Fortescue Falls is one of the main attractions in Western Australia‘s remote Karijini National Park. It is the only permanent waterfall in the park.
Fortescue Falls isn’t a particularly high waterfall, and you can hardly call the drop spectacular either. But what it does do is rather interesting. This Karijini National Park waterfall cascades along a series of naturally-carved rock steps, falling about 20 metres in the process.
How to get to Fortescue Falls, Karijini National Park
Fortescue Falls is inside Dales Gorge, well inside Karijini National Park. The Fortescue Falls car park is a 106km drive from Tom Price and a 205km drive from Newman.
You can usually make it in a conventional vehicle, but the road conditions can be rough. You’re better off in a 4WD.
If you want to get to the waterfall before everyone else, you could stay overnight in the Dales Campground. It is next to the Fortescue Falls car park.
From the car park, it’s a 150-metre walk to the Fortescue Falls Lookout. If you want to get down to the bottom of the waterfall, there is a series of metal steps that descend into Dales Gorge.
Swimming at Fortescue Falls
There’s a small pool at the base of Fortescue Falls. You’re better off continuing another couple of hundred metres to the bigger and more spectacular Fern Pool. This is one of the greatest swimming holes in Western Australia.
Fern Pool is also a sacred site for the Banjima people, the Traditional Owners of Karijini. Keep noise to a minimum and avoid jumping into the water.
Walks in Dales Gorge
There are two walks worth considering. The Dales Gorge Walk follows the bottom of the gorge towards Circular Pool. The Gorge Rim Walk runs along the top.
At time of writing, access to Circular Pool itself was closed due to rockfall. The Circular Pool lookout remains open. Check the Parks Victoria website for current conditions before visiting.
Other good places to swim in Karijini National Park include Hamersley Gorge.
Accommodation options around Karijini National Park include the Karijini Eco Retreat and the Tom Price Tourist Park.
Fortescue Falls and Dales Gorge: key visitor information
Always check current trail closures and conditions on the Explore Parks WA website before visiting. The trail to Circular Pool is currently closed due to rockfall and exposed asbestos; no reopening date has been announced.
| Question | Information |
|---|---|
| Is there an entry fee for Karijini National Park? | Yes. Standard WA park entry fees apply. Fees can be paid online or on arrival. Check current prices and passes at exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/park-entry-fees. |
| Is the trail to Circular Pool currently open? | No. The walking trail down to Circular Pool is currently closed due to rain damage, rockfall and exposed asbestos. The Circular Pool lookout remains open. Check Explore Parks WA for updates. |
| How far is Fortescue Falls from Tom Price? | Approximately 106km, around one to one and a half hours by road. |
| How far is Fortescue Falls from Newman? | Approximately 205km, around two to two and a half hours by road. |
| Is there parking at Fortescue Falls? | Yes. A car park is located at the Fortescue Falls trailhead in Dales Gorge. Accessible parking bays and an accessible toilet are available nearby. |
| How far is the walk from the Fortescue Falls car park to the lookout? | 150 metres, on a flat, well-formed path. This section is rated Class 1. |
| What is the best time of year to visit Karijini National Park? | The cooler months from April to September are ideal for walking and exploring. June to September is peak season; book camping well in advance. Avoid December to February, when temperatures regularly exceed 40°C. |
| Can you camp near Fortescue Falls? | Yes. Dales Campground is next to the Fortescue Falls car park. Bookings are essential and fill quickly, especially in peak season. Book via the Explore Parks WA website. There is no drinking water on site. |
| Are dogs allowed in Karijini National Park? | No. Dogs and other pets are not permitted in the park or at any of its campgrounds. |
| Is it safe to swim at Fortescue Falls? | The pool at the base of the falls is suitable for swimming, but the water is very cold between April and September. Do not dive or jump in. Flash flooding is a risk during and after rain. Leave the gorge immediately if rain begins. |
Things to do near Fortescue Falls, Karijini National Park
Fern Pool – A 300-metre walk along the gorge floor from Fortescue Falls, this peaceful swimming hole is fed by a natural spring and framed by lush ferns. It is a sacred site for the Banjima people; treat it with respect and keep noise down.
Gorge Rim Walk – A 2.4km walk along the top of Dales Gorge, linking the Fortescue Falls Lookout with the Circular Pool Lookout. Easier than the gorge floor trail, with sweeping views into the red rock canyon below.
Hamersley Gorge – In the north-west of Karijini, this gorge is further from the main gorge cluster but well worth the extra drive. Swirls of ancient rock and waterfalls make it one of the most photogenic spots in the park.
Weano Gorge and Oxer Lookout – From the Weano picnic area, the walk to Oxer Lookout reveals the dramatic junction of four gorges below. Many visitors consider it the single most spectacular view in Karijini.
Karijini Visitor Centre – The best starting point for any Karijini visit, with displays on the park’s geology, wildlife and Aboriginal heritage. Note that the centre closes from early December to early February.
More Western Australia travel
Other Western Australia travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- An adventure to Inscription Point on Dirk Hartog Island, Shark Bay.
- What it’s like to swim with whale sharks on the Ningaloo Reef.
- What to see from the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse on the North-West Cape.
- Go drift snorkelling on the Ningaloo Reef from Turquoise Bay.
- How safe is it to swim at Bundegi Beach in Exmouth?
