Karijini National Park, National park in Pilbara region, Western Australia.
Karijini National Park is a protected area in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, spreading across the Hamersley Range. The landscape shows red rock walls opening into deep gorges, with clear water pools at the bottom and rough vegetation on the plateaus above.
The park lies on the traditional lands of the Banyjima, Kurrama and Innawonga peoples, whose occupation dates back more than 20,000 years. Explorer Francis Thomas Gregory passed through in 1861 and named the Hamersley Range after his friend Edward Hamersley. Formerly Hamersley Range National Park, it was renamed Karijini in 1991.
Karijini is the Banyjima name for the Hamersley Range, meaning 'hilly place'. The park's name honours the Banyjima, Yinhawangka and Kurrama peoples and their role in managing the park. Their ancestors' presence here dates back more than 20,000 years, and their fire-stick farming shaped the vegetation and wildlife seen today.
Most paths lead to viewpoints over the gorges, while some routes require steep descents over rocks and through water. Those planning to walk into the deeper sections should wear sturdy footwear and carry enough water, as temperatures can become very high.
Temperature differences between day and night can reach over 30 degrees Celsius (54 degrees Fahrenheit) during winter months. Some of the water pools remain filled throughout the year, even during the hottest and driest months, thanks to underground springs that feed from porous rock layers.
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