Karijini National Park is a beautiful and rugged national park located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. It covers an area of 627,422 acres and is known for its dramatic gorges ...

Karijini's gorges were created when a drop in sea level, millions of years ago, caused rivers to slice down through compressed, uplifted rock. They've been further defined by erosion and weathering.

Asbestos tailings still litter in Wittenoom Gorge in 2021. (ABC Pilbara: Susan Standen)Approximately seven kilometres as the crow flies from the Wittenoom ex-mine site is the Karijini Eco Retreat.

Karijini National Park is in northwestern Western Australia, ... echidnas, geckos and pythons are just a few creatures you might see. The gorges, though, would appear to be the real draw.

Karijini Eco Retreat manager Drew Norrish said long-time staff and repeat guests were noticing lower water levels at some gorges. "We need the gorges to remain open all season," he said.

But first to Karijini’s canyon capers: I choose a short walk down a steep track into fern-draped Kalamina Gorge and watch as a family enjoys a picnic in a natural rock garden.

“Be ready. It’s coming our way,” Venture IV’s on-board marine biologist Leah Crake says.