300 km inland from North West Coastal Highway, south of Port Hedland. This county sized national park is at the eastern end of the Hammersley Range. It is best known for the spectacular Pilbara Gorges, with their coloured cliffs, pools, waterfalls and occasional old abandoned mines. The most spectacular is the Wittenoom Gorge, which is in fact just outside the park boundary to the north. Hammersley Gorge has some sensational coloured rock formations, and Red Gorge is renowned for its breathtaking views. The park is criss-crossed with trekking and adventure trails, but if you set out with your own party (never travel solo) be sure to heed the posted warnings. They mean it: people get killed here, when they don’t watch what they’re doing. The best way to travel the gorges is to join one of the organized tours – try www.westozactive.com.au.

Wittenoom, now a ghost town, used to be an asbestos mining centre, and was finally closed down completely in 2013, with the intention of barring all access  – such are the health hazards that have become associated with asbestos. If you don’t fancy the risk, you can always base yourself instead on the other side of the park, at Tom Price.