Karijini
Duration: 6 days
Distance: 854km / 531miles
Day 1: Karratha to Tom Price - 336km / 209miles
Day 2: Tom Price to Karijini - 98km / 61miles
Day 3: Karijini
Day 4: Karijini and Tom Price to Dampier - 400km / 249miles
Day 5: Dampier
Day 6: Dampier to Karratha - 20km / 12miles
Karijini is one of Australia's largest national parks, and arguably one of the most spectacular.
Haunting in its rugged, red beauty and unbeatable for adventure, the park is famous for its sheer gorges, waterfalls and cool swimming holes.
Karijini National Park is 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.
You can also fly to Exmouth, Karratha or Broome to join a tour, or hire a vehicle and drive yourself there.
This itinerary begins in Karratha.
Day 1: Karratha to Tom Price via Millstream Chichester National Park
The drive to Tom Price is six hours from Karratha. But don't rush - the route takes you through the picturesque Millstream Chichester National Park, scattered with wildflowers from late July to October.
Stop to explore the deep gorges, tree-lined rivers and hidden rock pools, including the focal point - Chinderwarriner Pool, on the Fortescue River. Nature lovers will enjoy the unusual Millstream palms and dragonflies near the waterways, and should linger until late afternoon to spot kangaroos and flying foxes.
Shady campsites at Deep Reach and Crossing Pool are a great option for an overnight stay, or continue to Tom Price for accommodation.
Camping in the park is recommended and early-risers will often be rewarded with glimpses of local wildlife along the water's edge.
Overnight: Tom Price
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Day 2: Tom Price to Karijini
From Tom Price, join a tour into Karijini, or head for the Karijini Visitors Centre on Banjima Drive.
The centre is fascinating in its design and the interpretive displays that communicate the region's history and cultural evolution.
Built from deliberately rusted steel to blend with the red earth, and designed in the shape of a running goanna to symbolise movement from the past into the future, the facility is a 'must see' attraction for any visitor.
Plunge next into the picturesque Hamersley Ranges of Karijini. Walking can be challenging for those with below average fitness levels so take it easy. You'll be well rewarded with sweeping views and fern-fringed pools in which to enjoy a rejuvenating dip.
Knox and Red Gorges, Joffre Falls and Weano Gorge should all be included on today's itinerary, concluding at Oxer Lookout, where four gorges meet. The view from here must be seen to be believed - particularly in the mid to late afternoon as the shadows catch the cracks among the cliff walls, and the red gorges can almost seem to glow. Even photographs don't do the scene justice because of the amazing depth and complexity of the formations.
Set up camp at the Savannah campsite near Weano, or move on to Dales Gorge campsite.
This is safe wilderness camping with basic facilities of pit toilets, gas barbecues and tables, and is fantastic for those who want a taste of no-risk bush camping.
As darkness descends, your eyes will be drawn to the stars, which blaze in awesome glory from the clear night sky.
Overnight: Karijini
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Day 3: Karijini
Take it a little easier today, exploring picturesque Dales Gorge at your leisure. Follow the trek from Circular Pool to Fortescue Falls for a refreshing afternoon swim.
Camp at Dales Gorge tonight or drive back to Tom Price via Mount Bruce - Western Australia's second highest peak. Adventurous walkers will want to climb to the top for magnificent vistas over the park, which provide an appreciation of the size of the outback and its sparse population.
Overnight: Karijini
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Day 4: Karijini and Tom Price to Dampier
Drive back up through Millstream Chichester National Park, this time stopping to explore Python Pool and to stroll around the visitors centre, once a beautiful working homestead, and then head onto Python Pool.
Before reaching Karratha, turn off towards the beachside town of Dampier. Originally developed to service the iron and salt mining industries, this quaint country town is a coastal oasis. Perched prettily on the shores of King Bay, palm trees fringe the beaches and the water is calm.
Enjoy a picnic or barbecue on the beach before settling in at a choice of hotels, caravan parks and campsites.
Overnight: Dampier
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Day 5: Dampier
A boat trip to the Dampier Archipelago is at the top of today's agenda. This collection of 42 uninhabited islands is a magnet for deep-sea fishing, reef diving and snorkelling expeditions.
Keep an eye out for turtles, birds, dolphins and dugongs - and watch out for whales between June and September.
Having experienced wilderness camping, now is your chance for the 'desert island' camping experience - permitted on most of the islands. Select your island paradise and prepare for the unforgettable experience of secluded and absolute privacy.
Alternatively, enjoy a pleasant twilight cruise before returning to your choice of accommodation in town.
Overnight: Dampier
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Day 6: Dampier to Karratha
Before leaving Dampier, explore the Burrup Peninsula, which extends from the town centre to the north-east.
There's an astonishing 10,000 Aboriginal rock engravings in the immediate area - nowhere else will you find so many in such a small area.
The peninsula is also home to the enormous North-West shelf gas projects, and a visit to the visitors centre is highly recommended.
The centre provides an interpretive history of mining and gas exploration in the region and offers a commanding view over the gas storage facilities.
Return to Karratha to complete the itinerary.
Overnight: Karratha
Allow a day or two for the drive back to Perth from Karratha, or return by air on one of the direct flights if you're strapped for time.
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