instagram famous: the spa pool at hammersley’s gorge, karijini national park
The rise of the travel influencer and Instagram means that fame is no longer relegated to movies stars and pop idols. Certain places, too, now share the spotlight, inspiring wanderlust no matter where you are in the world. The spa pool at Hammersley’s Gorge is one such place. Located within Western Australia’s Karijini National Park, the pool is surrounded by a natural amphitheatre of stunning rock that change from grey to Seville orange, to deep ochre red depending on the time of day and position of the viewer. The pool is perhaps most famously represented from afar, its turquoise blue waters framed by ancient arches of ochre-hued rock. The stunning views on offer and pristine waters mean that the pool is a wonderland for mermaids and avid-photographers alike. It also sits on one of the park’s shortest tracks, a measly 10-minute walk from the gorge’s car park.
How to get there
karijini national park can be reached via plane or car (although with either of these options, there is still a level of driving involved). if you choose to fly, touch down in paraburdoo or newman airport and then take a car or bus to the national park. karijini is very much a self-drive location, and we strongly recommend hiring a car to get around, whether you choose to fly or not.
if you’re up for a road trip (and this is a great one), pick up a hire car from perth and make the pilgrimage to karijini. you can either take the coastal route past stunning beaches and bays or drive inland via cue and meekatharra. from there, you can enter karijini national park from tom price, roebourne, port headland, or newman.
From there, the famous spa pool and insta-worthy spot is about 90km from the park’s information centre. Using the information centre as a starting point, follow signs to Hammersley’s Gorge. Park your car in the Hammersley Gorge car park and walk towards the gorge, where you’ll find a small track. Follow the track to reach the upper pool (beware, the track can be slippery, so runners or shoes with good grip are a must), and then continue up a small stream to reach the spa pool.
join us: the oasis escape with helen janneson bense
hosted by influencer and photographer helen janneson bense, explore the beauty of karijini national park on the oasis escape - five magical days of swimming, adventure, and world-class photography lessons from one of australia’s best.