Hancock Gorge Spider Walk to Kermits Pool

How to get there

1. Weano Recreation Area access as for Oxers/Handrail. Arrive early for parking and cool conditions.
2. Do not attempt as a late-afternoon “quick add-on” after Handrail. Fatigue stacks badly.
3. Check Explore Parks WA / DBCA for closures, flood risk and current advice the same morning.
4. Tell someone outside the group your plan and expected return. Mobile reception is unreliable in gorges.
5. Stay far away from closed asbestos-related areas (Yampire/Wittenoom) — they are not adventure side quests.

How to do it (step by step)

1. Orient at Oxers Lookout first so you understand the junction and weather window.
2. Descend only on the signed Hancock route. Use ladders correctly; one person at a time; helmets are personal risk management for some parties — follow official guidance and your experience level.
3. The Spider Walk requires bracing between walls — controlled, deliberate movement. If you cannot execute cleanly on the first crux, reverse while fresh.
4. Expect swimming sections toward Kermits Pool depending on water levels. Cold water + physical output = rapid fatigue. Dry bags for essentials; secure cameras.
5. Kermits Pool is the scenic reward, not a party venue. Exit with large time and energy margins for the climb out — reverse every hard move.
6. Abort for rain, rising water, injury, or loss of confidence. There is no shame in turning around above the Spider Walk. There is shame in pushing a terrified partner further in.

Strong warning — advanced only

Hancock Gorge to Kermits Pool via the Spider Walk is advanced terrain. It is not the next automatic step after Fern Pool. It is not appropriate for mixed tourist groups, young children, or anyone uncomfortable with ladders, chimneying moves or swimming in cold confined water.

People get into serious trouble here when they treat Class 5 as a branded attraction rather than a self-managed risk environment. Always verify current class, conditions and advice with Explore Parks WA / DBCA. This guide will never tell you that you “must” complete Hancock to have visited Karijini properly.

What the Spider Walk actually demands

The Spider Walk is a physical technique problem under fatigue and cold spray: opposing pressure between walls, careful foot placements, and composure if a foot slips. Practise composure on easier wet rock (Handrail) before you need it here.

Swimming to or near Kermits Pool adds immersion risk. Keep the group together without clustering dangerously on ladders. The person who is weakest on technical ground sets the pace — not the strongest.

Decision tree at the trailhead

Green: cool stable weather, fit experienced group, early start, everyone enthusiastic → proceed with turnaround rules. Amber: mixed confidence or warm day → Handrail or lookouts instead. Red: rain risk, fatigue, illness, peer pressure only → do not start.

Many of the best Karijini photographs and memories come from Oxers, Fern Pool and Hamersley — none of which require Class 5. Choose advanced terrain because you want that specific challenge with honest risk acceptance, not because a checklist said so.

Map (orientation)

Pin may be approximate. Confirm trailheads, parking and track status on Explore Parks WA / DBCA before you drive.