Kalamina Gorge Lookout

Kalamina Gorge Lookout is a short walk from the car park to a viewpoint above the gorge, before the track drops steeply to the creek. It's a worthwhile stop on its own; continue down only if you want the pool and gorge-floor walk. The lookout is a preview, not the longer outing.

From the lookout, a steep track drops to a small permanent pool and waterfall. The short return to the pool is about 30 minutes; the full walk follows the stream past rock pools and banded walls to Rock Arch Pool, about 3 km and three hours return. Expect rough steps, stream crossings and ledge walking.

Don't enter the gorge in rain: flash floods are a risk. The pools are especially cold from April through September, while summer temperatures often top 40°C.

Karijini's Hamersley Basin exposes horizontal, iron-rich layers that have been cut into deep gorges; the region has been relatively stable for about two billion years. Below, green water, pale snappy gums and grasses set the red rock off. For a photo from the rim, include the stream and pale gum trunks against a banded wall; the contrast is what makes the view.

Karijini is Country of the Banyjima, Kurrama and Innawonga peoples. Traditional fire management has helped shape the area's varied plant communities.

The car park has toilets, drinking water and an information shelter. The approach road is unsealed and can be corrugated, so allow for a slower drive. Bring food for the walk; the known facilities here are toilets, drinking water and an information shelter.