Joffre Falls Lookout

Joffre Falls Lookout is a deck on the rim of Joffre Gorge, looking down on the curved falls and the dark pool below. The red, step-like cliff wraps around the water in a natural amphitheatre. It’s a worthwhile short stop for that shape alone, and an especially good waterfall view after rain.

Access is from Banjima Drive West, with unsealed roads on the approach, so check current conditions before setting out. From Joffre Gorge car park, an uneven path with rock steps reaches the deck. Allow about 20 minutes return. This is the quick rim visit. The marked walk into the gorge is a separate outing: 1.5 km return and about two hours to the first pool downstream of the waterfall.

Water runs down the stepped cliff face into the pool, then through the narrower gorge over smooth black rock. The falls are seasonal and show best after rain, so they may be dry when you visit. The gorge still has its deep red walls and amphitheatre shape without a flowing waterfall.

Summer days in Karijini frequently climb above 40°C. Carry water for even this short walk, stay well back from the high, sometimes loose cliff edges, and don’t enter the gorges when rain is in the area because of flash-flood risk.

Try to fit the curve of the cliff and the pool in the same view; that shows how the gorge cups the falls. Beyond the rim, look over the spinifex and snappy gums toward the distant range. The broad sunset view is lovely when conditions line up, but the main photo is the red rock amphitheatre with the pool below.