KARIJINI National Park is a mecca for Australian landscape photographers. Think the Grand Canyon, the Taj Mahal, the Great Pyramids, Angkor Wat – well, not quite, but you get the picture.

When I excitedly told friends I was going to Karijini, they looked at me blankly and asked, “Where’s that?”

“It’s in the Pilbara,” I replied, but they were still none the wiser. Telling them it’s in Western Australia didn’t bring them any closer to where I was headed, either. So I thought I’d let the photographs do the talking when I got back.

You may know Karijini as Hamersley Range National Park. Years ago seasoned campers and hardcore four-wheel drivers would make the pilgrimage out west to this remote area to explore the magnificent gorges and waterfalls. These days, the area has become far more accessible with Qantas flying into the nearby airport of Paraburdoo just two hours away. Owned by Rio Tinto, this airport brings miners for their shifts at the nearby Marandoo minesite. Without hi-vis wear, I’m the odd person out flying up from Perth.

Moonrise … the Karijini Eco Retreat. Picture: Tom Putt

Our “camp” was four nights of luxury. We splashed out and stayed at the indigenous-owned Karijini Eco Resort. Fifty luxury safari tents are dotted delicately through the spinifex landscape, each with their own private view. After a scrumptious three-course dinner, we spent hours outside our tent looking into the star-strewn night sky.

The next day we reported to the West Oz Active headquarters (read, an old school caravan adjacent to where we’re staying). Our laid-back, likable and personable guide Pete kitted us out for a day of canyoning through the more remote gorges of Karijini. In thick wetsuit tops and pants, along with all the protective gear, we looked more like Oompa Loompas than photographers. I could barely move my body parts.

Jawdropping … Knox Falls at Karijini National Park, Western Australia. Picture: Tom Putt

Our first stop was Knox Gorge. As we walked down the narrowing gorge, we squeezed into a tight cavity where Pete’s offsider Freddie had rigged up the abseiling gear. Freddie was a young chap who sported a beard more in look with AFL fashion than an outback abseiling instructor. Walking backwards over a large fallen boulder, we stood at the top of a large waterfall. This is where things got interesting. Pete instructed us to put our camera bags on our laps, push forward and allow the water to push us over the edge into the dark water below. Whatever you say, Pete!

I don’t know whether watching my buddies go before me made it easier or not, but soon it was my turn. I swear that recording my pursuits on my GoPro camera gave me more courage. At least I’d have the hero story to show-and-tell should I survive.

With my heart beating out of my chest, the water built up from behind and soon pushed me to the point of no return. Before long I’d plunged 4m into the icy water below. I bobbed to the surface to Pete furiously clapping his hands. “Good work Tom. You looked great!” he says. “That was awesome,” I replied. “Can we do it again?”

Peaceful … Regan's Pool at Karijini National Park, Western Australia. Picture: Tom Putt

For the next hour we stood opposite the waterfall in awe of this ancient landscape. These gorges have been carved from water pouring down over millions of years.

No.1 epic photograph ticked.

Soon we’re shunted through a narrow opening into the wide expanse of Red Gorge. This was our passage for the next hour as we paddled quietly on our tyre. At times we felt like the only people left on Earth. Towering red cliffs either side cast long shadows over the gorge, providing welcome relief from the hot April sun.

“Think the water is cold now?” Freddie rhetorically asked. “In a couple of months time we wear dry suits to make it through the day without limbs and other vital parts falling off!” Thank goodness we were here early in the season.

Finally we reached Junction Pool, where three major gorges meet. Our exit is up Hancock Gorge, one of the most picturesque and well-known gorges of Karijini. Regan’s Pool, Kermit’s Pool and the Spider Walk all have killer photo opportunities that we’ve spent months researching and desperately wanting.

Majestic rocks … Weano Gorge at Karijini National Park, Western Australia. Picture: Tom Putt

Pete didn’t disappoint and gave us all the time we needed to shoot. No. 2, 3 and 4 epic photographs ticked! That night we hit our comfy beds with a thud.

Our next mission in Karijini was out west. Driving along a dusty dirt road like a scene from the Mad Max movies, we reached Hamersley Gorge. Here Spa Pool was the fifth epic photo opportunity – a small, circular pool with spectacular crimson and cobalt blue rock that looks more painted than a naturally formed landscape. To me, Spa Pool would look more at home in a Hollywood movie set than a remote national park. While others enjoyed a swim, we spent our time capturing the landscape from all angles until sundown.

The next few days we immersed ourselves in the beauty of the landscape. We explored three other gorges – Weano, Dales and Joffre – ourselves, photographing from dusk until dawn. But it’s not all photography. At other times we lounged around in isolated waterholes and enjoyed the hospitality of a remote outback resort.

Unfortunately, after five fun-filled days, our time at Karijini came to an end.

The memories are now sitting on our memory cards to share with family and friends. At least then they will have a better idea of this little-known, but spectacular location.

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KARIJINI NATIONAL PARK

Tom Putt is a Master of Photography who has led photographic workshops since 2005. He leads a five-day/four-night photography tour to Karijini in April 2016, priced from $3498 a person. Itinerary includes photographic tuition, luxury accommodation, gourmet meals and four-wheel drive transfers from Paraburdoo, WA. Canyoning and adrenalin-filled waterfall sliding is optional (a separate tour).

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