Karijini National Park is an incredible place that is lucky to be still here. Whilst its natural beauty is beyond question, its boundaries seem at the whim of mining interests, and have changed many times. It could still be at risk of being mined - so the bottom line is get here while you can!
The Pilbara's story is as old as time. As the stromatolites slowly released oxygen into the oceans some 3 billion years ago, the earth's atmosphere started to change. Large quantities of iron in the water essentially rusted - and settled on the sea bed.
Move the clock foward to the present day, and the rock is now part of Australia. Humic acid from decaying rainforest vegetation has leeched the iron from the upper levels of the soil, concentrating it at greater depths. In these depths, the iron bearing rock can be as much as 60 percent iron - an incredibly high yeild - and a clue to the economic importance of this region.
Hamersley Gorge
Over the past few million years, gorges have been carved into the old sea beds, creating natural rock pools of incredible beauty. In fact the whole landscape is incredibly beautiful, and as we have explored it, many times we have not taken a photo beacuse there is no way of capturing the magnitude, beauty or scale of the magnificent vistas. You simply must come here and see it for yourselves.
Our first stop on the drive down from Millstream Chichester was the Hamersley Gorge. There was only one other vehicle in the carpark - a bus - meaning that if we were prepared to wait a little while, we might just get the place to ourselves... which is exactly what did happen. Before too long we were swimming in Hamersley Gorge - and we made our way up to a rock pool appropriately named the spa. It was devine. The only problem was we left our bathers in a bag at the bottom pool, and we didn't want to get our clothes wet. Good job we had the place to ourselves wasn't it!
