Dales Gorge in Karijini National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone craving the ultimate North West Australia experience. It's a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and experience some unforgettable moments.

The best way to explore the gorge is by doing the 4.3km loop walk which has beautiful views, fun ladders, water crossings, and swimming opportunities. I recommend going clockwise direction where you will have your first chance to cool off with a refreshing swim along the trail in the gorge itself. It's an unmarked area but you can see in these photos that there is a beautiful paper bark tree that hangs over the water and a large pool to swim in. I saw a bunch of kids jumping off the tree and having a blast so of course I had to too, and now it's a tradition that you have to do too. 

Then along the trail, you will get to Fortescue Falls, where the cascading water invites you to unwind and enjoy the serene surroundings. From there, make your way to Fern Pool, a picturesque oasis surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sounds of a nearby waterfall.

Don't forget to check out Circular Pool from the lookout point, where you can marvel at the stunning natural rock formations and the crystal-clear waters below. The views are absolutely breathtaking and worth the short trek.