Adventures in the Kimberley

Tucked away in the north-west of Australia, the Kimberley is a land of staggering beauty, ancient landscapes, and boundless adventure. This vast region is home to some of the most unique natural wonders on Earth, offering travellers the chance to explore rugged gorges, freshwater lakes, and Aboriginal cultural sites. Whether by road, air, or ship, the Kimberley is a place where the journey is as extraordinary as the destination.

A World of Wonders

Cruise close to Horizontal Falls / Garaan-ngaddim, where the ocean rushes through twin narrow gorges, driven by some of the largest tidal movements in the world. This natural phenomenon is just one of the many highlights of an expedition cruise through the Kimberley. Further along the coast, witness the awe-inspiring Montgomery Reef. As the tide recedes, the reef rises from the ocean, revealing a kaleidoscope of cascading waterfalls, vibrant marine life, and swirling currents. Turtles, rays, and birds flock to the exposed reef, offering a spectacular display of nature’s wonders. Discover ancient Indigenous rock art. Hike through gorges carved by time or simply sit back and soak in the vastness of the landscape.

In the eastern Kimberley, the Bungle Bungle Range emerges from the landscape, its striped sandstone domes shaped over 350 million years. This World Heritage-listed formation within Purnululu National Park is a sacred place for Traditional Owners and an awe-inspiring sight for those who witness it. For a truly unforgettable perspective, a scenic flight over offers an unmatched view of the vast scale and intricate patterns of the Bungles. Just south of Kununurra, Lake Argyle spreads across the land like an inland sea. Created by the Ord River Dam, it is a wildlife sanctuary, home to freshwater crocodiles, rock wallabies, and over 240 species of birds. Sunset cruises reveal a tranquil expanse bathed in golden hues, while adventurers can take a refreshing dip in its infinity pool seemingly floating above the water. 

The Bungle Bungle range

Aboriginal Culture and Connection to Country

Home to the world’s oldest living culture, the Kimberley is one of the best places in Australia to experience authentic Aboriginal culture. Guided tours offer the opportunity to hear Dreamtime stories, see ancient rock art hidden in caves, and learn traditional ways of living off the land. From mud crabbing in tidal flats in Broome / Rubibi and spear fishing in mangroves on Cape Leveque to storytelling on El Questro Station, these experiences provide rare insight into a way of life that has thrived for tens of thousands of years.  

Aboriginal rock art

Slip into ‘Broome time’

Where the red sands of the outback meet the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, Broome offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Explore the town’s rich pearling history, visit Gantheaume Point / Minyirr to see ancient dinosaur footprints embedded in the reef rock, see a ‘Staircase to the Moon’ when the full moon rises over the mangroves of Roebuck Bay / Yawuru Nagulagun or enjoy a sunset camel ride along the stunning 22-metre-long Cable Beach / Walmanyjun. 

Roebuck Bay, near Broome

Epic Road Trips and Aerial Adventures

The legendary Gibb River Road stretches 660 kilometres from Kununurra / Goonoonoorrang to Derby, cutting through some of the most rugged and adventurous country on the planet. A true four-wheel-drive experience, the route takes travellers past towering gorges, hidden waterholes, and ancient boab trees and rock art. Each stop – whether El Questro, Manning Gorge, or Bell Gorge / Dalmanyi – reveals another slice of the Kimberley’s untamed beauty. There are options to drive yourself or join a small group tour so you can focus on the magnificent scenery.

For a different perspective, take to the sky to access thundering waterfalls, heli-hike on vast cattle stations or access secluded coastal retreats. A scenic flight over the Bungle Bungles or Mitchell Falls / Punamii-unpuu is a breathtaking way to grasp the sheer scale of the land. In the Kimberley, adventure comes in many forms, but one thing is certain – this ancient region leaves a lasting imprint on all who journey through it. The landscapes are otherworldly, the spirit of the land is palpable, and every moment is infused with wonder.

King George Falls

When to visit the Kimberley

The Kimberley experiences two distinct seasons – wet and dry. The wet season, which runs from November to March, transforms the land with heavy rains, filling mighty rivers and thundering waterfalls. The dry season from April to October is the best time to explore this magnificent region, with warm days, cool nights, and clear skies . These are the perfect conditions for discovering the Kimberley's hidden swimming holes, hiking through spectacular gorges, and heading out on thrilling four-wheel-drive adventures to explore both outback and coast.