New day-use areas, viewing facilities and upgraded access roads have officially opened at Karijini National Park, following a $21.2 million investment made by the Cook Labor Government.
Project updates
New upgrades include:
- An additional 120 carpark bays, 12 long-vehicle bays, plus new picnic facilities and toilets at Weano Gorge
- Sealing 41 kilometres of access roads for two-wheel-drive vehicles between Weano Gorge, Karijini Eco Retreat and Dales Gorge
- New picnic facilities at Fortescue Falls day-use area adjacent to Dales Gorge and
- 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 at Red Gorge, funded through the Cook Labor Government's Outdoor and Adventure Tourism Package announced in April 2024.
FAQs
Will I still be able to visit Karijini National Park during the works?
Karijini National Park remains open during the overall infrastructure project with some temporary road and site closures expected. Park visitors still will be able to book and stay at Karijini Eco Retreat and Dales campground.
For updates and information about visiting the park visit https://alerts.dbca.wa.gov.au.
Will I be able to take a hire car to Karijini National Park?
Roads to popular gorge sites and accommodation will be sealed so visitors with hire cars can remain on sealed roads during their visit to the park.
Why is a new lookout being built at Knox Gorge and what views will it provide?
The new lookout is bigger and will extend further to provide enhanced views of Knox Gorge for a new visitor experience. The old lookout has been closed since an assessment after Cyclone Damien discovered changes to the cliff area.
What consultation was done with traditional owners?
DBCA acknowledges the support of the Banjima Traditional Owners who assisted in conducting heritage surveys and clearing any civil ground disturbance activities to enable delivery of this project.
Location of roadworks
Contact the project team
Pilbara Region Headquarters
Lot 984 Woodbrook Road KARRATHA 6714
Phone (08) 9182 2000
Email karratha.admin@dbca.wa.gov.au
Project location
Project timeline
Design and construction planning with Traditional Owners
Stage 1: completion of tenders, announcement of contracts
Stage 2: construction and road works
- Day-use-areas Fern Pool access deck improvements completed
- Hancock Gorge Stairs upgrade completed
- Major roadworks to seal Banjima Drive North and Weano Rd commence
- Roadworks to seal 41kms of access road completed including:
- Weano Road from Banjima Drive North to the carpark at Weano Gorge
- Banjima Drive North from Joffre Road to Karijini Visitor Centre
- Karijini Eco Retreat driveway
- Knox Gorge access road
- New cantilevered steel lookout extending over Knox Gorge completed
- New picnic facilities at Fortescue Falls day-use area
- Additional 120 carpark bays, 12 long-vehicle bays, plus new picnic facilities and toilets at Weano Gorge completed.
Stage 2: continues
- September – Weano Gorge new interpretive feature steel panel and signs
- December – Fortescue Falls car park sealed, Dales Road shoulders repaired and sealed, Dales campground internal roads re-gravelled.
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