Top Things to do in the Kimberley Region

Location: Mitchell Plateau, Kimberley, WA

While many of Australia’s waterfalls could lay claim to the title of “most beautiful”, it’s hard to argue against the gorgeous, multi-tired structure of the Kimberley’s Mitchell Falls.

Long one of the state’s most-photographed locations, as with many Kimberley highlights the falls are exceptionally remote but undeniably beautiful, as their waters cascade over the typical fiery orange-red rock into the awaiting maws of the pools below.

While many of Australia’s waterfalls could lay claim to the title of “most beautiful”, it’s hard to argue against the gorgeous, multi-tired structure of the Kimberley’s Mitchell Falls.

Long one of the state’s most-photographed locations, as with many Kimberley highlights the falls are exceptionally remote but undeniably beautiful, as their waters cascade over the typical fiery orange-red rock into the awaiting maws of the pools below.

Part of the wildlife-rich Mitchell River National Park, its lack of practically any other travellers sharing the view with you is one of the main reasons visiting here is so rewarding.

The beauty of Mitchell Falls is hard to capture in mere pictures – this is particularly so with an “animated” landscape such as waterfalls when much of its draw lies in the sheer power, flow and ambient sound of the tumbling water.

Given its water-based nature, Mitchell Falls is also an attraction that’s best viewed just after the conclusion of the wet season, when the muddy roads have dried yet the water is still flowing at an impressive rate.

While many of Australia’s waterfalls could lay claim to the title of “most beautiful”, it’s hard to argue against the gorgeous, multi-tiered structure of the Kimberley’s Mitchell Falls. The falls are located on the Mitchell River Plateau –accessible by 4WD vehicles.

This creates something of a conundrum when aiming to see the falls at their best; one must try and time a visit to coincide with the bridging period of the wet and dry seasons to strike an ideal balance between water volume and accessibility.

Mitchell Falls are located on the Mitchell River Plateau – a spot that is accessible either by an extensive, multi-day drive by 4WD vehicle on the aforementioned Gibb River Road and then additional on-foot hiking, or by scenic helicopter flights (done by HeliSpirit or King Leopold Air) that take passengers directly to access the falls themselves.

Flying in, and then walking the Punamii-Unpuu Trail which leads to the most famed “photo spot” overlooking Mitchell Falls is a popular option for those short on either energy or time that allows the observing of some excellent Indigenous art sites along the way.

Those looking to extend the stay can opt to pitch at the Mitchell Falls campground that are surprisingly well-equipped given their location; camping spots are large, and eco-toilets are a relative luxury given the distant location from civilisation.

Alternatively, ground-bound tour options for Mitchell Falls that also include accommodation are available through both APT and Outback Spirit Tours for those wanting an extra level of comfort during their visit.

Given its epic outlook, a trip to Mitchell Falls is well worth both the requisite monetary investment by air, and the time investment by wheel. Bring a quality camera along for this one – it’s a memory you’ll want to make last a lifetime.

Location: Eastern Kimberley, WA

The Kimberley’s signature national park is a remarkable, remote and entirely unique looking part of the country which was formed over immense eras of natural landscaping, yet only came to European attention since its discovery in 1983.

Ever since, its trademark spectacle of the Bungle Bungle Ranges have been a key bucket list item on the itineraries many travellers to Western Australia.

This is a singular landscape that has no real counterpart elsewhere in Australia, with its orange-and-black striped mounds reminiscent of beehives making for a dramatic spectacle from both above and below.

As one might expect, such a unique formation went undiscovered for so long due to one major reason: it’s incredibly remote.

Even by the already isolated standards of the Kimberley region, the Bungle Bungle Ranges embody the term “remoteness” to the extreme; difficult to access and with limited facilities, but so visually striking all the same.

The road in is likewise doable but not exactly a shining example of a developed method of access; the usual Kimberley bumps and 4WD-necessity definitely apply here.

Even by the already isolated standards of the Kimberley region, the Bungle Bungle Ranges in Purnululu National park embody the term “remoteness” to the extreme. It is worth the journey for those who make the effort.

The Purnululu National Park’s relative isolation has made it a location that’s perhaps best viewed from above with a scenic flight (bookable through company Aviair), and from altitude the character of the landscape becomes more readily apparent; it’s a spectacle that’s akin to abstract art with the numerous formations truly fascinating.

The sheer scale of the range also comes into full view when viewed from high above; this is not some tiny individual slice of the country that happens to be unique.

Alternatively, 4WD access is a possibility for those looking to drive, and although it can be fairly challenging conditions have been improved in recent years.

Exploring on foot brings with it its own rewards; there are a number of marvellous gorges to explore on foot, and the changing colours of the sandstone with the passage of the day is impressive when viewed up close.

A multi-day visit to Purnululu is almost mandatory to see even a reasonable portion of the park’s highlights; key sites such as Cathedral Gorge, Echidna Chasm and various other lookouts require a fair investment of energy and some rock clambering in order to experience, which can be time consuming in total.

Camping here is possible and a wonderful experience but comes with minimal amenities other than a decent amount of toilets, and requires bringing along all supplies; there’s no true accommodation here to speak of, but this is to be expected of an example of “raw” Australia in its truest sense.

Location: Between Derby and Kununurra, WA

Previously used as a cattle route, this off-road journey remains one of Australia’s premier 4WD road trips and still conveys a “land before time”-esque outback atmosphere in which escapist adventure is the name of the game.

Throughout its roughly 660km length, the Gibb RIver Road encompasses a varied and far-reaching range of natural scenery as it conveys drivers from Derby on the WA coast through to Kununurra at the state’s inner border.

The untamed nature of the road can make for a challenging prospect for the uninitiated; the Gibb is a journey where conditions vary from solid bitumen through to bare earth, and care needs to be taken for first-time visitors who are navigating the route.

There’s joy to be found in this, however, as a willingness to brave terrain conditions provides nearly endless opportunities for a customised adventure that few other souls have embarked upon.

Highlights along the road are almost too numerous to mention; making a well-planned trip along the Gibb River Road brings with it innumerable rewards, that are well worth any navigational struggles.

The road serves as the gateway to a multitude of the best highlights of Western Australia – many of which feature elsewhere on this list – including Windjana Gorge, El Questro Wilderness Park, and Mitchell Falls as well as countless others – and thus can make for one of Australia’s most unforgettable journeys for those willing to allot around 2 weeks.

Highlights along the road are almost too numerous to mention; making a well-planned trip along the Gibb River Road brings with it innumerable rewards but serves as important gateway to the Mitchell Falls, Windjana Gorge and El Questro Wilderness Park.

Taking the drive at an easy pace, avoiding overtaking and keeping to a speed of 60km/h or so will alleviate many of the concerns for skittish first-time Gibb travellers, while a 4WD vehicle makes the occasional river crossing viable rather than truly scary.

Those looking to embark on this epic journey will need to be appropriately prepared; a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle is a necessity, and one can expect plenty of shakes, bumps and the occasional bruise along the way.

Alternatively, Kimberley Safari Tours offer multi-day 4WD Gibb River Road adventures for small groups, utilising purpose-built vehicles for dealing with the terrain; given the exorbitant recovery costs should your personal vehicle get stuck in such a remote area, this may be the most viable option for some. Otherwise, it’s a matter of pack the satellite phone and hope for the best.

The Gibb River Road is something of a rite of passage for Western Australians and a bucket list item for Aussies wanting to witness more unknown portions of Oz in general; it covers an amazing part of our vast continent and is an adventure where a lack of cell phone reception and embracing the country’s wild side brings with it its own reward.

Location: Off the coast of Derby, WA

This cavalcade of nearly 1,000 rocky islands of varying sizes situated within bright, turquoise waters in the state’s north-west is as scenic as it is remote.

A far cry from the glitz and overdevelopment of resort islands on the Australian east coast, the islands here are instead more ruggedly beautiful, many with high cliffs, unpopulated and completely undeveloped while rich in flora and fauna and dotted with pandanus and emerald rainforest trees.

Indigenous influences have likewise played a large role here, with Aboriginal inhabitants using the islands of the archipelago as a sort of “prehistoric Venice”, canoeing from one to the next; traces of their rock art still remain to this day, and the region remains significant to the indigenous population in the modern era.

The isolation of the Buccaneer Archipelago is both a reason for its pristine condition and a factor in how difficult it is to explore; tourism infrastructure here is almost completely lacking, and the maze of islands and their various hidden reefs and sudden shallows can make the chain a chore to navigate for all but the most seasoned of local explorers.

As a result, travellers to the region wanting to explore their many intriguing and visually stunning offerings have a fairly limited number of ways to do so, with options limited to extended cruising or forking out for – admittedly stunning – aerial views.

The isolation of the Buccaneer Archipelago is both a reason for its pristine condition and a factor in how difficult it is to explore. It is as scenic as it is remote. A common theme in the Kimberleys.

While scenic flights are an option and help to convey a sense of scale – as well as an overall panorama – of the archipelago, a range of different cruises also exist for a more in-depth examination of the area’s highlights; many of which are multi-day itineraries that explore the greater offerings of the Kimberley region as a whole.

Companies such as Ahoy Buccaneers and One Tide Charters offer such journeys for the aspiring traveller, visiting must-see’s such as the rocky Yampi Sound, Ruby Falls and various secluded beaches and inlets where an abundance of wildlife may be found.

These are epic, multi-day waterborne adventures that take advantage of the extended time required to cruise the region by packing in a host of Kimberley highlights into the one itinerary; it’s an enjoyable mix of exploration, sunsets, secluded swimming and escapism and is remarkably affordable to boot.

The majority of adventures to the Buccaneer Archipelago springboard from the town of Derby which lies on the mudflats of King Sound, which sits around 220km north-east of Broome. If you’re willing to “rough it” slightly and aren’t expecting 5-star luxury, then this string of islands provide one of the state’s more remarkable aquatic adventures.

Location: 70km from Kununurra, Kimberley

This enormous body of water may be artificial, however you’d be forgiven for not noticing; the lake’s combination of size and organic surrounds makes it seem like it’s been here for eons rather than a construction of the early 1970’s.

One of the Kimberley’s most prominent physical features, Lake Argyle is a massive, man-made freshwater lake that has turned into a major attraction in its own right, both for its scale and isolation, as well the dramatic visual landscape it presents.

The colour contrast of the surrounding rocky hills against the lake’s water is striking, and the contours of the lake within the surrounding environment appear largely natural – it never gives of the feeling of being artificial despite its human construction.

The addition of the lake to the region has resulted in a distinctive and thriving ecosystem that now exists in relative harmony; the lake itself is home to an estimated 35,000 freshwater crocodiles that, although numerous, aren’t generally considered to be a danger to humans, while a wide range of fish species from barramundi to bream also call Lake Argyle home.

It’s become something of a massive oasis in the desert in what would otherwise be an incredibly dry part of the country, and is largely unique for that reason alone.

One of the Kimberley’s most prominent physical features, Lake Argyle is a massive, man-made freshwater lake that has turned into a major attraction in its own right.

Exploring and enjoying Lake Argyle and its surrounds can be done in a variety of fashions; there are a number of bushwalking tracks and trails that provide a great overview of the lake and its local wildlife; watersports such as canoeing, waterskiing and sailing provide fun and scenic ways to enjoy its waters, while visitors willing to loosen their purse strings can take to the skies on a scenic flight to soak in its unique panorama at a more leisurely pace.

It’s from the water that the signature view of the lake can be taken in, however, and Kimberley Outback Tours conduct cruises of Lake Argyle as part of a regional tour that allow for taking in the lake from a wholly different angle aboard a large sailing catamaran.

It’s a touch of luxury that also comes with the chance to view one of the region’s incredible sunsets reflecting off the water as well.

Visitors also have the option of staying overnight by the lake with campsites, cabins and villas available to rent for the night – plus admire the lake from within the wonderful Infinity Pool at the Lake Argyle Resort & Caravan Park for one of Australia’s most inspiring views.

In all, the lake and its surrounds combine to make for a wonderful example of escarpment country, and an ideal winter escape in particular.

Location: 110km from Kununurra, Kimberley

Part accommodation, part hub of activities, and part gateway to further adventures, El Questro Wilderness Park ranks as one of the more diverse – and potentially luxurious – options to use as a stopover during Kimberley adventures.

This former cattle station is massive in scope, spread out over an area of approximately 700,000 acres in its position in the eastern portion of the Kimberley just over 100km from Kununurra and can perhaps best be described as offering “controlled adventure”; there’s a certain degree of commercialism involved, but it’s a necessary part of providing a high level of service in such an isolated part of Australia.

It’s all conducted with ecological protection in mind, too, encouraging guests to experience a taste of the Outback yet regulating admission to wilderness areas to reduce overall impact on this otherwise untouched environment.

Experiencing this unique blend of landscapes can be done in a variety of ways, and it’s here that El Questro truly shines; visitors can pop in to the tour desk where a multitude of activities can then be booked, walking and hiking guides are issued, and options for getting out to encounter its offerings commence.

The Wilderness Park is home to a number of outstanding hikes and secluded swimming holes in particular that can be challenging but are always rewarding.

Travellers eager to get out and explore and willing to put in the effort will reap some enticing rewards; the Wilderness Park is home to a number of outstanding hikes in particular that can be challenging, but are always rewarding.

Emma Gorge in particular is both beautiful to walk through and provides a gorgeous natural swimming environment at its end – its chilly water is a great way to wash off the sweat in the warmer months.

Add in the potential to take cruises, bathe in thermal springs, try a spot of fishing, spot native birds and wildlife, or even hop on horseback and there’s plenty to keep guests occupied during a multi-day stay.

For those looking to extend their stay at El Questro, accommodation here comes in several flavours ranging up from surprisingly well-equipped tent campsites to luxurious eco-resort style options at higher price points.

While it’s best experienced with access to a 4WD-capable vehicle, the ability to book 4WD tours on-site negates this somewhat.

First-time visitors to the region looking for an initial taste of the Kimberley before pushing further onwards to more untamed adventures will find El Questro Wilderness Park to be an essential stop on any Gibb River Road trip.