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Overview
Circular Pool sits at the eastern end of Dales Gorge, a cool, fern‑ringed bowl tucked beneath sheer red walls. It’s one of the gorge’s most photogenic corners and pairs naturally with nearby Fortescue Falls and Fern Pool.
Current Status & Access
The walking trail down to Circular Pool has been closed due to rain damage and rockfalls. You can still admire it from the Circular Pool Lookout on the Gorge Rim Walk. Re‑check official park alerts before you go, as conditions change. When the descent eventually reopens, expect a steep Class 4 entry followed by an easier ramble along the gorge floor (allow about 2 hours return for roughly 800 m).
What You’ll See
From the lookout, you peer into a circular, fern‑framed pool in a natural amphitheatre—classic Dales Gorge scenery. Fortescue Falls (the park’s only permanent waterfall) and tranquil Fern Pool sit nearby, making this part of the park a concentrated hit of gorge color and cool shade.
Geology Snapshot
Karijini’s gorges expose banded iron formations, dolomite, and Mount McRae shale—rocks laid down over 2.5 billion years ago and later carved by creeks into today’s deep channels. The iron‑rich layers and soft shales create those red terraces and the lush pockets of ferns you’ll spot around the pool.
Culture & Etiquette
Circular Pool and Fern Pool are culturally significant places for Traditional Owners. Keep voices low, enter water quietly when access is permitted again, and never jump from ledges or waterfalls.
Amenities & Logistics
- Parking: Dales Day Use carpark serves the Circular Pool Lookout; there’s also parking at Fortescue Falls.
- Facilities: Toilets, shaded picnic tables and shelters (plus barbecues) at Dales Day Use; bring all the drinking water you need—none is provided here.
- Roads: Access to the Dales area is via sealed roads.
Best Time to Visit
The sweet spot is roughly May–October for warm days and lower rain risk. In hotter months (like April), plan early or late visits to dodge heat. Avoid gorge trips after sunset. The lookout itself is open around the clock, but daylight hours make the most of the views.
Safety Essentials
Gorge rocks are smooth and can be slick; wear sturdy footwear. Do not dive or jump. Pools can be very cold—between April and September hypothermia is a risk. Never enter gorges when rain is forecast, and leave promptly if rain begins.
Nearby Pairings
Can’t descend to Circular Pool? Swim at Fortescue Falls or Fern Pool instead (keep noise low at Fern Pool out of respect). These three make an easy half‑day loop from the Dales Day Use area.
Pros
- Fern-framed natural amphitheatre with striking red-rock walls
- Easy views from the Gorge Rim Lookout while the pool track is closed
- Picnic tables and toilets at nearby Dales Day Use area
Cons
- Descent track into the pool is closed due to rockfall damage
- No drinking water at the day‑use area; bring your own
Tips
- Check park alerts before you go; the Circular Pool descent has been closed.
- Start at Dales Day Use—follow the Gorge Rim Walk to the Circular Pool Lookout.
- Bring plenty of water; there’s no drinking water at the day‑use area.
- For a swim, use Fortescue Falls or Fern Pool and keep voices low at Fern Pool.
- Wear grippy shoes and avoid entering gorges if rain is forecast.
