consecutive days over 37.8 degrees Celsius.

It’s safe to say that late autumn and early winter is our favourite time of the year in Karijini. The days are mild, with maximum temperatures ranging between 28 and 24 degrees across May, June and July. This means perfect walking conditions and refreshing dips in the exquisite waterholes that line the canyons. It’s also one of the driest parts of the year, which means sunny days and clear, starry nights that are cool enough to get cosy in a sleeping bag without being uncomfortably cold around the fire of an evening. And being shortly after the wet season it also ensures an abundance of plant and animal life, as well as water in the canyons.

How to get to Karijini National Park

Paraburdoo is the closest airport. A 4WD is your best bet for the rugged roads that lead to various camping options within the park. Karijini Eco Retreat is the only established accommodation within the park and it frequently books out, so plan ahead.

Come with us – Karijini National Park guided tour

We offer a comprehensive 10 day comfortable camping tour that also incorporates the World Heritage Listed white sands of Ningaloo Reef for the ultimate adventure. For more details click here: https://www.inspirationoutdoors.com.au/tours/karijini-national-park-and-ningaloo-reef/