Our favourite free camp so far! - Kalgan Pool

We didn’t do much research on where to stay on the way to Karijini National Park. We had one night before our booking, so we decided to check what free camps there were around Newman on Wikicamps. After a quick search we came across Kalgan Pool.

The reviews were great but there hadn’t been any mention about the place in a few months, so we thought we had better check if it was accessible at Newman Visitor Centre. We were handed a very basic map and a set of instructions from the lovely lady at the visitor centre. It didn’t sound too difficult, but she did advise us that there were five water crossings to get there and the first was the deepest, reaching half way up car doors. We secured a mining road permit at the visitor centre and set off.

We quickly realised the map and set of instructions were not so helpful and that it was highly likely we would get lost. We continued driving and eventually ran into two lovely old couples who were contemplating the first river crossing. The first couple had explained the got across the first two river crossing but the third one seems to be too high for their vehicle. The second couple were keen to give it a go as long as we went first. They explained they had a winch and we thought there was no harm in trying. The first two river crossings were beautiful, and we discussed that if we couldn’t get all the way into Kalgan Pool, we would definitely camp the night next to the first river crossing. Megan walked the third long river crossing, it was roughly 80m long and came to her bum. The next river crossing was similar to the first two, shallow (roughly coming half way up our wheels) stunning and short. We reached Kalgan Pool with no issues, and it was well worth the adventure. 

Kalgan Pool is surrounded by red cliffs, gums and a small pool of water. We were the only ones there and couldn’t believe our luck. We decided to take advantage of having the place to ourselves and camp right in front of the pool. After setting up we made a fire and decided to brave the freezing waters and go for a swim.. not to mention it was our first ‘bath’ in four days. We couldn’t believe how beautiful this place was and the incredible colours at sunrise which lit up the gorge walls. After we packed up we decided to drive back down to the first river crossing and set up for a morning coffee and swim in the river.

Disclaimer: We travelled here in early June and walked all the river crossing before crossing. There depths may vary at different times of the year. We definitely recommend seeking current information about this access road at the Newman visitor centre before visiting.

Here are our tips if you would ever want to visit Kalgan Pool:
Travel along the Marble Bar road out of Newman, you will see a sign which indicates to turn left to Kalgan Pool (roughly 28km).

Cross the railway line and take the first left. 

Continue along the dirt road that follows the railway line. You will eventually come across a sign showing the turn off for Eagle Rock, continuing straight for roughly 3km.

You will go past one railway bridge and turn right before the second railway bridge (when we visited there was also a signpost with the sign removed).

You will drive for roughly an hour before the first river crossing, you will come across six river crossings in total and once you come out of the last river crossing continue straight until you come to the opening where Kalgan Pool is. Before Kalgan Pool you will see a road that turns right. We heard this road takes you to a viewpoint further up the road but we did not drive on this road. 

To exit Kalgan Pool, continue the way you came in.

This track is recommended for 4WDS ONLY.

Check out our YouTube video we did on Kalgan Pool!