Karijini gorges suitable for kids?

When we were there year before last, there were a number of families with very little ones doing the gorges. One couple had tiny tot on shoulders, and another going up and down the steps by him/herself. We commented to one couple that their tiny one (about 3 or 4 y/o) was doing really well - yes, they replied, this is the 3rd gorge we've done today. The dangerous bits are the young people going out on the ledges off the formed tracks - very scary; we saw lots of "accidents waiting to happen" by the foolhardy adventures. Keep you toddlers with you and they will be fine.

They are all safe just obey all the signs, as some section’s are harder than other’s. Most of the main gorges are easy walking and the marker’s are not to hard to follow, just don’t try and over extend yourself as climbing in and out of them can get tiring; the water is cold but very refreshing. Dales gorge is a nice easy one to start on and has some terrific swimming.

We only go into a bit of trouble in one gorge (Cannot remember the name) as we didn’t obey a warning sign and proceeded without proper equipment I.e a MAP and Climbing gear as the sign specified > Not needed but would have been a hell of a lot safer. That is why the sign’s are there.

Mark,

It's a fabulous area to visit. The recent events were a specialised tour taking an 'adenture tour' which got a little more adventurous than they had bargained for. You are unlikely to go to these areas.

I toured Karijini as a Dad with a 8 and 11 year olds, so I admit mine older than yours, last October. The heat was dreadful - should be perfect in September. If you simply drive from gorge lookout gorge lookout, climb down into a few of them following the tracks, maybe even having a swim in the shallows, then the kids will have a good time, and so will you. The climbs can be a little steep and are not all neat concrete steps and it makes the heart beat harder on the way up again. Take it easy - show your kids how to take sensible risks - and have a great time.

Tim

Don't miss the Hamerslet Gorge - accessed from the West side of the park. It is an easier climb, and rock structure is different to the "internal" park gorges, with shallow water for your children to cool off in. I recall sitting under a small waterfall - very refreshing.

Don't miss the Hamersley Gorge - accessed from the West side of the park. It is an easier climb, and rock structure is different to the "internal" park gorges, with shallow water for your children to cool off in. I recall sitting under a small waterfall - very refreshing.

dont forget Millstream chichester while you are inthe area - great drive there from the karanjini easily accessablr, beutifull and as safe as any area can be with water and responsable adults to supervise

If you kept a scrapbook of places where any accident occured, especially if 'blown up' by the Media, it would be hard to find anywhere to go.
As others have stated, if you use common sense and adequately supervise the kids, you and they will enjoy the area immensly.
After travelling Oz for 14 months we believe that Karijini is one of the most beautiful places anywhere in Australia. NOT to be missed.
Thousands of families go there and at times can be like Pitt/Collins/Hay or whatever Street. Don't be scared off just because of the hysteria created by an accident or two that could have happened anywhere.
Banjo (WA)

Hope your not planning to take your children to Karijini in a 4WD, they are more dangerous apparently.
Skinnydog

ps: you will all love it there

We go every year - have done so the lst few years our kids are currently 4, 6 & 8. Be sensible with them going in and out of the georges and don't push them to go beyog their limits.

You'll be fine. Favourite georges - fortescue falls, Fern Pool (just a short walk further) and hammersley george.

At Hammersley George the kids love sliding down the wet rocks -take an old pair of shorts each for them as they'll get holes in them!