Place · 0 mi away
Overview
This is the hub for Karijini’s most dramatic corner gorges. From one compact day-use area you can wander to Oxer and Junction Pool lookouts, dip into Upper Weano’s pool, tackle the famed Handrail Pool, or venture into Hancock Gorge. Expect banded‑iron cliffs, narrow chasms, and chilly, crystal pools.
What You’ll See
- Big panoramas from Oxer and Junction Pool lookouts over the meeting of Weano, Red, Joffre and Hancock gorges.
- Polished rock corridors, boulder scrambles and waist‑deep wades on the Class 5 routes.
- Inviting gorge pools that stay cold even in the dry season.
Facilities
You’ve got the essentials: toilets, shaded seating, barbecue facilities, an information shelter and parking. It’s day‑use only—no camping here.
Key Walks (from this area)
- Oxer & Junction Pool Lookouts: 800 m return, Class 2–3, about 30 minutes.
- Upper Weano Gorge: 1 km return, Class 4, ~45 minutes to a popular swimming pool.
- Lower Weano to Handrail Pool: 1 km return, Class 5, ~1 hour with slippery rock and wading.
- Hancock Gorge to Kermit’s Pool: 1.5 km return, Class 5, ~2 hours via a ladder and frequent water crossings. For very experienced, agile walkers only.
Best Time to Visit
May–September brings warm days and cool nights—prime conditions for these walks. In summer, heat regularly soars and storms can trigger flash floods. Start early for cooler temps and easier parking; enjoy the lookouts when the light is softer.
Wildlife
Keep an eye out for red kangaroos, euros, rock‑wallabies, goannas and plenty of birdlife; snakes are more active in warm months. Observe, don’t feed, and give all wildlife space.
Culture & Landscape
You’re on the traditional lands of the Banjima, Innawonga and Eastern Guruma peoples. The stepped gorges carve through ancient banded iron formations, revealed beautifully from Oxer Lookout.
Safety & Practicalities
Surfaces are polished and slippery—expect wet feet on Class 5 sections and move cautiously. Gorge pools are very cold; don’t dive. Avoid cliff edges. Never enter gorges if rain is forecast; flash floods are real. Bring plenty of water. Mobile reception is patchy. The access road is unsealed—check current park alerts and road conditions before you go.
Pros
- Central base for Weano and Hancock gorges plus Oxer and Junction Pool lookouts
- Picnic area with BBQs, shaded seating, toilets and info shelter
- Short access walks to big views and rewarding gorge pools
Cons
- Unsealed access road can be rough; 4WD/AWD recommended
- No drinking water or bins—pack in and pack out
Tips
- Bring all the drinking water you need—none is provided at the site.
- Wear grippy closed shoes; expect wading and slick rock on Class 5 routes.
- Check current park alerts for any gorge, ladder or road closures before you go.
- Pack out all rubbish—bins aren’t provided at the day‑use area.
- If you want both Handrail Pool and the lookouts, allow at least half a day.
