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Karijini National Park Review

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Karijini National Park

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Category: Parks
Location: Monkey Mia and Ningaloo Reef

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Fodor's Review:

About 1,411 km (875 mi) northeast of Perth and 450 km (280 mi) from Monkey Mia is the Western Australian Outback as people imagine it: deep-red rock formations, and craggy, deep gorges sheltering tranquil, pristine pools.The huge rocks, crags, and gorges that make up the Hamersley Range in the Pilbara region, northeast of Monkey Mia, are among the most ancient land surfaces in the world. Sediments deposited by an inland sea more than 2.5 billion years ago were forced up by movements in the earth's crusts and slowly weathered by natural elements through succeeding eons. The gorges are the most popular attractions in the national park—unexpected deep gouges in a seemingly flat landscape are relatively accessible, some, such as Fortescue Falls and Ferns pool, just a short walk from parking lots throughout the park. Information on all the park's attractions can be found at the Karijini Visitor Centre (08/9189-8121 www.naturebase.net).There are also longer walks such as the popular, one-hour Dales Gorge Trail hike. Some trails are challenging and require you to climb over boulders and rock ledges, as well as wade through freezing waters—but the reward of getting to Joffre, Knox, and Hancock gorges makes it worthwhile. You must let park rangers know before attempting to hike into any of the more-remote locations. Day trips to the park are available through Lestok Tours (08/9188-2032 www.lestoktours.com.au) from A$130 per person, departing daily from Tom Price.

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