The Kimberley Region is not one to ignore when travelling Western Australia—worth every second of the admittedly long and arduous travel time, it hosts picturesque landscapes and outdoor experiences that just can’t be replicated further south. Depending on the season, the imagined dust and dryness are replaced by a landscape that is very alive, green, and ripe with opportunity for an unforgettable trip.
For good reason, Broome is usually regarded as the gateway to the Kimberley. You can fly in and stay in Cable Beach Resort while you gain your bearings for the massive region that is the Kimberly Outback, or dive headfirst into the natural landscape by venturing further to the Dampier Peninsula and camping under the stars.
Following Broome is Derby, a town on the mouth of the Fitzroy River. In Derby, the gravity of the Boab Prison Tree is hard to avoid. A fifteen-thousand-year-old tree hollowed out to be used to stage prisoners and is now protected by the Aboriginal Heritage Act. Further, the jetty is a laidback spot for fish and chips on the water and the opportunity to catch some fish yourself.
Derby marks the Western end of the Gibb River Road, the perfect way to tick off all the best sights of the Kimberly Outback. This road is considered one of Australia’s last true adventure drives, taking you through the heart of the Kimberley. Remember to bring your four-wheel drive if attempting this 660km road trip—at times, the road is unsealed, and water crossings and corrugation are common. Keep your camping to approved campsites, and be 100 per cent sure the water is safe to swim in before you dive in to avoid Crocs and other unsavoury situations. The season is especially relevant in planning your trip here—from November to April, the wet season sees rivers swell and may flood the roads, closing them and many of your choices for national parks and gorges. The months following the wet season are peak times as the gorges and lakes produce stunning views from the extra rainfall.
From Derby, Windjana Gorge is a must. The striking black and orange gorge is carved from the same ancient reef system as the nearby Tunnel Creek. Another stop along the Gibb that’s unmissable is Bell Gorge, considered the best and the busiest, with waterfalls all year round. Following visits to a few more stations and gorges (Manning Gorge and Mitchell Plateau being favourites) along the Gibb, the crown jewel is El Questro Wilderness Park. Campgrounds, rooms, live music, and various trails, boats, air, and horse tours are available. You can’t miss Emma Gorge at El Questro. Less busy than Bell Gorge, with a 65-metre waterfall and natural warm springs. You can even camp at the entrance to the hike in tented cabins amongst the Cockburn Ranges. The Park is a million acres, so take your time exploring.
Kununurra is at the eastern end of the Gibb. It’s common for visitors to base themselves here and day-trip out to some of The Kimberley’s most famous landscapes, some of which are in El Questro but others found in Purnululu National Park. Some tour companies do the work for you and package a couple of attractions together in one tour, which is an excellent option if the choices of beautiful landscapes overwhelm you. A package by Aviair includes a two-hour flight over the Bungle Bungles, Lake Argyle and the Ord River, among other stunning scenes. Following the flight, a sunset cruise on Lake Argyle, with facts, refreshments, and relaxation.