The Karijini Experience is not just one event; it is made up of more than 50 related events that bring together four days of culture, art, food and music on Country.  

In 2024, the Karijini Experience ran from 4 to 7 April and events included culture weaving (including an immersive weaving workshop using First Nations knowledge and cultural practices), kids sewing, art workshops, bush medicine and even football skills provided by the Perth Football Club.  

Storytelling, language workshops and sharing of artefacts gave visitors exposure to the Banjima culture. In the evenings, kangaroo and damper was prepared using traditional methods and shared with visitors.

A moving tribute was paid to the late Mr Maitland Parker, a key figure behind the Karijini Experience. The family put together a pictorial and historical account of his involvement on Banjima homeland.  

To supplement each day, live entertainment brought people together through music and dance. Bands and solo musicians performed each night, all with Aboriginal roots and influences—two Western Australian bands, Bradley Hall and Broken Tides, as well as soloists from NSW and Victoria.  

The headline act was Dan Sultan on his second trip to the Karijini Experience, who performed in the event finale, the Yurlu Lounge.  

One of the greatest explorations of culture is through food. Visitors enjoyed two dining experiences with Fervor at Dales Gorge, who offered Aboriginal produce and flavours through a degustation that rivalled upmarket city restaurants.  

Indigenous chef, Zach Green, introduced Iluka Kitchen and presented two dinners. He also offered cooking demonstrations and prepared meals for the Elders. Iluka provided a great option for visitors to have onsite food available from one of the region’s leading chefs.  

Visitors enjoyed a fitting film under the stars called ‘Sweet As’, which was shot in the Pilbara region with fantastic backdrops and a moving story line. Fashion parades promoted local talent on the catwalk in the red dirt Karijini landscape. The show was put together by Wonnarua woman, Amanda Healy of the fashion house Kirrikin, and featured Banjima artist and fashion designer, Kaninda.  

Another highlight enjoyed was the Jundunmunnah Art Exhibition held at the Karijini Visitor Centre; a showing and sales opportunity for local Indigenous artists fostering their incredible talent and showing off the rich culture of the region. 

While the schedule of the Karijini Experience was action packed, including early morning yoga sessions and massage, the trip to the Pilbara was well worth it for visitors.

Outside of the Karijini Experience event, the vast landscape and expansive gorges of the region, including the impressive Joffre Gorge, are incredible to witness. Especially for those who want to be a little more adventurous and go hiking followed by a refreshing break in one of the natural pools.

In the north of Karijini National Park, small creek beds, hidden in the rolling hillsides and dry for most of the year, suddenly plunge down 100-metre chasms.  

Further downstream the gorges become wider and their sides change from sheer cliffs to steep slopes of loose rock. Finally the drainage systems emerge as alluvial fans into the Fortescue Valley. The gorges provide a refreshing retreat from the arid plains above. Visitors can take one of the many walk trails through the gorges and experience the spectacular scenery, dramatic waterfalls and clear, fresh pools.  

Dales Gorge - See the tranquil sunken gardens, deep sedge-fringed pools, and permanently cascading waterfalls.  

Joffre and Knox gorges - Appreciate the power of water shaping the landscape. There are impressive waterfalls, and deep, cold pools. See for yourself how the gorges were formed.  

Hancock and Weano gorges Experience the spectacular views, precipitous cliffs and narrow passages. Banded iron rock formations tower over the valleys far below.

Kalamina Gorge - A great introduction to the gorge system with its delightful trail and picnicking area.  

Hamersley Gorge This gorge has dramatic colours, textures and reflections 

The breathtaking landscapes, ancient gorges and cascading waterfalls of Karijini National Park are now more accessible to visitors, following major upgrades to access roads and the addition of new day-use areas and viewing facilities.

A Western Australian tourism icon, Karijini National Park attracts more than 650,000 visits a year, with the best time to visit between April and October. Upgrades include:

• 120 carpark bays, 12 long-vehicle bays plus new picnic facilities and toilets at Weano Gorge  
• 41 kilometres of access roads have been sealed for a smoother journey for 2WD vehicles between Weano Gorge, Karijini Eco Retreat and Dales Gorge  
• new picnic facilities at Fortescue Falls day-use area adjacent to Dales Gorge  
• a new cantilevered steel lookout extending out over Knox Gorge.  

Plans are also underway to build a new $2.5 million hike and cycle trail with views into Red Gorge, funded through the State Government’s Outdoor and Adventure Tourism Package announced in April 2024.