Karijini in December

Hi Alan, no doubt you are experienced travelling at that time of year, well prepared, don't mind the heat you might face, and know what it is going to be like out there then, so won't say bad time, leave til cooler etc.
When you say desert alternative, you mean WA or other western SA desert besides the Simmo ?
Simmo is closed through that time due to heat and risks.

G'day Alan

I can't say anything bad about touring in the Pilbara ~ even if it is during the wet season, simply because it really is absolutely magnificent.

Weather wise (right now) day time temps are in the mid to high thirties, nights still get cool but rarely do the temperatures dip below 15C, so I guess for some it is already warm, but a seasoned 'explorer' such as yourself knows that it gets a whole lot warmer as the wet season builds.

I was in Karijini just a week ago, still lots of overseas back packers wandering the region, so all the usual cautions in respect to these folk.

There are still fires burning in the Hamersley's so there is a smoke haze across the region, we have had no appreciable rain as yet, but all the deep gorge pools are carrying plenty of water.

You don't make mention of your approach route into the region, but should you be heading in from the north or travelling further north from the Munjina (Auski) Roadhouse, you will be contending with super heavy roadtrain numbers, as they are hauling product by road from various mines in the Eastern Hamersley Range to the port facilities at Port Hedland and this goes on 24/7 ~ then add straying cattle,camel and horses into this mix.

Safe travels : Joe Fury

Many years ago we visited Millstream/Chichester and Karijini in early November. I just checked the date in my blogs (Nov 8-12). There was plenty of water to swim and enjoy Crossing Pool (Millstream), Hammersley Gorge (upstream Spa Pool), Dales Gorge, & Kalimina Gorge and I've described these as very cold water. However my notes talk of oppressive 40 degree heat, no shade at camps, and descriptions of not wanting to bother to make the effort to do the long walks down to the gorges Weano, Joffry, Knox, Hancock, to get the best photos due to the heat and the walks being 1-2 hrs. In my notes I have described it as a whirlwind tour as we just wanted to get out of the heat and camping conditions were poor and the park (at the time) had a lack of water.

You'll have to leave Massie home for the Karijini trip Alan. At least the tourist numbers will in theory be down.

have a good one.

Dunc

Hi Alan

Like others have said there will be water in the deeper gorges but it will be bloody cold. The temp and humidity will hardly be a challenge for you. When I lived in Paraburdoo, it would always rain at about 2.00 pm every day last about 20 mins and then go away - right when we finished school.

Watch the camping area - don't end up in the generator camping area. It gets exceptionally noisy.

Some of my favourites at Karajini are Fortescue falls, Handrail Pool, Circular Pool andFern Pool.

I helped carry a guy who had been bitten by a snake (it was only a python but he thought he was dying) from halfway between Fortescue and Circular Pool. Hot and heavy - but we ended up being well rewarded. Turned out his old man ran the Cable Beach Club so we got a free weeks accommodation, drinks and food.

Anyway, if you are heading out through Paraburdoo, there is a great waterhole at the back (south side) of the Para and Channer minesites on what is called Turree Creek. It is called Nanulgardi Pool (I don't think that is the correct spelling) but is very peaceful except for tens of thousands of white cockatoos that roost over night. Absolutely spectacular to see them on the wing and a great spot to wet a line.

You will love it - very similar geology and geography to Kings Canyon in the NT.

Cheers

Anthony