$5,690 per person
Photography & Canyoning
Limited Spots Available
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5th - 11th May 2025
All photos on this page were captured by photographers who toured with us.
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2 groups of 4 participants max*
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7 days, 6 nights
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5 Canyons (4 being in part Class 6 Restricted, & Red Gorge being Class 6 Restricted entirely) + Mt Bruce
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Canyoning, Abseiling & Climbing
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Paddling and Travelling through the awe inspiring and stunning geology that has been shaped by nature over billions of years
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6 Dinners, 6 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, Morning Tea and Snacks*
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Deluxe Eco Tent with Ensuite (twin share or king bed for couples)
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Free Abseil & Climbing Training, and Gear Prep Session in Perth prior to Trip
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Return Transport: Paraburdoo Airport - Karijini Eco Retreat*
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All Transport within Karijini National Park
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Flights/Transport to Karijini not included
A land billions of years in the making, captured in 6 days, for you to enjoy for a lifetime. Captured not only as a memory, but also by your camera.
Come with us on a journey of wonder and creativity, deep into the heart of the Pilbara. Delve into the depths of an ancient and majestic landscape of reds, yellows, blues and greens. A landscape of stunning gorges, spring-fed turquoise pools, banded ironstone sculptured by water over time, spinifex, red dust, Melaleuca and Snappy Gums. The contrasts and play of light is a photographer's dream.
To the Banyjima, Kurrama and Ynnawonga people, this landscape was formed during the Dreamtime, when the Warlu meandered his way across the land. Warlu (pronounced Wah-loo) comes from the Aboriginal dreaming of a giant sea serpent – or Warlu – named Barrimirndi, who emerged from the sea at Coral Bay and carved out subterranea, gorges, rivers, streams and waterholes in a journey to exact revenge on two boys who ate a Gurdarnkurdarn (Mulga parrot), finally coming to rest at Jirndawurrunha (Millstream), and discovering the boys at Nhanggangunha (Deep Reach Pool). It did not end well for the boys.
The gorges of Karijini were formed as part of this meandering. Karijini is the name of the Hamersley Range in the Banyjima language.
We will be traveling as deep as you can go into the gorges of Karijini, rock hopping, climbing, abseiling, water sliding, water jumping, swimming and tubing. Touch rocks over 2 billion years old, spend time immersed in the aura of this ancient landscape and be inspired. The deepest parts of Karijini are classed as 'Restricted Class 6', and only accessible with extensive knowledge of the area, and a specific set of roping and canyoning skills. To achieve this, an experienced is guide essential. This not only ensures your safety, but also the safety of your photography equipment. We will take you to the best spots, at the best times of the day and show you the best that Karijini has to offer. Go where not many have ventured, and get shots that not many have taken.
*This Adventure would need to meet minimum number requirements of 6 to proceed.
This Photography trip is aimed at photographers who have the necessary photography skills and equipment to capture this awesome environment. Spacechameleon Adventure Co will not be providing any photography training or guidance, all photography training will be provided by Fotoworkshops https://fotoworkshops.com/karijini-photography-tour-2023/. All purchases are made through Fotoworkshops via the link.
We will ensure early starts to maximise the potential for the best light and stay in the gorges as long as is safe each day, and we will keep group numbers small to minimise crowding in areas where space is premium.
This trip is open to anyone, even if you have not been on an adventure with us, or have no previous abseiling experience, so you can invite your family and/or friends who have as yet not joined us. The minimum age is 14, unless this person can convince me that they are capable of the trip, which can be decided on the training day. There is no maximum age (the oldest person we have taken through Karijini to date is 84). You do need a relatively good level of fitness for this trip. Please contact us if you have any doubts about your level of fitness.
Everyone coming on this trip would need to come out for a full day of abseil training with us (even if you have done an abseil session with us already). This training day is included in the price.
If on the training day it turns out that either we feel, or you feel, that this is not for you, a full refund will be issued, minus $250 for the training day & administration fees.
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MEET YOUR GUIDES
Let us guide you deep into deep into the restricted class 6 canyons of ancient Karijini. 2 highly experienced canyon guides both with a deep love of Nature and Karijini, and a desire to want to share this with you, will be with you every step of the way to keep you safe and show you our favourite spots as the best times of the day.
Sven Borg (Lead Guide & Owner of Spacechameleon Adventure Co)
Sven has spent many years working and playing in the outdoors, in various locations around Australia, including New South Wales (primarily The Blue Mountains), Tasmania, Victoria, Queensland. Sven has led many trips into the heart of Karijini over the years and knows the area well. The lure of Karijini, and an opportunity to lead trips into Class 6 canyons, is what brought him back to Western Australia from the Blue Mountains in NSW where he was guiding canyons.
Sven was initially trained in the Blue Mountains, and has expanded his training over the years.
He is a qualified and highly experienced canyon, abseiling, climbing, vertical rescue, canoe and bushwalking guide, and an experienced instructor and facilitator. Sven has a nationally recognised Diploma in Outdoor Recreation, holds a nationally recognised Remote Area First Aid qualification, is a registered NOLRS instructor, as well as a Cert 4 Trainer and Assessor teaching others the skills of working in the Great Outdoors.
In addition to this, he also has his Bronze Medallion with Royal Life Saving Australia and has trained as a Lifeguard with Royal Life Saving Australia.
Sven is also a passionate environmentalist and volunteers his time for a variety of organisations. Sven aims to minimize the company's impact on the environment, treading lightly on the earth with respect; leaving only footprints and taking only memories.
Andreas Olbrich (Lead Guide, Spacechameleon Adventure Co)
Andreas has spent many years working and playing in the outdoors, mostly as a recreational climber.
He has been working for Spacechameleon Adventure Co for 3 years.
Andreas was trained and qualified by Sven (Spacechameleon Adventure Co works with a registered RTO and Sven is a qualified Trainer and Assessor).
He is a qualified and highly experienced canyon, abseiling, and climbing guide, and an experienced instructor and facilitator. Andreas has nationally recognised qualifications for abseiling, climbing and vertical rescue. He also holds a nationally recognised Remote Area First Aid qualification, as well as a Cert 4 Trainer and Assessor teaching others the skills of working in the Great Outdoors.
Andreas aims to minimize the company's impact on the environment, treading lightly on the earth with respect; leaving only footprints and taking only memories.
TOUR ITINERARY
This itinerary may vary slightly depending on environmental circumstances, client needs, park closures and/or road conditions. We will be running 2 groups of maximum 4 pax each. The groups will swap activities on some days and some days they will be together. The group configurations, when not together, will either 4/4, 3/3 or 4/3.
Training Day: Mountain Quarry Boya - yet to be confirmed
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Meet at Mountain Quarry, Boya
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Meet your Adventure Crew
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Learn the ropes during a full day of abseiling
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Learn all about Via Ferrata
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This day is fully catered
DAY 1
Travel and settle in
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Arrive at Paraburdoo Airport where you will be picked up and driven to the Karijini Eco Retreat (or otherwise make your own way to the Eco Retreat if preferred).
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Lunch and swim
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Settle-in to your room
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Sunset shoot at Joffre
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Over dinner we will provide a comprehensive briefing of the adventures ahead.
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Astrophotography at Joffre Gorge
DAY 2
Knox Gorge
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Early morning to capture sunrise over Knox
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One Group will travel the entire length of Red Gorge and exit via The Centre of the Earth, The Chute, Regan's Pool and Kermit's, Spiderwalk, walk out of Hancock Gorge. Features of this incredible canyoning experience include a combination of hiking through this stunning gorge, interspersed with floating & paddling our way through numerous stunning pools and waterways along the way.
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The other group will spend the day taking photos in Knox outside of Class 6 & travel with the second guide back to Hancock Gorge to take photos of the iconic Spider Walk and Kermit's Pool, with everything in between up to class 6.
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We then travel back to the Eco Retreat together.
DAY 3
We reverse the above itinerary and swap groups.
DAY 4
Weano Gorge for both groups.
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Another day of Class 6 Canyoning Adventures!
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Early morning start for best light.
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Highlights include the via-ferrata along the rock terraces above the aptly named “Jade Pool” with its gorgeous blue-green waters and abseiling down a 45-metre waterfall.
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Exit via The Centre of the Earth, The Chute, Regan's Pool and Kermit's, Spiderwalk, walk out of Hancock Gorge.
DAY 5
Joffre Gorge for one group, and The Chute, The Centre of the Earth, Regan's Pool for the second group.
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These Class 6 Canyoning days will leave you with many lasting memories and more awesome photos.
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The Joffre Gorge Group will paddle Olympic Pool to the Island. Shoot a waterfall plunging into the depth of Joffre Gorge.
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The Centre of the Earth Group, will abseil into Regan's Pool, rope down The Chute into The Centre of the Earth. Revisiting this area will allow for more time to capture this stunning space.
DAY 6
We reverse the above itinerary and swap groups.
DAY 7
Mt Bruce & Travel Home for both groups.
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Sunrise shoot of Mt Bruce, with hike to the summit and return. Those with drones can get some stunning images from the air!
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Lunch and maybe one last swim.
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Transport to Newman for flights home.
*Note that itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions and other situational circumstances. Changes will be communicated and negotiated as a group. We as hosts, will always endeavor to provide the best outcomes for our guests.
Important Information
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All clients will be tested for their swimming ability before entering the class 6. All clients will be tested wearing their canyoning clothing including shoes, harness and helmet. You need to be a competent swimmer. If you can NOT swim 25m comfortably in freshwater, you will NOT be deemed a competent swimmer by us. We do NOT supply life jackets, nor take non swimmers into the canyons. If you fail the swimming test, you will not be able to participate in the class 6 canyoning day. No refund will be issued for this.
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All clients are expected to be reasonably fit and stable on their feet in order to navigate the canyons safely. We will asses all clients each day and as they walk into each canyon. If you are deemed not capable, you will not be able to participate due to safety reason. If we are able to provide an alternative activities for this day, we will attempt to do so. This will depend on the day and what guides are available. There is however no guarantee that an alternative can be accommodated. No refund would the issued for days where you re not able to participate.
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All clients are expected to fully disclose all medical issues and/or pre-existing injuries and/or surgeries on booking and put these into their waiver forms. Failure to comply with this safety requirement, will forfeit your tour without refund.
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All clients will be expected to carry their own tube and shared bags. These bags will contain, clothing, food, water and ropes.
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We have one dedicated lunch stop for our class 6 canyoning tours. Time will be made to reapply sunscreen, toilet, and drink water when needed, but these are not breaks. We are have a strict schedule to be in and out of the class 6 canyons by certain times for safety reasons.
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Clients are expected to turn up each day of their class 6 canyoning tour dressed and ready to canyon.
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As with all of our tours, they are subject to our full Terms and Conditions.
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
Inclusions
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6 nights accommodation at the Karijini Eco Resort in Deluxe Eco Tents, based on twin share singles or king bed for couples
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Expert instruction by qualified & specialist canyon guides.
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Transport between Paraburdoo Airport and Karijini Eco Retreat at specified times.
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All meals and snacks from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the last day. We will attempt to cater for dietary requirements. *Please note dinner consists of a shared entree and a mains only. Breakfast is a continental buffet style breakfast with instant coffee, juices and a selections of tea bag teas. Barista coffee and additional food or drink is at the guest's expense. Non bottled filtered water is available for free from the eco retreat bar.
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Use of specialist canyoning and safety equipment including harnesses and floatation tubes and hand paddles.
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A full day of adventure and learning, abseiling at Boya Quarry.
Exclusions
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Flights to and from Paraburdoo
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Transport between Paraburdoo Airport and Karijini Eco Retreat for any guests who choose to travel outside of the specified times*
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Barista coffee, non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks are not included in this tour and are available for purchase at the guest's expense. However, guests are encouraged to minimise alcohol intake in order to maximise the benefits of this experience.
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Clothing and footwear appropriate for canyoning (a recommended packing list will be provided to all guests after booking)
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Camera equipment and protection (recommended equipment and protection will be sent with your booking confirmation)
Accomodation
Deluxe Eco Tents with Ensuites, either twin share or king bed for couples:
Eco-tent features:
• Own private ensuite bathroom
• Front and rear deck
• Spacious stylish interiors
• Two single beds OR king bed
• Quality bedding and linen (100% cotton sheets/brushed cotton blankets)
Eco-friendly features/Design:
• Minimal power for low wattage applications (Charging camera battery/iPod)
• Solar power
• Grey water treatment
• Natural ventilation (No air-conditioner)
• Floor made from composite timber
• Flow showerheads & spring loaded taps
• Recycled toilet paper
• Use of natural products only
If you wish to upgrade your accommodation and not share, please contact us and we can arrange this for you at a cheaper price than online. This will be subject to extra charges depending on which option you choose and the availability at the time.
PRICING
$5,699 per person (a 50% deposit must be made to secure your booking)
THE OTHER STUFF
*Clients need to organise and pay for flights to and from Paraburdoo Airport on the dates that the tours start and end. The times of these flights need to line up with the flight that we put our guide/s onto to take advantage of our shuttle to and from the Karijini Eco Retreat.
Flight times may vary due to uncertainty with COVID19 and Qantas flight schedules.
Current Flight Schedule
Perth - Paraburdoo: yet to be confirmed
Paraburdoo - Perth: yet to be confirmed
If you choose to book other flights, you will need to organise your own transport to and from the Karijini Eco Retreat, or wait at the airport for your pick up and/or departure of your flight.
If you are booking flights, we strongly advise that you wait to hear from us to ensure that this tour has met minimum numbers and will proceed. We will let you know as soon as possible, and no later than the closing dates for last payments listed above.
If you are driving, this is an AWESOME road trip. We are more than happy to chat to you about fantastic places to visit along the way, and we will see you at the Eco Retreat.
Please note that due to safety concerns surrounding the equipment, time constraints and in consideration for other non smoking guests, there is no smoking within the gorges whilst on our tours.
This tour, as with all our tours, is subject to our Terms and Conditions.
We genuinely feel we have done our best to keep the price as low as possible and in line, if not below, similar products within WA. We understand that flying to some parts of Asia might be cheaper, but things being set up as they are in WA, internal flights and associated costs are higher.
PAYMENT
As we need to pre-book well in advance, we would need to secure a 50% deposit to confirm your place and full payment must be made before the 15th March 2024 for trips in April 2024. Last minute bookings may be possible, please contact us to discuss this.
In the event of not meeting minimum numbers, we would issue a full refund.
Once the Training Day has passed, no refund can be issued for this trip, as we have paid for accomodation and can not sell the trip past this date. If you can find a suitable replacement, we can discuss transferring the trip to someone else. Please contact us as soon possible to discuss your situation.
If you have any questions please call us on
0423 182 663 or email us at info@spacechameleon.com.au
We look forward to hearing from you.
SEE YOU OUT THERE!!
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TESTIMONIALS
Annabel Claire
"Find something you're passionate about and make it your priority. For me it's the great outdoors - putting on my hiking gear, slinging my camera pack over my shoulders, and heading out to find epic waterfalls and landscapes that blow my mind. And Karijini certainly delivered in that department."
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Paul Harrison
"I was one of a select bunch of adventurous photographers that took part in the inaugural Karijini Photography Adventure in April 2021. We were ably guided into the Class 6 areas of the Gorges by Sven and the team at Spacechameleon Adventure Co. I'll be up front and say that I don't have a great head for heights but I always felt safe during the guided trips - if not entirely comfortable!
Good footwear is essential and Sven provided great advice pre-trip so that we were suitably kitted out. We also had a one day abseiling course in the Perth Hills before the trip to learn the ropes. You do need some degree of physical fitness but the rewards are more than worth the effort of accessing these remote canyons and gorges. "
Louise Lee
"Visiting karijini has been on the top of my wish list for such a long time thus I jumped at the opportunity to be involved in the inaugural Karijini Photography Adventure.
This trip is truly unique in that we were able to explore the Class 6 areas and experience parts of Karijini that most people never get the opportunity to see. This was possible due to the expertise and guidance of Spacechameleon Adventure Co.
Sven and Andreas were there all the way, including providing us with abseiling and via ferrara training prior to departure. I certainly came away from this trip with not only fabulous memories, but amazing photos, new skills and new friendships as well."