Fern Pool

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Australia's North West Tourism

Australia's North West Tourism

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Overview

Highlights

Fern Pool is one of the most accessible and picturesque swimming spots in Mother Nature’s ultimate adventure park – Karijini National Park. These cooling waters are fed by a natural spring and framed on all sides by lush green ferns, with a cascading waterfall completing the serenely beautiful setting.

Fern Pool is just above Fortescue Falls in Dales Gorge, on the eastern side of Karijini National Park. Descend the staircase into this ancient cavernous gorge and follow the clear path for 300 metres from Fortescue Falls.

To reach this tropical oasis from Perth, you can take a 2 hour flight to Paraburdoo or Newman (2-3 hours drive from Karijini), or a 15 hour drive via the Great Northern Highway.

Enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking Fern Pool or Fortescue Falls, follow the 4 kilometre trail to Circular Pool for a second swim, or take the Gorge Rim Walk for an eagle’s eye view of Circular Pool. If you have more time to explore the natural and cultural highlights of Australia’s North West, follow the 2,480 kilometre Warlu Way interpretive trail to Karijini. Tourists are advised to check for alerts and road/park closures before commencing their travel on www.emergency.wa.gov.au and https://alerts.dbca.wa.gov.au 

Activities

  • Sight-seeing
  • Swimming
  • Hiking 
  • Photography
  • Picnics

Facilities

  • Walking trails
  • Picnic area
  • Car park

Important Information

Guidelines

  • Always do some research before heading out for your journey. Visit the local visitor information centre for the most up to date information.
  • Stay back from cliff edges – they are about 100 metres high, often with loose rocks near the edge.
  • Flash floods can occur – do not enter gorges if there is rain in the area. If it starts raining when you are in a gorge, leave immediately.
  • The water in gorge pools can be extremely cold, especially between April and September; hypothermia can occur. Do not dive or jump into water.
  • During summer, temperatures frequently top 40 degrees Celcius. Carry plenty of water at all times.
  • Dingoes are common around the Dales campground. They may scavenge for food and can be aggressive. Do not feed dingoes, supervise children at all times, walk in groups and store food in your vehicle.
  • Stay safe and get the most out of your visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.
  • Always enjoy waterfalls from trails and marked viewing points. Do not climb over barriers as cliff edges and slippery surfaces may cause injury or death.
  • Only swim where permitted. Don’t jump from cliff edges into water bodies.
  • Swimming near or under waterfalls can be dangerous due to strong currents, submerged hidden rock ledges and other dangers. The force of a waterfall can be incredibly strong and unfortunately, many people have drowned. Follow warning signs and take caution.
  • Wear suitable footwear and ensure to wear appropriate clothing to protect yourself from the elements when outside exploring.
  • Plan ahead and ensure to take enough food and water for your journey.
  • Always stay on the marked tracks where possible. Never climb fences, they are there for your own safety.
  • Please consider the environment, take your rubbish with you or place in the bins provided. We want to ensure these beautiful places are still here for our future generations to enjoy.
  • Ensure to let a responsible adult know of your plans and report back into them once you have finished exploring for the day.
  • National park fees may apply for national parks in Western Australia. Check the parks website for bookings and/ or further details.
  • Entry fees may change at anytime at the discretion of WA Parks and Wildlife Services, check their website for the most up to date information.

Photo credits: Austraila's North West Tourism & WA Parks and Wildlife Service

Content credits: WA Parks and Wildlife Service & Aussie Bucket List®


Location & Supplier

Fern Pool

Address: Fern Pool, Karijini, Western Australia 6751

Website: https://www.tomprice.org.au/karijini-national-park/fern-pool/

12 people have added this to their Bucket List

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