A wild and rugged frontier. An epic adventure. The Kimberley region of Western Australia – spread over 423,000 square kilometres from the outskirts of Broome all the way to the Northern Territory border – is a destination on many Aussies’ bucket lists.
To be immersed in the Kimberley is like touching the spiritual heart of our extraordinary country. Those who’ve explored this charming region talk about a deep sense of fulfillment at having realised their long-held ambition of ‘doing the Kimberley’.
From the rugged escarpments, magnificent gorges, pristine waterways and rich Indigenous cultures, the Kimberley is a place of wonder and enchantment with moments of magic at every turn.
There’s a lot of ground to cover, so make the most of your adventure by adding these incredible jewels to your must-see list.
Described by David Attenborough as “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world”, Horizontal Falls is as intriguing as it is stunning.
Situated deep within the Buccaneer Archipelago at Talbot Bay, the second largest tides in the world hurtle through two narrow coastal gorges to create a ‘horizontal waterfall’ effect.
The best way to appreciate the magnitude of this natural phenomenon is with Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures. Experience the falls from a completely different perspective, from both the air and the water.
Twenty million years of weathering have produced one of the most unusual yet spectacular geological features of the Kimberley; the Bungle Bungles.
Take in the awe-inspiring beauty as you walk amongst the multi-hued, beehive-shaped towers that form the Bungle Bungles. It is here you also have the option to enjoy a breathtaking 18-minute scenic helicopter flight over the park with a bird’s eye view of its astounding natural features.
Within the park is also the natural amphitheatre of Cathedral Gorge. Carved from the red Kimberley rock by millennia of wet season floods, Cathedral Gorge creates a stunning space to sit and ponder the ancient landscapes.
Another incredible wonder of the Kimberley is Mitchell Falls, also known as Punamii-Uunpuu to the Wunambal people.
The falls were carved through sandstone by the waters of the Mitchell River, producing layers of dreamy emerald pools from which the waters tumble from one to the next.
Nearby you can also explore the rarely seen Gwion Gwion and Wandjina rock art galleries.
From flying over the Buccaneer Archipelago to landing on the calm turquoise water of Talbot Bay, walking through Windjana Gorge; or spotting wildlife while cruising down the Ord River, the best ways to explore the magic of the Kimberley region is with a small group tour.
To venture into remote regions, you need a skilled guide, one that knows the land like the back of their hand. Outback Spirit has been the leading tour operator in the Kimberley for more than 20 years, specialising in small group 4WD expeditions. With five all-inclusive Kimberley tours to choose from, there is something for everyone.
Departing from Broome or Darwin, you are spoilt for choice between a range of tours, spanning anywhere between 13 to 18 days. The accommodation, too, is top-notch, ranging from lodges and resorts to Outback Spirit’s exclusive Ngauwudu Safari Camp. Pronounced Nar-woo-doo, Ngauwudu is the Aboriginal name for the Mitchell Plateau.
Enjoy the romance of sleeping under canvas yet enjoy all the creature comforts, such as ensuite bathrooms and 240v power. On the Mitchell Plateau, each beautifully furnished ‘safari suite’ sits amidst elongated Livistona palms, just a stone’s throw from a pristine palm-fringed creek.
Make 2023 the year you tick the Kimberley off your travel list. Explore the gems of the region on a luxurious small group tour and experience the best of activity and relaxation.
With 2023 departure dates for the Kimberley selling out quickly, we recommend getting in touch sooner rather than later to secure your spot and lock in some fabulous early bird savings, up to $700pp off!
Whichever part of the Kimberley is calling, the adventure of a lifetime awaits you.