Top 7 Places in Kimberley, Australia that make it worth visiting

Kimberley, a town located in the north-western part of Western Australia, has been regarded as an adventurer’s heaven, a vast and wild land with dramatic scenery interacting with both ancient tales and the soul of the outback under the sun. It covers almost 423,000 square kilometers and is one of the final frontiers of the true wilderness in the world. This spectacular land has mountainous landscapes, waterfalls, rough gorges as well as deep aboriginal culture that is rooted in the red earth.

Kimmerley is the land of pure beauty, natural wilderness and unforgettable experiences. It has breathtaking waterfalls, ancient rocks,beaches that are very clean and a rich culture which makes it an irresistible destination to all types of travelers. Is it the adventure of a rugged 4WD adventure, a scenic flight above the astonishing rock formations or a serene evening, star-filled sky, that you desire, then Kimberley will provide you with the trip of a lifetime.

These are the places that you should visit when you are exploring this beautiful region –

1. The Bungle Bungle Range 

One of the most recognizable landmarks in the Kimberley which is contained in the Purnululu National Park is the Bungle Bungle Range. It is a masterpiece of geology, and due to its very impressive beehive-shaped rock formations in oranges and blacks, it was a secret till the 1980s, when the world came to know about it. Wind and rain have eroded these dome-like shapes over millions of years to form a bizarre, striped terrain that is almost alien.

The most effective option is to observe their immense size with the help of a scenic helicopter flight that makes one see the hypnotizing patterns in the sky. Explore on foot on the ground, either down Echidna Chasm – a narrow chasm blazing with golden light in the middle of the day – or explore the Cathedral Gorge where a whisper is echoed by the natural acoustics. Both places provide a humbling feeling of connection to the primeval powers that had created this land.

2. Horizontal Falls

The Horizontal Falls are an experience in its own right as David Attenborough describes the falls as one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. This is a spectacular phenomenon found in Talbot Bay when huge tidal waves force seawater through two slit cliffs to create large waterfalls in a horizontal direction.

You may feel this thrilling natural performance on the high speed boat-ride, with the whirlpools of the turquoise water thundering beneath you or you can take a seaplane ride and view the whirlpools of turquoise water in a bird eye view. This is a must visit site that should not be missed by the enthusiast and adventurers, as well as photography experts due to the contrast of the features of the roaring water and the calmness of the red cliffs.

3. Mitchell Falls

Situated far into the isolated wilderness of the Mitchell Plateau, Mitchell Falls (or Punamii-Uunpuu in the Wunambal language) is an astonishing four level waterfall with fertile vegetation and pre-historic Aboriginal rock carvings. Cascading water, the dramatic cliffs, and the sound of nature, all these bring one of the most fascinating views of the Kimberley.

The Mitchell Falls form part of the adventure – it involves a 4WD trip with a very tedious yet worthwhile hike through rugged forests. To get a bird-view, a scenic helicopter tour is the preferred destination of most visitors and this allows one to see the huge undisturbed wilderness that extends on the horizon. The area is also rich in culture and there are ancient rock paintings that portray the stories of the original people of the land.

4. El Questro Wilderness Park

When you want an outback experience, El Questro Wilderness Park will be your heaven. This nature reserve covers an area of 700,000 acres and has all that one can find towering gorges, natural hot springs, crystal clear rivers, and lookout points that almost touch the sky.

Take a swim in the cool, relaxing waters of Zebedee Springs, visit the green cliffs in Emma Gorge or go on a boat ride in Chamberlain Gorge, where the sunlight bounces off the rock walls like a mirror. Stay at El Questro in a luxury lodge or on a basic riverside campsite and you will still be able to enjoy the rugged beauty of the Kimberley, without ever having to forgo comfort.

5. Cape Leveque

Cape Leveque is a secretive paradise of the Dampier Peninsula which is characterized by the red sandstone cliffs, white sandy beaches and turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. It is the type of place that has not been touched by time and it provides the mixture of raw beauty and cultural richness.

Visitors can use their days snorkeling, swimming, and fishing, or just spending their days on the beach watching the sun set behind the horizon in an orange and pink blaze. In addition to its natural charm, Cape Leveque also shelters the Bardi and Jawi people and their tales and customs give the scenery a deeper sense of meaning. There is an ability to take cultural tours to understand the traditional methods of fishing or get more knowledge about the spiritual importance of land and sea.

6. Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek

Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek are some of the must-see places among travelers who are keen on ancient sceneries and the Aboriginal history.

In Windjana Gorge National Park, there are steep limestone cliffs which are 100 meters tall and are eroded by the Lennard River over millions of years. You will see freshwater crocodiles basking in the sun and a nest of birds in the cliffs as you walk up its banks, a view that makes it look like you have gone to the prehistoric world.

Tunnel creek, with a 750-meter-long system of underground caves, the oldest in Western Australia, is just around the corner of the drive. The interior has stalactites, old rock paintings and the water gleaming with torchlight. It is mysterious and awe-inspiring particularly when one realizes that the cave was used as a hideout of the famous Aboriginal freedom fighter Jandamarra.

7. Lake Argyle

Lake Argyle, the largest man-made lake in Australia, is also referred to as the Jewel of the Kimberley and is an oasis to rugged hills. It is a huge body of water that is the result of the damming of the Ord River and has thus over 1,000 square kilometers of land and sustains a rich ecosystem which includes over 70 bird species and freshwater crocodiles.

Tourists have the option of taking a scenic cruise to observe wildlife, have a swim in the clear waters of the lake or relax in the world-renowned infinity pool which looks over the glistening waters of the lake as well as the Lake Argyle Resort. Beyond the serenity of kayaking over the smooth water, or just enjoying the sunset tint the sky with gold and crimson colors, Lake Argyle will provide you with a feeling of the lost time.

Final Thoughts

The Kimberley region is a place where the adventure of things and the calmness of things collide with each other – where the land has a story which is older than time and where each turn wondrous things are found. Whether it is the enigmatic shapes of the Bungle Bungle Range, or the cool breeze of a dash under Mitchell Falls, all the activities here are all about the wild heart of Australia.

Take your sense of wonder and get on the red dusty roads, therefore, because after you visit Kimberley you will not ever again think the same thing about any other landscape on this planet.