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Australia is famous for its nature, landscape, and wildlife, but when I heard about the Kimberley region, it took my perception of Australia to a different level.
The Kimberley is among the most beautiful places in Australia, and I’m about to show you why. Follow me in this inspiring and practical guide to Kimberley, Western Australia, and discover the reasons you should plan a trip here soon.
Why visit Kimberley, Australia?
The Kimberley region combines wilderness, culture, and adventure. It sits on the northern tip of Western Australia, where you can find dramatic gorges, impressive waterfalls, and beautiful beaches that contrast with the dirt plains of the region.
Kimberley has all you need for an adventurous trip. You can immerse yourself in the wild as a true explorer or with a touch of luxury; it’s your call.
It’s more than just a place to visit. It’s an experience itself, and this guide will delve into the region’s top sights, experiences to have, and share tips on the best time to visit. Prepare to discover why The Kimberley absolutely deserves a prime spot on your travel bucket list.
Kimberley’s unique landscapes and natural wonders
We start our list of places to visit in Kimberley with the stunning Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park. These striking beehive-shaped rock formations are best explored via a scenic flight or guided hike, offering views that feel almost otherworldly.
The Bungle Bungle Range is not just a rock formation; it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it was unknown to the world until 1980. Can you believe it?
The rugged mountains of the Kimberley are also home to two incredible waterfalls. Mitchell Falls and King George Falls are must-visit spots in the Kimberley, not easy to reach, but totally worth the effort.
Reaching Mitchell Falls is an adventure in itself; you can do it on a 4WD tour or during a scenic flight, from where you can also admire the Mitchell Plateau. It’s a great experience for photographers and nature lovers.
King George Falls plunges majestically into the ocean, and it’s best seen from a boat or scenic flight. I would recommend going on a Kimberley cruise to not only see the King George Falls but also Montgomery Reef and the impressive Horizontal Falls.
Talking about Horizontal Falls, this is another incredible natural wonder in Kimberley, WA,and a phenomenon found nowhere else on earth. It’s not a proper waterfall, like the others; these are two massive tidal currents that rush between two narrow gaps in the McLarty Range in Talbot Bay, creating a waterfall effect. It’s an impressive sight and one of Kimberley’s top attractions.
Kimberley’s Indigenous culture and history
The Kimberley is not just about stunning landscapes; it also has a rich history that goes back 40,000 years. Kimberley is the land of the world’s oldest living cultures and ancient rock art sites. If you want to get a glimpse of it, add these two places to your Kimberley itinerary.
Mimbi Caves are a unique geological and cultural site located approximately 90 km from Fitzroy Crossing town. They are an impressive system of limestone caves formed within 350 million years, and it’s where the Gooniyandi people lived. It’s interesting to know that Mimbi Caves is 100% indigenous owned and operated. Don’t skip this visit.
Munurru is a sacred rock art site on Mitchell Plateau. It has rock paintings in both the Bradshaw and Wandjina traditions, which are impressive.
Kimberley Wilderness Adventures
If “wild” is what you seek, the Kimberley delivers. Options range from day trips (scenic flights and speedboat tours) to multi-day overland expeditions and small-ship cruises. You can camp under a sky so bright with stars it feels close enough to touch, or choose comfortable wilderness lodges if you prefer fewer logistics.
My advice: search for Kimberley tours that suit your travel style, and you’ll enjoy every second of your trip.
Essential experiences for an ultimate Kimberley adventure
Here’s what to add to your bucket list if you want a balanced Kimberley trip that mixes scenery, culture, and adventure:
- Book scenic flights and make sure you see the Bungle Bungle Range and the Horizontal Falls from the air. It’s the best way to appreciate the massive scale of these natural wonders.
- Cruise the Kimberley Coast, it’s a must! The cruises reach the most remote cliffs, tidal falls, the Montgomery Reef, and islands that are completely inaccessible by land.
- Drive the Gibb River Road. This classic 4WD overland route takes you to experience the real outback, including cattle-station culture and rugged terrain. It’s one of the greatest road trips in Australia.
- Hike and swim in the gorges. You’ll need those cold dips! Prioritize Bell Gorge, Manning Gorge, and Emma Gorge for great walks and refreshing pools.
- Explore caves and rivers. Check out the unique underground passages of Tunnel Creek and see the freshwater crocodiles safely in the pools of Windjana Gorge.
- Visit Kununurra and Lake Argyle. Don’t skip the eastern gateway. Take a boat trip on Lake Argyle for easy wildlife watching and stunning sunset views.
- Look for wildlife wherever you go. Keep an eye out for wallabies, native birds, and marine life along the coast.
- Visit Aboriginal communities. Choose tours that focus on respectful interaction, allowing you to learn directly from the locals about traditions, history, and their profound connection with the land.
- Cruise the Ord River at sunset. The water turns into a mirror, offering absolutely breathtaking reflections and fantastic opportunities for photography.
- Explore hidden beaches. I love beaches, so I recommend you ask your cruise or tour operator about visiting secluded beaches along the northern coastline. You will be impressed.
Now that you know why you should visit Kimberley, Australia, let’s talk about practical travel tips.
Essential Planning: Travel to Kimberley, WA
Kimberley is a remote location, and you must plan your trip carefully. Understanding the best time to visit Kimberley is the key to exploring it and having the best experiences.
When to go: best time to visit Kimberley
Seasonality defines the Kimberley region. The best time to visit Kimberley is during the dry season, which typically runs from May to September. During these months:
- Weather: mostly clear, sunny skies, minimal humidity, and comfortable temperatures ranging from the 20s to 30s Celsius.
- Accessibility: roads are open, allowing access to national parks and remote areas like the Bungle Bungle Range and the Gibb River Road.
- Waterfalls: while the waterfalls are at their most powerful just after the wet season (April to June), they remain impressive throughout the dry season, offering fantastic opportunities for viewing and swimming.
- Cruises: this is the peak season for Kimberley cruise operators, ensuring a full schedule of departures and prime conditions for coastal exploration. Remember to book in advance!
The wet season, from October to March, brings monsoonal rains, high humidity, and reshapes the landscape. Waterfalls and floodplains become dramatically beautiful, but many roads and access points close.
Unless you are seeking a very remote, specialized wet-season experience, the dry season is recommended for general tourism and most Kimberley expeditions.
Strategic cities you must add to your itinerary
Australia’s western territory is vast and not very populated, which makes it incredibly raw and beautiful. When planning your trip, these are the main cities or towns you can use as bases to explore Kimberley.
- Broome: the largest town and tourism hub of the region. A vibrant coastal town famous for Cable Beach sunsets and rich pearling history. It offers great accommodation options and an airport with flights from Perth and other major Australian cities. Attractions: Cable Beach, Chinatown, Gantheaume Point, and acts as a gateway to the Dampier Peninsula and coastal attractions like Horizontal Falls.
- Derby: it’s the gateway to the northern Kimberley, known for its impressive tidal ranges. Attractions: the Derby Wharf Precinct and it’s a base for exploring the Gibb River Road.
- Kununurra: it has an airport that connects Darwin and Broome. For those driving the Gibb River Road from the east or exploring the northern parks, it is a crucial base. Attractions: the perfect base for exploring Lake Argyle, Lake Kununurra, the Bungle Bungle Range, and the Ord River Scheme.
- Halls Creek: an important town in the southern part of the region. Attractions: close to Wolfe Creek Crater National Park and a gateway for exploring the southern parts of the Kimberley.
Where to stay in the Kimberley, WA
When planning your trip to the Kimberley, you will find a range of accommodation that reflects the region’s wilderness.
In the main towns of Broome and Kununurra, you will find standard hotels and resorts, but once you head into the true Outback, options shift dramatically. Along the Gibb River Road, expect basic bush camps and rustic cattle stations that offer camping or simple rooms.
If you choose one of Kimberley Cruises’ trips, your accommodation will be on your expedition cruise ship, which can range from small, casual boats to sophisticated, luxury vessels.
This is one of the most remote regions in Australia. I recommend booking accommodation in advance, especially during the dry season (May to September) when most travelers visit Kimberley.
Keep in mind that many wilderness lodges close in the wet season due to flooding, so always double-check opening dates before planning.
For those up for a real adventure of self-driving or camping, carry plenty of water and fuel. Distances are vast, and services are limited. But this is a subject for another Kimberley travel guide.
Are you ready to visit Kimberley?
Kimberley is more than your usual destination, and I hope I spark in you the desire to visit this incredible corner of Western Australia.
The region offers experiences that are impossible to live anywhere else. From the untouched wilderness and dramatic cliffs to the rich Aboriginal culture and thrilling adventures, every moment in the Kimberley feels like discovering a new world of stunning beauty and nature.