Spread across Australia's entire north-western corner is one of the world's oldest and most extensive wilderness landscapes. The Kimberley is filled with an abundance of unique wildlife and one-of-a-kind natural wonders. A place bursting with fresh swimming holes, outback stations, wide rivers, ancient rock formations and gorges that have eroded over millions of years.
Admire mystical waterfalls such as Mitchell Falls, try some local bush tucker (food) or stop by the iconic Bungle Bungles. Get better acquainted with the Aussie Outback at El Questro Wilderness Park. Visit the Windjana Gorge National Park, Tunnel Creek National Park or King Leopold Ranges. Keep an eye out for Boabs, a tree species with a gigantic thick trunk that can live to be more than 2000-years-old. There is plenty to do and see in this fascinating part of Australia.
Broome is the gateway to the Kimberleys and home to the famous, Cable Beach. This glossy white sand beach is more than 22 kilometres long and owes its name to the undersea telegraph cable that was laid in 1889. The cable connected Western Australia via Java with Singapore, from where connections were made with London.
People of all nationalities flocked to Broome in the hope of finding happiness and wealth. In the Broome area, you will also find the stunning, Roebuck Bay. Here, millions of migratory birds descend in the summer on their journey from the north of Asia. From a bird observation station, you can study the animals up close.
Discover a World Heritage Site in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia, Purnululu National Park. Home to the Bungles, the park is located on a plateau in the rugged wilderness. It is geologically one of the oldest areas on Earth, having only been 'uncovered' in 1983. This is further proof that there are still areas in Australia that have hardly been discovered.
The area is estimated to be 350 million years old and it is certain that the Kidja and Djaru Aboriginal people have been aware of the existence of this unique natural phenomenon in the distant past. The name Purnululu, which means sandstone, comes from them. Rock carvings and Aboriginal cemeteries can be found throughout the park.
The Purnululu National Park is approximately 5000 square kilometres and was founded in 1987. The park was added to the World Heritage List in 2003 and is known for its sandstone and orange and black banded rock formations. Here, you can admire thousands of low beehive-like rock domes, covered with silicate and lichen, rising from the landscape.
In the southern part of the park, the Bungle Bungle Range is the most famous. The orange, grey and black stripes on the rocks are the result of alternating layers of sediment, each with different clay content. Between the rock, domes are gorges, caves and palm-lined lakes.
"A visit to the Kimberley area in northern Australia was the ultimate trip for me. Boarding a water plane to fly over the Buccaneer Archipelago, jetboating through Horizontal Falls and snorkelling with Nurse sharks. It's not for the faint-hearted!"
Michael, Travel Specialist
There are several walking routes in the area, mainly through dry, stone-strewn riverbeds. One of those walks leads along Piccaninny Creek, through ravines with 100-metre high rock walls, to the gorge of the same name. It is a circular walk of 18 kilometres in length. You can also walk to the Echidna Chasm in the north. Cathedral Gorge is found in the south and is famous for its special acoustics. Climbing the rock domes is prohibited to avoid the risk of erosion.
One of the best, least tiring and most ecologically acceptable ways to explore Purnululu National Park is from the air. Flights by plane or helicopter are organised from Kununurra and Halls Creek. Fly over places such as the Ord Irrigation Area, the Ord Top Dam wall, Lake Kununurra and the full expanse of Lake Argyle. View the Carr Boyd Ranges, Osmand Ranges, the Ord River and the Bow River.
Access to the park is not easy and is only open for 4WDs between the period of April till October. The temperature can reach extremely high temperatures, and therefore you should ensure that you have enough drinking water and that you are well protected from the sun.
The park can be found east of the Great Northern Highway, approximately 100 kilometres northeast of Halls Creek and 250 kilometres south of Kununurra. From the main road, you will travel along a 50-kilometre long, rocky dirt road that leads you to the entrance of the park.
Located within Purnululu National Park in the Kimberley region of Western Australia are the Bungle Bungles. One of the world’s most remarkable and oldest geological landmarks. Be astounded by the bee-hive striped domes, rising 300 metres from the grassy plains.
Rich in Indigenous culture, The Djaru and Gija Aboriginal people are the custodians of this region with a rooted past. Here, you can find ancient rock paintings, over 130 different species of birds, and unique native animals. Keep an eye out for the Nail-tail wallaby and short-eared rock wallabies. Admire narrow chasms, hidden gorges, waterholes and endless wilderness.
Kununurra is the gateway to the east side of the Kimberley. The lively city is surrounded by large rivers, gorges and spectacular waterfalls. A large amount of fresh water can be found in this area, held by the Kununurra Diversion Dam and the Ord River Dam. Both are part of an irrigation plan, which ensures that agriculture is possible in this area all year round.
Kununurra owes its existence mainly to the construction of this dam. It was initially built as a service centre for the government. The dam also provides the area with the third-largest artificial lake in Western Australia. The vast Lake Argyle lies close to Kununnura in the middle of the rolling landscape.
Join one of our live and informative presentations, hosted by one of our travel specialists. And find out how to travel to Australia in a uniquely local way. There are also plenty of opportunities to ask questions!
Take advantage of our local knowledgeExperience a real outback expedition on one of Australia’s most unique 4WD routes - Gibb River Road. Get ‘off the grid’ for an Aussie adventure through the vast untouched landscapes. A notorious trek from Derby to Kununurra, discovering the secluded wilderness, a galore of natural gorges and cattle farms the size of a city.
The route owes its name to the Gibb River, which is almost 650 kilometres long. The region is rich in Indigenous culture, practised here for many thousands of years.
Some highlights along the way are:
Make your trip extra special by experiencing a unique stay from our large collection of hand-selected accommodations located in the Kimberley region and beyond. Your travel specialist will match you up with accommodation that suits your wants and needs. A journey where your accommodation is an experience in itself.
At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
Questions? Speak to one of our specialists by phone Mon - Sat 0900 until 2100. You can discuss your travel plans in detail where and when it suits you, also in the evenings and on weekends on a no obligation basis.
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