The Kimberley Region
Hidden in the region’s heart, vast wildlife sanctuaries, spectacular gorges and thundering waterfalls provide the perfect backdrop for a Kimberly holiday adventure in Western Australia’s (WA) north. And on its coast lie some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, untouched coral atolls and rugged islands with an amazing variety of marine life.
Broome highlights
In and around the town itself, there are many things to see and do to that will make your Broome holiday or tour of Western Australia (WA) a memorable experience; Walk through the famous Courthouse Markets on Saturday mornings and see the amazing collection of local arts and crafts or view local contemporary and Indigenous artists in the art galleries. Check out the latest movie showings at Sun Pictures which is the oldest operating outdoor picture gardens in the world. Enjoy sun, sea and relaxation on beautiful Cable Beach. Venture out to the Broome Bird Observatory on the shores of Roebuck Bay, home to 310 species of migratory birds. Visit the 130 million year old dinosaur footprints at Gantheaume Point. Join a fishing tour, charter a boat or try your luck from the jetty. Play a round on Broome Golf Club’s fully grassed 18-hole course and take in the awesome view from the Clubhouse. Enjoy bushwalking at Minyirr Park, and much much more!
Buccaneer Archipelago and Horizontal Falls
Derby in WA is the closest access point to the Buccaneer Archipelago – a group of around 1,000 beautifully rugged islands. Take a 30 minute light aircraft flight or join a boat cruise and explore their secluded beaches, lush rainforests, the South Sea Pearl farms and fringing mangroves surrounded by turquoise water. Huge tides in the Buccaneer Archipelago create the amazing phenomenon known as the Horizontal Falls - caused by huge tidal movements forcing masses of seawater through a narrow gap in the high cliff walls.
Windjana Gorge National Parks
Windjana Gorge National Park is part of a 375 million-year-old Devonian reef system. Carved by the Lennard River, Windjana Gorge is over three kilometres long with 300 metre-high walls. At the base of the gorge, deep freshwater pools surrounded by native fig, cadjeput and liechardt trees attract flocks of noisy corellas, fruit bats and fresh water crocodiles. The area is of great cultural importance to the local Bunuba people who once lived there, and was the base for Jandamurra, the Indigenous outlaw who led an armed rebellion against European settlers in the 1890s. Windjana Gorge National Park is 150 kilometres from Fitzropy Crossing, 145 kilometres from Derby and the only access is by unsealed roads.
The Bungle Bungles
One of the world’s most fascinating geological landmarks, the orange and black sandstone domes, known as the Bungle Bungles, rise 300 metres above the grass-covered plain of Purnululu National Park in Western Australia. You can explore the range on foot and discover long narrow chasms and hidden gorges large enough to hold a full-scale concert. You may also encounter some of the 130 bird species found here and unique native animals including the nailtail wallaby and short-eared rock wallaby. The park itself is rich in ancient Indigenous art and burial sites. However, for their protection, most are off limits to visitors.
Gibb River Road
A journey along the Gibb River Road four wheel drive route is one of the last true outback adventures. Originally constructed in the 1960s to transport stock from surrounding cattle stations, it stretches some 700km from King Sound in Derby to Kununurra. The Gibb River Road takes you through spectacular scenery, passing many gorges, waterfalls and rivers. So take time to explore, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking and taking a refreshing swim in pools beneath plunging waterfalls. On the must-see list are Lennard Gorge and Bell Gorge, Tunnel Creek, Diamond Gorge and Sir John Gorge, the Pentecost River and Ord River, Galvans Gorge, Manning Gorge and Manning Falls.
Kalumburu Road and Mitchell Plateau
This unsealed road links the Kalumburu Mission and community to the outside world. Leading 267 kilometres north from the Gibb River Road and past the Mitchell River National Park, Kalumburu Road travels through a spectacular but very remote part of the Kimberley. A high clearance four wheel drive vehicle is essential. Allow around three days to complete the journey to Kalumburu on the north coast, and ensure you have sufficient fuel, water, food, mechanical and medical supplies as facilities are limited along Kalumburu Road. If you intend visiting Kalumburu Mission, you'll need to obtain a permit from the Kununurra Visitors Centre before starting your journey. Limited fuel and camping facilities are available and tour activities can be arranged with prior notice.
