Karijini Gorge Hikes: Hancock, Weano and the Spider Walk

If you have ever dreamed of squeezing through narrow chasms, descending ladders into ancient rock amphitheatres, and swimming in cool turquoise pools carved over two billion years, Karijini National Park is where those dreams come true. Set in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, Karijini serves up some of the most thrilling and photogenic gorge hikes in the country. At the heart of the action are Hancock Gorge, Weano Gorge and the famous Spider Walk, an adventurous sequence that turns a good day out into a once in a lifetime experience.

This comprehensive guide shows you how to plan, hike and enjoy the Hancock and Weano gorge trails with confidence. Expect an enticing mix of practical tips, vivid trail descriptions, safety advice and insider suggestions that will help you craft your perfect Karijini itinerary. Whether you are an experienced hiker seeking Class 5 excitement or a confident beginner with a head for heights and a love of wild places, these gorges will capture your imagination and your camera roll.

Why Karijini Should Be On Your Hiking List

Karijini National Park is a wonderland of rust red iron-rich rock, sculpted slot canyons, crystalline pools and ghost gum lookouts. The landscapes feel primeval and the experiences are intensely tactile. You do not just watch the gorge walls, you touch them as you chimney through Spider Walk. You do not just admire the pools from above, you swim in them, feeling the chill of permanent spring water that has flowed through these rocks for eons.

Here is what sets the Hancock and Weano hikes apart:

• The Spider Walk in Hancock Gorge, a unique hands and feet traverse through a polished, narrow chasm
• Kermits Pool, a surreal, circular pool of jade water surrounded by banded ironstone
• Handrail Pool in Weano Gorge, a dramatic, steep descent aided by a fixed handrail into a hidden plunge pool
• Oxer and Junction Pool Lookouts, some of the most jaw dropping views in the park, perfect to pair with your gorge hikes
• Short driving distances between trailheads, which lets you combine multiple highlights in one day

If you crave authentic adventure with a safe framework, Karijini is an easy yes.

Essential Planning At A Glance

• Location: Karijini National Park, Pilbara, Western Australia
• Nearest towns: Tom Price and Paraburdoo
• Best season: April to October for cooler temperatures and safer conditions
• Trail difficulty: Mostly Class 5 for Hancock and Lower Weano, expect scrambling, wading and short swims
• Time needed: Half a day to a full day for Hancock Gorge, Spider Walk and Weano Gorge together
• Fitness level: Moderate to high, agility and confidence on slippery rock are important
• Kids: Confident older children and teens with close adult supervision may enjoy parts of these hikes
• Road access: Mostly unsealed to Weano Day Use Area, 2WD in dry conditions with care, 4WD recommended
• Facilities: Toilets and picnic shelters at day use areas, no drinking water, no bins
• Fees: Park entry fees apply, check the official Parks and Wildlife Service website for current rates
• Connectivity: Limited or no mobile coverage in the gorges, do not rely on reception

Understanding Karijini Trail Grades and Safety

Western Australia uses a grading system from Class 1 to Class 6. Hancock Gorge and Lower Weano, including Spider Walk and Handrail Pool, are generally Class 5. That means:

• Expect uneven and slippery surfaces, with rock hopping, scrambling and short sections where you may need to wedge yourself or use your hands
• You may wade or swim through cold water, which can be chest deep depending on recent rain
• There are steep drops and narrow ledges, exposure is moderate in places
• Assistance and signage are limited compared to lower grade trails

Important safety notes:

• Conditions change quickly. Rain in the wider catchment can send surges of water through the gorges even if it is not raining overhead. Never enter during or after heavy rain and always heed closures
• The polished rock can be extremely slippery, especially where algae grows. Move carefully and wear grippy footwear
• Never jump or dive into pools. Depths vary and submerged rocks are common
• The water is cold year round. Limit time in the water if you feel chilled and have a dry layer packed in a dry bag
• Always tell someone your plan, start early and carry far more water than you think you need for the approach and exit

Getting There and Orientation

Karijini sits roughly 1,400 kilometres north of Perth. Most visitors fly into Paraburdoo or Newman and drive, or road trip via the coast or inland highways.

• Tom Price to Weano Day Use Area: about 80 kilometres, allow 1.5 to 2 hours depending on road conditions
• Paraburdoo Airport to Weano Day Use Area: around 100 kilometres, allow 2 hours
• Roads: The main park arteries include both sealed and unsealed sections. The approach to the Weano Day Use Area, the trailhead for both Hancock and Weano gorges, is usually corrugated gravel. In dry conditions, many 2WD vehicles make the trip with care. A high clearance vehicle is more comfortable. After heavy rain, roads may be closed. Check with the Karijini Visitor Centre or local authorities before you set out
• Fuel and supplies: There is no fuel in the park. Stock up in Tom Price or Newman. Bring all food and drinking water for your day

The Hancock and Weano trails share a common access zone around the Weano Day Use Area in the western side of the park. Oxer and Junction Pool Lookouts are also close by and can be added to your itinerary before or after your gorge adventures.

When To Visit

Timing is everything in Karijini. The best window is April to October, when daytime temperatures sit in a more manageable range and the risk of storms is lower. Summer brings extreme heat, frequent closures due to storms and high flash flood risk inside the gorges.

Light matters for photography. The gorges are narrow, which means they shine when the sun is higher in the sky. Late morning to early afternoon often delivers beam-lit canyon walls and glowing, translucent water. Sunrise and sunset are better for the lookouts and above the rim vistas.

If you can avoid Western Australian school holidays, you will enjoy quieter trails and easier parking at the day use areas.

What To Pack For Hancock and Weano

Pack light, pack smart and protect your gear from water. The essentials:

• Sturdy hiking shoes with excellent grip on wet rock, or canyoning style approach shoes
• Comfortable clothing that dries quickly, avoid heavy cotton
• Swimsuit or clothing you are happy to get wet
• Dry bag or waterproof phone pouch for electronics
• 2 to 3 litres of water per person, more in warm weather
• High energy snacks and a substantial lunch if you plan a full day
• Small first aid kit and any personal medication
• Microfibre towel and a warm layer if you chill easily
• Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen for the approach and lookouts
• Head torch in case you linger longer than planned
• Offline maps and a paper map for orientation
• Personal locator beacon if you are travelling independently in remote areas

Optional but handy:

• Lightweight gloves for grip during Spider Walk
• Neoprene socks in the cooler months
• Trekking pole that collapses and can be stowed during hands-on sections

Trail Guide 1: Hancock Gorge and the Spider Walk to Kermits Pool

Hancock Gorge is an intimate and adventurous slot that showcases everything special about Karijini on a compact, action packed route. It is short in distance, big in character, and it culminates at a photogenic gem called Kermits Pool.

• Distance: roughly 1.5 kilometres return from the Hancock car park
• Time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on crowds, water levels and how long you pause for photos
• Grade: Class 5, with ladders, narrow traverses, wading and optional short swims
• Highlights: Amphitheatre, Spider Walk, Kermits Pool, glowing chasm walls

Step by Step: How The Route Unfolds

1. Trailhead and descent From the Hancock Gorge car park, follow the marked path to the top of the gorge. You descend via steel steps and a ladder to the gorge floor. This first section sets the tone, it is steep but solid underfoot. Take your time and keep three points of contact on the ladder.

2. The Amphitheatre At the bottom, the gorge opens into a circular chamber called the Amphitheatre. The smooth walls and reflective water are a stunning first act. You will likely step across shallow pools, using flat ironstone shelves as stepping stones. The rock can be slick, so watch your footing.

3. Narrowing corridor and early wades Progress deeper into the gorge and the walls begin to squeeze in. The creek becomes the trail. Depending on recent rainfall, you may wade up to knee or thigh level across several sections. The water is cold, which is part of the sensory experience. Keep your dry bag secured high on your body.

4. The Spider Walk The gorge now narrows into the playful challenge that gives this route its fame. The walls pinch to less than a metre in places. The floor is a curving water chute polished to a shine. To pass, you spider along the sides by pressing your hands and feet against opposing walls, moving slowly above the water. This feels like a kid’s game for grown ups, a balance between friction, core strength and calm breathing. Do not rush. If you slip, you will drop into water rather than onto rock, but slow and mindful movement helps you maintain control and conserve energy.

5. Kermits Pool After the Spider Walk, the gorge opens to reveal Kermits Pool, a jade circle framed by red and purple banded ironstone. It is an irresistible place to rest, soak your feet or swim if you are warm enough. The pool is deep in parts and the walls around it are slippery. Keep to the obvious ledges and avoid climbing where signs instruct you not to. The route beyond Kermits Pool is not open to unguided hikers. This is your turn around point.

6. Return the same way Retrace your steps through Spider Walk and back to the Amphitheatre, using the ladder to climb out. Traffic in both directions can create minor bottlenecks. Stay patient, communicate clearly with other hikers and give space at narrow points.

Kermits Pool: What To Expect

Kermits Pool is often cooler than you might think, even on warm days, since sunlight only reaches the water briefly. The colour shifts from emerald to sapphire depending on the angle of light. Photographers will love the reflections and textures, but be careful when setting up tripods on wet rock. A microfibre cloth helps keep lenses dry from spray.

Swimming is allowed, however there are no lifeguards. Do not jump or dive. If you are not comfortable swimming, you can still enjoy the scene from dry rock ledges.

Safety Notes Specific To Spider Walk

• Test each foot placement and keep hips close to the wall to maintain balance
• Avoid creating a queue in the narrowest section, wait in a wider bay for the group ahead to clear
• Pack your camera safely before entering the Spider Walk, you will want both hands free
• If conditions make the rock or water flow feel unsafe, turn around early. There is no loss of pride in making a conservative call

Trail Guide 2: Weano Gorge and Handrail Pool

Weano Gorge offers two distinct experiences. The Upper Weano track is easier and scenic, great as a warm up. The Lower Weano track to Handrail Pool is an adventurous Class 5 route that complements Hancock perfectly. Many hikers make Weano their second gorge of the day.

• Distance: around 1.5 to 2 kilometres return to Handrail Pool
• Time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours, longer if you linger at the pool
• Grade: Upper Weano is Class 4, Lower Weano to Handrail Pool is Class 5
• Highlights: Narrow corridors, small waterfalls, dramatic descent aided by the famous handrail, swimming in a shaded pool

Upper Weano: A Scenic Warm Up

From the Weano Day Use Area, the Upper Weano section follows the gorge upstream on a mix of formed track and rock benches. You will skirt small pools and traverse gently sloping ledges. This is a good chance to find your feet on ironstone and to appreciate the layers and textures of the gorge walls. Families often choose to do Upper Weano only.

Lower Weano to Handrail Pool: The Signature Descent

Continue from the day use area downstream into Lower Weano. The gorge narrows and you approach a steep, polished chute that drops into a pool. The park has installed a stainless steel handrail to assist with the descent, hence the name. This is a place where you slow down and follow three simple rules:

• Face inward and descend carefully, always keeping one hand and one foot solidly placed before moving the next
• Use the handrail for stability, do not lean back or swing on it
• Give others space and communicate, it is easier if only one person is on the steepest section at a time

At the bottom, you are rewarded with Handrail Pool, a cool, shaded retreat with photogenic walls that lean inward and frame a pocket of sky. The water can be very cold even on warm days. If you plan to swim, do it early in your time here, then dry off and warm up in the sun before your return climb.

There may be opportunities to explore a little further down the gorge, depending on conditions and your comfort level, but you should always respect signage and never attempt Class 6 sections without a qualified guide and proper equipment.

After The Pool: Exit Strategy

You exit the same way, climbing back up the handrail section. If you have wet shoes, place feet carefully to maintain traction. Many hikers find the ascent more straightforward than the descent, since you can see your foot placements more easily.

How To Combine Hancock, Weano and Lookouts In One Day

With an early start and sensible pacing, you can enjoy Hancock Gorge, the Spider Walk to Kermits Pool, Weano Gorge to Handrail Pool, and the nearby lookouts in one rewarding day. Here is a suggested itinerary:

• Sunrise at Oxer and Junction Pool Lookouts The views across the junction of Weano, Hancock, Red and Joffre gorges are dramatic in the soft light. The lookouts are a short drive and walk from the Weano Day Use Area. Spend 20 to 40 minutes.

• Morning hike: Hancock Gorge to Kermits Pool Begin mid morning when light penetrates the canyon. Allow 2 hours. Pack a dry bag and keep your hands free for Spider Walk. Snack at Kermits Pool.

• Lunch at Weano Day Use Area Use the picnic shelters, then rehydrate and prepare for your second gorge.

• Early afternoon hike: Weano Gorge to Handrail Pool Aim to start while the sun still warms the upper gorge. Allow 2 hours. Enjoy a brief swim if you are prepared for cold water.

• Late afternoon at lookouts or a short recovery stroll Return to Oxer or explore Joffre Lookout if time allows. Sunset on the rim is beautiful, while the gorge bottoms will be dark by late afternoon.

Two day option:

• Day 1: Hancock Gorge and the Spider Walk, then Joffre Gorge or Circular Pool area on the eastern side of the park if you are relocating
• Day 2: Weano Gorge to Handrail Pool, plus Knox Gorge or more lookouts

Always build in buffer time for photos, waiting at narrow sections and unexpected delays. In hot weather, start even earlier and prioritise shade.

Facilities, Amenities and Where To Stay

Weano Day Use Area

• Toilets and picnic shelters
• No drinking water, bring all you need
• No bins, take all rubbish with you
• Shade is limited, especially in the heat of the day

Karijini Visitor Centre

• Open most days in the main season
• Cultural displays and park information
• Maps and current conditions

Where to stay

• Karijini Eco Retreat, near Joffre Gorge, offers eco tents, cabins and a campground with a restaurant. It is a scenic, central base if you want comfort and style in the outback
• Dales Campground, managed by Parks and Wildlife Service, offers basic sites near Dales Gorge on the eastern side of the park. Bookings are essential in peak periods
• Tom Price has motel style accommodation, a caravan park, fuel, groceries and cafes if you prefer a town base with services

Note that travel times between Karijini Eco Retreat and Weano Day Use Area are relatively short, while Dales Campground is further east, so plan your day to minimise backtracking.

Guided Tours and Canyoning

If you want to push beyond the standard routes, or you prefer the reassurance and storytelling that comes with a professional guide, consider a guided canyoning tour. Licensed operators in Karijini take guests on Class 5 and Class 6 adventures in areas that require ropes, abseils and technical skills. With a guide you can:

• Access extended sections of Hancock or Weano that are closed to unguided visitors
• Learn safe canyon movement, knots and abseil techniques
• Hear cultural insights and geology explained in context
• Relax, since logistics and safety gear are handled for you

Book early in peak season. Tours may have minimum age limits and require you to be comfortable in cold water and tight spaces.

Respect, Culture and Environmental Care

Karijini is the traditional country of the Banyjima, Kurrama and Innawonga people. The gorges hold deep cultural significance. When you visit:

• Stay on designated trails and obey closures
• Do not climb where signage instructs you not to
• Pack out all rubbish and leave the gorge as you found it
• Keep noise to a respectful level, sound echoes in the gorges
• Drones require permits and are not allowed in many areas, check current rules
• Wildlife includes birds, small reptiles and occasional dingoes, do not feed any animals

Your respectful behaviour preserves the place for future visitors and honours the traditional owners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 4WD required to reach Hancock and Weano?

• Not always. In dry conditions, careful 2WD driving is often sufficient, but the roads are unsealed and corrugated. After rain or if you prefer comfort, a high clearance vehicle or 4WD is better. Always check current road conditions.

Can children do these hikes?

• Confident older children and teens may enjoy Upper Weano and parts of Hancock. Lower Weano to Handrail Pool and the Spider Walk are Class 5 and require adult supervision, agility and caution. If in doubt, turn back at any point that feels unsafe.

Are there crocodiles in Karijini?

• No, this is not crocodile country. The water is cold spring fed water. Hazards include slippery rock, cold shock, sudden drop offs and changing water levels.

Can I swim in Kermits Pool and Handrail Pool?

• Yes, swimming is allowed unless signage says otherwise. The water is very cold and there are no lifeguards. Never jump or dive.

Is there phone reception?

• Reception is patchy to nonexistent in the gorges. Plan as though you have no signal, and tell someone your plan before you start.

Are the gorges open year round?

• The park is open year round, but gorge access is often closed during the wet season or after significant rainfall. Check with the Visitor Centre or official channels on the day of your hike.

Do I need a guide?

• Not for the standard Class 5 sections described here, provided you are experienced and conditions are suitable. If you want to go beyond the public routes or you prefer expert support, a guided tour is recommended.

Photography Tips For Hancock, Spider Walk and Weano

• Timing: Aim for late morning to early afternoon when light reaches the gorge floor. Very early or very late can be dark and require high ISO settings
• Lens choice: A wide angle lens captures the full height of the walls and the intimacy of Spider Walk. A fast prime helps in low light
• Protection: Use a waterproof pouch or dry bag when moving through water. Keep a small cloth handy to wipe off spray
• Composition: Look for leading lines along the watercourses and the curves of polished chutes. In Spider Walk, show scale by including a person in the frame
• Tripods: Use carefully on stable ledges only. Never block the route or endanger others

Remember to put the camera down sometimes and just move with the gorge. The sensations are as much a part of the experience as the images.

Sample Packing Checklist

• Hiking shoes with sticky rubber
• Quick dry shorts and shirt, swimsuit underneath if you plan to swim
• Dry bag for phone and camera
• 2 to 3 litres of water per person
• Electrolytes and high energy snacks
• Sun protection, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
• Lightweight warm layer
• Microfibre towel
• First aid kit, blister care
• Head torch
• Offline map and park information
• Personal ID, park pass confirmation if applicable
• Rubbish bag to carry out all waste

Cost Overview

• Park entry: A per vehicle fee applies for Karijini National Park. Multi day and annual park passes are available and can be cost effective if you plan to visit several parks. Check the Western Australia Parks and Wildlife Service website for current pricing
• Camping and accommodation: Karijini Eco Retreat and Dales Campground have separate fees and booking systems. Book early in peak season
• Guided tours: Prices vary by operator and route. Expect a full day canyoning experience to be a premium adventure. Inclusions typically cover gear, instruction and safety equipment
• Travel: Factor in fuel and vehicle costs, especially for unsealed road driving

Final Tips For A Smooth Day

• Start early to beat the heat and secure parking
• Visit Oxer and Junction Pool Lookouts at sunrise or late afternoon, hike the gorges when the sun is higher
• Keep your hands free for Spider Walk and the handrail section by packing your camera away while moving
• Pace yourself and keep energy in the tank for the return climbs
• Respect advisory signs. If a section is closed or conditions suggest turning around, do it
• Bring more water than you think, and a warm layer even on a hot day

The Sales Pitch You Can Trust: Why Book Your Karijini Adventure Now

Karijini is one of those rare destinations that lives up to the hype. It is adventurous without feeling reckless, beautiful without feeling crowded, and remote without being inaccessible. Imagine the satisfaction of easing yourself through Spider Walk while the red walls glow around you, then cooling off at Kermits Pool. Picture the thrill of stepping carefully down to Handrail Pool, the handrail cool in your grip, the reward a secret pool that feels far from the world. These are moments that linger long after your boots dry.

If you are planning a Western Australia itinerary, anchor it with a Karijini gorge day. Book your park pass, reserve your campsite or eco tent, and lock in a guided canyon tour if you want extra thrills. Check conditions with the Visitor Centre, pack your dry bag, and go. Karijini’s Hancock and Weano gorge hikes are ready to deliver a signature Australian adventure, one careful step, one cool pool, one glowing canyon wall at a time.

Conclusion

Hancock Gorge, Weano Gorge and the Spider Walk are the marquee experiences of Karijini National Park, and for good reason. They blend playful movement with serious beauty, and they ask you to pay attention to the details that make outdoor adventures rewarding. With the right preparation, you can safely immerse in the park’s most iconic features, from Kermits Pool’s green mirror to the sculpted chute of Handrail Pool.

Plan for the cooler months, start early, carry water and respect the conditions. Pair your gorge hikes with the Oxer and Junction Pool Lookouts for a full picture of the landscape. Choose the accommodation style that suits your travel personality, from eco tents under the stars to a town base with more services. Consider a guided tour if you want to step up the technical factor or simply enjoy expert insight.

Karijini waits with open gorges and cool pools. The adventure is yours to shape. Make this the year you spider through stone and swim beneath ancient walls in the rugged heart of the Pilbara.