Star-smattered skies and deep chasms are just a few reasons to visit this gorge-ous glamping site.
Star-smattered skies, deep chasms and glamping make a visit to Western Australia’s Karijini National Park a bucket-list holiday for nature-loving families.
A pink band stretches across the horizon upon arriving at Karijini Eco Retreat’s village of safari tents in Karijini National Park. The air is icy, and dusk quickly descends into a blackness only ever experienced in Australia’s most remote areas. A nine-hour drive northeast of Carnarvon, the closest big town, there’s no question Karijini is “out bush” – and that’s part of the appeal. There’s little light pollution here, making stargazing exceptional. Perhaps that’s why there are no lanterns or bedside lamps in the Deluxe Eco Tents; they would spoil the feeling of isolation. Although remote, the park is anything but deserted. As one of Western Australia’s most popular playgrounds for hikers and adventurous families, you can expect to meet plenty of fellow travellers when dawn breaks and you hit the trails.
Rock climbing
Mornings can be crisp thanks to overnight winter temperatures hovering around two degrees, so expect to pull on beanies and Ugg boots for the complimentary continental breakfast in the retreat’s al fresco restaurant. Porridge and tea will quickly heat you up, and in no time you’ll swap the booties for joggers as you set off to explore nearby Joffre Gorge, one of the park’s main attractions.
The gorge is easily accessible and a great option for intrepid children – although hold on to littlies, as there are no fences. Climbing down shelves of rocks weathered into natural steps and across the top of Joffre Falls, you’ll be in awe of the chasm opening up before you.
Dropping deeper, scrambling down scree and rock-hopping along, you’ll again be greeted with a magnificent view of a lime-green pool at the base of the falls. If your children are young, it’s best to stop here, as the track disappears down an almost vertical “ladder” of rock. Sure-footed teens and parents, however, will enjoy the challenge of reaching the bottom.
Gorge swimming
If that sounds too hectic for you and your tribe, one of the other highlights of Karijini is pretty Fern Pool in Dales Gorge. You can reach the pool two ways, the first being down a steep (but relatively easy) metal staircase that leads from Fortescue Falls car park, which places you within skipping distance of the water. The second option makes for a great morning hike, seeing you trace the rim of the gorge before descending to the floor and snaking along the edges of creeks and across natural stepping stones. Little adventurers and active parents will love the latter.
Bush camping
At the end of each day, Karijini Eco Retreat is a peaceful place to unwind and rest weary legs. You can reward yourself with an afternoon ice-cream or coffee from the cafe at reception, or soak up the sun from your tent verandah, the surrounding spinifex swathed in gold.
Once darkness descends, grab your torches and head to the restaurant for an Aussie outback treat. Indulge in barbecued crocodile with beetroot purée, barramundi with corn salsa and a large serving of crocodile, emu and kangaroo sausages with mash – a meal that may challenge kids to try something new, but will certainly reward them for it.