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This remote and sparsely populated region of Australia, covering approximately 423,000 square kilometers, offers plenty for those ready for adventures. Kimberley can be described as wild, untouched, and various. Winter (June to August) is a high season in Australia, with the best weather conditions. In summer, the wet season, many roads may be closed. The landmarks of this region are scattered far away from each other, so it is worth hiring a four-wheeled vehicle. Driving the Kimberly will surely be an adventure of a lifetime!
Broome, the largest city in the region, is often described as the «gateway to Kimberley». From here, most tourists take tours and ride, fly, or sail to all the remote destinations. However, some attractions make Broome worthy of an extended visit. The town was founded in 1880 as a base for pearl divers, and this ancestry lives on. To learn about pearl farming, join a guided tour or buy some beautiful pearl accessories. Today’s Broome is a melting pot of different nationalities — Aboriginals, Chinese, Japanese, Malays, etc. There are lots of accommodations throughout Broome, such as Blue Seas Resort Broome with its relaxed Balinese atmosphere or Oaks Broome Hotel set in the picturesque Roebuck Bay. Attractions are also plentiful: astro tours, crocodile park, historical museum, the oldest outdoor cinema, Sun Pictures, and others.
Cable Beach is one of Broome’s main tourist attractions and is considered one of the best beaches worldwide. This beach is praised for its length (22 km) and cleanliness of both sand and water (the Indian Ocean). Moreover, here, you can try to ride a camel along the brink of water during sunset, before sunset, or in the morning. Camel safari is an important tradition and an iconic experience, allowing you to fully enjoy the view of the mesmerizing Indian Ocean and red cliffs of Gantheaume Point. You can even choose the colour of the camel blanket — red, blue, or yellow! Note that camels only carry passengers weighing not more than 90 kg. Besides, many watersport activities are offered here. Cable Beach stays include Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa (just next to the ocean), Seashells Resort in Broome (300 meters from the beach), etc.
Staircase to the Moon is a unique natural phenomenon of the Kimberly coastline. When the full moon rises, exposed tidal flats are lit so that they resemble a staircase. The dates and times of this event can be found out by local tourist agencies. Moon markets are held monthly between March and October at the Town Beach on Hamersley Street (Roebuck Bay). The dates in 2024 are July 22, August 20, September 19, and October 18. Other places good for viewing the staircase are Dampier Peninsula (western side), Oslow (First Avenue), Cossack (Settler’s Beach), Karratha & Dampier (Hearson’s Cove), Port Hedland (Goode Street), Point Samson, Cape Keraudren Nature Reserve.
The aforementioned Gantheaume Point, located at the southern end of Cable Beach, is a bunch of colourful red sandstone cliffs. It is famous not only for its stunning looks but also for the 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints found here. Another landmark set here is Anastasia’s Pool, carved in stone by a former lighthouse keeper for his ill wife. By the way, the lighthouse is still there, so you can visit it and enjoy some ocean views from the height.
300 km west of Broome, you can find three pristine atolls and reefs full of colourful fish and astonishing sea creatures. This place is similar to a natural aquarium, so take a chance and do some diving, snorkeling, swimming, or fishing. The three reefs of which Rowley Shoals consist are Clerke, Mermaid, and Imperieuse; two of them also have spectacular lagoons. These marine wonders are accessible from Broome: you can hire a boat or join an extended cruise.
Buccaneer Archipelago — 1,000 islands lying off the Kimberley Coast. These mostly untouched places offer pristine beaches and incredible views. You can reach these remote islands either from Broome or Derby. Aboriginal rock art can also be observed here, and plenty of animal and plant species are around. Popular activities are fishing, hiking, and bushwalking (on larger islands). Buccaneer is famous for its tides — highest throughout Australia — reaching 11 meters. Strong currents make it hard to swim here; however, you may enjoy the views from the air (flights go regularly from Derby). Another great way to experience the archipelago is to go on a sea safari, which normally includes riding around the islands and camping on deserted beaches. Devote time to visiting King George Falls (Oomari), the highest twin waterfall in Western Australia, located in North Kimberley Marine Park. Because of the remoteness, they are only accessible via scenic flights over the archipelago or by cruise (from Broome, Wyndham, or Faraway Bay).
These are unique waterfalls situated in Talbot Bay within the Buccaneer Archipelago. Tidal water passes between two rocks (McLarty Ranges) along narrow gaps (20 and 10 meters). Actually, these are no waterfalls but intense tidal currents intersecting in narrow passages between coastal gorges. The massive movement creates the waterfall effect of hurtling water, with the height of the waterfall between the two bays reaching up to 4 meters. Take a boat cruise and have a breathtaking ride on boiling water.
200 km north of Broome along the Cape Leveque Road lies the land of contrasts — turquoise water, pindan cliffs, and white sand beaches. On the way there, you will see such places as Manari Road, Pender Bay, Aboriginal settlements Beagle Bay, Lombadina and Ardyaloon (One Arm Point), and Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm.
Located on the tip of the Dampier Peninsula, 200 km from Broome, this place is really hard to reach. But once you get there, you’ll be happy to have made the trip. Clean beaches with white sand contrast incredibly with golden red cliffs, making this view worthwhile. There is a great number of tours, both day and overnight, available in Broome. Fly, drive, swim, fish, snorkel, or join Aboriginal activities, such as bush tuckering, mud crabbing, or pearl shell carving. An excellent stay next to the Cape Leveque is at the eco-resort of Kooljaman, owned by local Aboriginal communities.
This spectacular park is listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Two campgrounds are available during the dry season (April to November). Note that the park’s territory is so vast that you can’t make just a day trip to see all its places of interest. Plan a prolonged stay and supply enough resources, as the place is rather remote from any towns, shops, and gas stations. According to the Atlas of Living Australia, there are 281 species living in the park’s territory. Try to catch a glimpse of some of them!
Bungle Bungles are beehive-shaped sandstone rocks striped with orange silica and black lichen layers. This is the most famous landmark of the Purnululu National Park. Their age is estimated at 350 million years. They say it is best to observe them from the sky, so book a flying tour and enjoy the majestic and bizarre sight of this Australian wonder if you have a chance. The only way to stay overnight is in a tent, either in the Kurrajong Campground in the northern part, next to Echidna Chasm and Mini Palms Gorge, or in the Walardi Campground in the southern part, next to the helicopter launch pad. More luxurious options (hot shower, fresh linens, etc.) are available only at Bellburn Creek. Most parts of the Bungle Bungles are inaccessible other than by helicopter. However, there are some hiking trails in between the rocks, such as Outstation and Mini Palm Canyons and Piccaninny Creek.
Cathedral Gorge is a geological dome-shaped formation named for its excellent acoustics. The four-kilometre walk trail to this landmark is a great spot for hiking and 4WD.
There are many other hiking trails, such as the Escarpment Trail (7.2 km), Echidna Chasm (2 km), and Osmand Lookout (1 km).
Another great park in North-Western Australia is situated in Wilinggin County and north of the well-known Gibb River Road. Earlier, the park’s name was the King Leopold Ranges Conservation Park; now, it’s given its Aboriginal name. Landmarks of Wunaamin include Napier Range with its Devonian Reef, Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges, Dalmanyi waterfall (Bell Gorge), and many others. Note that the park is only accessible by 4WD vehicles and is open from May to October (the dry season). Accommodation options include either sleeping in a tent on one of park’s campgrounds or staying in Mount Hart Wilderness Lodge — for those who prefer luxury. Be aware of crocodiles living here in large numbers. Other precautions are common with those of Pernululu National Park.
The northern-most scenic road in Australia cuts the best part of the drive in the Kimberley with its magnificent waterfalls and gorges. The length of the road is 660 km; it connects the towns of Derby and Kununurra. It is also the route for 4WD Kimberley tours. The road is not sealed in all its parts, thus it is closed from November till March (sometimes till April). The main attractions accessible through Gibb River Road are King Leopold Ranges with Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek national parks, as well as Bell Gorge, Mitchell Falls, and the Ord Valley. Accommodation is variable, from cattle stations and campgrounds to luxurious hotels.
Bell Gorge (Dalmanyi) is set in Central Kimberley, within the territory of King Leopold Ranges. This gorge is considered one of the most beautiful due to its cascading waterfalls and red ledges. The pool made by waterfalls is perfect for swimming, so expect this place to be crowded during the high season. Bell Gorge is also an excellent place for bird-watching and fishing. Here, you can stay in a lodge next to the park, at campgrounds, or in nearby Derby’s or Broome’s hotels.
This incredible landmark is a 3.5 km-long Devonian limestone reef. It offers lots of interesting things to its visitors, like natural swimming pools, high cliffs, and comfortable hikes. The park itself is pretty small, however, it can boast three hiking trails — Gorge Walk (covering the entire length of the gorge), Time Walk (revealing the gorge’s history), and Savannah Walk (devoted to the gorge’s history). You can also climb the Bandigan Rock to look at the crocodiles — the park’s main inhabitants. From here, you can also walk to Tunnel Creek — a unique formation of 750 meters long, 15 ms wide, and 12 ms high. The area is rather hot in summer; besides, during high season, it attracts many visitors, so the best time for visiting has to be May and June. Accommodation options are Lillimura Homestead, built at the end of the 18th century, basic camping at Windjana Campground, or hotels in either Derby or Broome.
Gelkie Gorge is also a spectacular place to visit, unique with its half-bleached walls. It has national park status, so it is closed between November and April, like all the other Australian parks. The best way to observe the territory is by taking a boat tour along the Fitzroy River. There is also a 90-minute hike called Reef Walk, which offers impressive views both at the gorge wall and the river bank. Following the River Walk, you get an opportunity to swim. Fitzroy Crossing is a town in 20 km from the park, and it is the closest place to stay, as it is prohibited to camp within the park’s territory.
There are even more stunning gorges to be discovered — Adcock, Galvans, Manning, and Emma Gorge, for example.
Visiting this place of untamed natural beauty is a chance to explore one of Australia’s last frontiers. There are lots of amazing experiences here — take thermal springs, mud- and salt flats, majestic waterfalls, deep gorges, and spectacular ranges. Everything Kimberly is proud of is collected within 700,000 acres at El Questro — the true heart of Kimberley, situated along the Gibb River Road. Guided tours include the following destinations and activities: Emma Gorge (a trek and a waterhole); Zebedee Springs; Chamberlain Gorge (cruise); participation in Ngarinyin people’s rituals and learning their history; bush tour with viewing Boab trees; history tour about the park’s pioneering heritage; sunset tour (with snacks and beverages); bird watching tour (around 170 species!); horse riding; helicopter tour. There are many self-guided tours (walking and 4WD), as well.
In order to reach this remote destination in the north of the Kimberley, one has to venture off the Gibb River Road. Follow the unsealed Kalamburu Road (4WD only), winding through tropical rainforests inhabited by a great variety of species, breathtaking escarpments, and tiered waterfalls. Mitchell River National Park, with territory covering over 1150 square km, is definitely worth visiting, at least because of the area’s main attraction — Mitchell Falls. Its peak water capacity is said to be in February and March. You can reach it either by the 8.6-km Punami-Uunpuu hiking trail or a short helicopter flight (all year round from Kununurra). Along the way, you will see Little and Big Mertens Falls, as well as some examples of Aboriginal rock art; if you follow the route to the end, you reach Surveyors Pool (Aunauyu). This pool, located nearly 37 km from the campground, is spectacular due to the surrounding sandstone layers. Remember that swimming below the waterfalls is prohibited; fortunately, some swimming spots are along the trail.
Go farther north to visit the most isolated Aboriginal community situated at the spot of Kalumburu Mission. In the Kalamburu Museum, you can learn about the way local tribes live. Community members also invite their guests to try some of the best fishing spots in Australia.
A land of large lakes, spectacular ranges, breathtaking road trips, and vast outback territories. The region of natural wonders, and thus, the eastern gateway to the Kimberley. The town of Kununurra, with a population of approximately 6,000 people, is the starting point for this region’s exploration. All parts of the Kimberly are accessible by air, river, and land. From here, you can float the Ord River — from the Diversion Dam to Lake Argyle. Next to Kununurra is Mirima Nature Park, also known as Hidden Valley, where bizarre rock formations can be seen.
This lake is the largest among man-made lakes in the southern hemisphere. It has over 70 islands and is surrounded by the picturesque mountains of the Carr Boyd Ranges. Argyle was created out of the Ord River Dam. Its size is so large that it is classified as an inland sea, with 10.7 billion qubic ms of water. The lake is accessible by the Victoria Highway and is 75 km away from Kununurra. Whether you are going to explore Lake Argyle on foot, by bike, car, boat, or helicopter, you will surely have an unforgettable experience. However, overland vehicle types provide the opportunity to observe diverse wildlife. As for nearby accommodation, one of the best choices is Lake Argyle Resort on the northern shore. Other hotels and camping spots are located farther down the Victoria Highway and Argyle Road.
Of course, we cannot tell you of all the picturesque landmarks of the Kimberley region. However, we hope our article helps you get an impression of this untouched land and gives you the courage to go there and explore all of its brightest gems yourself! Wherever you would like to stay, visit hotelin.com to find excellent accommodation options, compare prices from dozens of websites, and plan your visit. We wish you a wonderful journey to Down Under!
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