Must-See Attractions In Kimberley

What you need to know about Kimberley

When travelling to remote Australia, it’s important to come prepared. Here are a few essentials you need to know before you hit the road to explore the Kimberley region. 

Image: Tourism Western Australia 

 

What’s the best way to travel to Kimberley?

One of the best ways to explore the rugged Kimberley region of Western Australia on a road trip is by hiring a campervan. While a 4WD is recommended to access remote areas, it is also possible to travel in a 2WD and simply join tours to access the more remote areas. 

Regardless of which type you choose, travelling by campervan offers the convenience of having everything you need in one place without having to move in and out of hotels each day. You also have access to a tank of fresh water, a cupboard for your food and a bed to rest on after a big day exploring. If that wasn’t enough, having access to cost-effective campground and caravan park sites means you can save a little on accommodation. This leaves you with a little extra to be able to enjoy more of the best things to do in the Kimberly region. With Britz, you can also start your road trip in Broome, Perth, or Darwin, which means you can truly tailor your adventure to suit your travel itinerary. 

The best time of year to visit Kimberley

The Kimberley region can be visited at any time of the year, but the ideal and recommended time to travel is during the dry season (from June to August). This period offers comfortable temperatures and fewer bugs, making it easier to explore the region's rugged terrain. Access to some areas, like the 4WD-only Gibb River Road, may be restricted during the wet season, which spans from November to April. We recommend travelling at the beginning or end of the season, as campgrounds and attractions can get busy during peak times. 

What Kimberley is known for

The Kimberley region is renowned for its breathtaking rugged beauty and unique wildlife. It is home to Western Australia's largest lake and boasts stunning freshwater swimming holes, like El Questro. With its abundance of national parks, ancient aboriginal art, and remarkable attractions like the horizontal waterfalls, the region offers plenty to explore for nature lovers and adventurers alike. The Kimberley is also the perfect place to see a diverse range of Australian wildlife in their natural habitat. Whether you are looking to see salt-water crocodiles, cuddly wallabies, or ancient sea turtles – Kimberlies has it all. 

 

Image: Tourism Western Australia 

 

Must-see attractions in Kimberley

Once you have your campervan and are prepared for your road trip, it’s time to explore the must-see attractions that await in this rugged northwest corner of Australia. Here are some of our top picks of things to do in the Kimberley region. 

Explore Kimberley’s National Parks 

The Kimberley region is home to a number of breathtaking national parks, which offer plenty of opportunities for hiking, wildlife spotting, and soaking up the region's natural beauty. 

Dimalurru National Park

Dimalurru National Park (also known as Tunnel Creek) is a unique attraction located approximately 110 kilometres northwest of Fitzroy Crossing in Western Australia. Here you can have the unique chance to explore a carved-out tunnel that stretches over 750 meters in length. The tunnel is home to various native wildlife, including bats and freshwater crocodiles. 

Top tip: It is important to note that dogs are not allowed in the park, and a small entry fee of about $15 per vehicle is required to access the area. You will need 4WD to access Dimalurru National Park, and it's best to avoid this area during the wet season (November - April) as the roads are often closed or inaccessible.

Eighty Mile Beach Marine Park

Eighty Mile Beach Marine Park is a perfect place to stop and explore for a 4WD adventure. Just off the Great Northern Highway between Port Hedland and Broome, you will find 220km of uninterrupted white sand and turquoise water, mudflats and mangroves. The beach is known for its turtle nesting, female Flatback Turtles can be seen laying their eggs in the dunes from October through to February, and hatchlings can be seen eight weeks later making their maiden voyage down to the water. Facilities can be found at Cape Keraudren and include toilets and picnic areas, making it a perfect spot for a road trip stop or a weeklong adventure by the beach. 

Top tip: Keep in mind that our 2WD vehicles are only permitted on maintained roads and so are not permitted to access this beach. 

Camden Sound Marine Park

Camden Sound Marine Park is located off the Kimberley coast in Western Australia, covering an area of approximately 7,000 square kilometres. The park is accessible by boat and offers visitors the chance to explore a diverse range of marine habitats, from deep sea canyons to shallow coral reefs. The marine park is also the most important humpback whale nursery in the southern hemisphere, with many mothers and calves making their way through the waters between June and September each year. Another top attraction in the park is the Montgomery Reef – a perfect spot to see an abundance of marine life in this region. Looking to explore this area? Join a cruise to enjoy a front-row seat to the whales and other marine life that call this park home.

Mirima National Park

Mirima National Park is a spectacular park best known for its unique natural rock formations that rise majestically above the surrounding plains. Located in Kununurra, it covers an area of 2,058 hectares and is easily accessible by car, entry is $15 per vehicle or free if you have a national parks pass. Visitors can explore the park's rugged terrain on walking trails and marvel at the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The rocky terrain is home to many different native species, so keep your eyes peeled for dingos, rock wallabies, double-barred finches, and other unique Australian fauna.

Admire the ancient Aboriginal art

Kimberley rock art is a treasure of Australian Indigenous art, with some of the oldest and most unique examples in the world. The Aboriginal (Australia's indigenous people) rock art can be found in various locations, including the Wandjina and Gwion Gwion galleries, which are best accessed with a guided 4WD tour. These tours are the perfect way to explore the remote wilderness areas whilst providing access to the rich cultural heritage of the region. Through this art, we can learn about the stories of the land, animals, and ancestral spirits and is a testament to the depth and richness of Kimberley's Aboriginal history.

Discover Western Australia’s largest lake

Lake Argyle is Australia's largest man-made lake, covering an area of 1,000 square kilometres and holds an impressive 10.7 million mega-litres (this is around eighteen times the volume of water of Sydney Harbour!). Located west of Kununurra, this remote lake is surrounded by rugged landscapes and breathtaking scenery. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities on the lake, such as boat cruises, kayaking, mountain biking, fishing, swimming and even helicopter tours. However, just a little warning – the lake is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including over 30,000 freshwater crocodiles. While these animals are fairly safe, it's best to explore this area on a tour. This way, the local guides can give you advice on safe places to swim. If that isn’t your cup of tea, the Lake Argyle Caravan Park is home to a stunning infinity pool overlooking the lake and is the perfect spot to cool off and watch the evening glow of sunset. 

Scope out unique wildlife

The Kimberley region is rich with diverse wildlife, including the famed saltwater crocodiles. Unlike the more docile freshwater crocodiles, saltwater crocodiles are territorial and so should only be observed on guided tours where they can be viewed from a safe distance. The region is also home to kangaroos, wallabies, dingoes, bilbies, and various bird species. Many tour operators offer opportunities to observe these animals in their natural habitats. Wildlife sanctuaries such as the Broome Bird Observatory or the Kimberley Wildlife Research Centre are other great spots to see native wildlife. 

Find the freshwater swimming holes

The Kimberley region is home to some of Australia’s most iconic waterholes and swimming spots. Emma Gorge is a popular destination, boasting a crystal clear pool surrounded by towering cliffs and a beautiful waterfall. Some of the lesser-known swimming holes include Danggu and Manning Gorge. These hidden oases offer a unique experience away from the crowds. Jumping off waterfalls, picnicking and enjoying the stunning scenery are just some of the activities you can enjoy in these idyllic locations. Remember, there are also still many hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Talking to locals is the best way to uncover these secret spots.

Top tip: It is very important to observe all warning signs while in the region and respect animals – especially signs regarding swimming and crocodile sightings. 

River cruises

Embarking on a river cruise is a great way to experience the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife of the Kimberley region. These luxury and adventure-style experiences are the perfect way to explore the region's unique waterways, gorges, and rugged coastlines.

Visit the Horizontal Falls

The Horizontal Falls in the Kimberley are a natural phenomenon that has to be seen to be believed. It’s been described as “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world” by David Attenborough, and it truly is. Only accessible by plane or boat, it’s a stunning sight to witness the rushing water flow through a narrow gap in the rocks, creating a horizontal waterfall effect. 

 

Image: Tourism Western Australia 

 

Where to stay when visiting Kimberley

With much of this region being quite remote, holiday parks can be few and far between. As such, it is worthwhile to plan a few stops at holiday parks on your travel itinerary to ensure you have a place to park up and fill your water tanks. There are so many options in the region, from 4WD access national park camps to fully serviced caravan parks. To help, we have listed a few of our favourite must-visit holiday parks on your upcoming travel itinerary through the Kimberly region. 

Kimberley Entrance Caravan Park

Kimberley Entrance Caravan Park is located near the Derby town centre, making it an ideal base for exploring nearby attractions such as the Horizontal Falls. It's pet-friendly and even has dog sitters if you are travelling with your furry family. And if you're in the mood for catching your own dinner, the park has crab nets available to use. This is an incredible place to set up a base or just drop into while on your road trip through the Kimberleys. Facilities on-site include: 

• BBQ area

• Dump point 

• Laundry 

Cost: $35 for a powered campervan site.

Kimberleyland Waterfront Holiday Park

Kimberleyland Waterfront Holiday Park is a family-owned and operated caravan park located in Kununurra. The park offers stunning waterfront views, with spacious and shaded sites for motorhomes. The owners have a wealth of knowledge about the Kimberley region and offer a "local's view" on what to see and do. It also features a variety of facilities, such as:

• Waterfront sites 

• A swimming pool

• Licensed restaurant

• Tour desk. 

Cost: $47 for a powered campervan site.

Ready for your Kimberley escape?

Ready for your Kimberly escape? Hire a Britz campervan today. Then all that’s left to do is to pick up your campervan from a local Britz branch before beginning your Kimberley adventure. 

Image: Tourism Western Australia