The North Kimberley by 4WD

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Take a detour off the Gibb River Road 4WD track and head deep into the Kimberley wilderness areas few have experienced. Hike and fly by helicopter to one of Australia’s most scenic landmarks – Mitchell Falls – camp under the starriest skies and fish the richest waters.​

Travel

4 - 6 days


Route

Gibb River road to Kalumburu Community

874km


Best Time of the Year

May to October

Highlights

  • Gibb River Road
  • Mitchell Falls
  • Kalumburu Fishing

The Journey

Days

1 2 3 4

Day 1
Gibb Rover road/Kalumburu Road junction to Drysdale River station

Distance 59km - Driving Time 1 hour

Between the Gibb River Road attractions of Manning Gorge and Home Valley Station (249 kilometres from Kununurra and 633 kilometres from Broome), take the turning onto the unsealed Kalumburu Road to enter Mitchell River National Park. Stop for a morning swim at the Gibb River crossing before continuing on to Drysdale River Station. 

Explore the vast, ancient Livistonia forests and savannah woodlands on foot, and encounter the region’s abundant flora and rare fauna. Or take a scenic flight over Mitchell Falls and the coastal canyons of the Prince Regent River. Choose a riverside or homestead camping site for the night at the station.

Day 2
Drysdle River Station to Mitchell Falls

Distance 188km - Driving Time 3 hours

Road access to Mitchell Falls is via theunsealed Mitchell Plateau track. From the Mitchell Falls camping area, it’s a short helicopter flight or six-kilometre walk to the falls, and you have the option of following the walking trail to Little Mertens Falls and Big Mertens Falls.

You can also access Surveyors Pool in Mitchell River National Park via an eight kilometre return walk from the Surveyors Pool car park. Refill your water bottles at the pool and allow six hours for the walk.

Day 3
Mitchell Falls to Kalumburu Community

Distance 190km - Driving Time 3 hours

Near the mouth of the King Edward River, at the northern tip of Western Australia, Kalumburu Mission is the State’s most remote and isolated Aboriginal community, with some of the best fishing and big game fishing on Australia’s coast.

More than 1,800 million years in the making, this rugged landscape has been home to the Kwini, Gambra and Walmbi people for many thousands of years. The story of their ancestry is told in the ancient Gyorn Gyorn rock art (Bradshaw paintings), believed to be the oldest figurative paintings on Earth. 

Basic single and twin cabins and campsites are available, the Mission also features a museum, general store and petrol station.

Day 4
Kalumburu Community to Gibb River / Kalumburu Rd Junction

Distance 437km - Driving Time 6 hours

Retrace your tracks south and break your journey back to the Gibb River Road with an overnight stop at Drysdale River Station.

NOTES:

These tracks are only accessible between May and October. Roads are often closed due to flooding between September and May (the wet season). The track may have washouts and corrugations, so drive with care.

An adventure of this nature requires drivers to take necessary precautions to ensure a safe journey. Some experience of driving on un-sealed roads is recommended. See the Office of Road Safety website for further information. 

Your vehicle should be properly equipped with at least: two spare tyres; water and emergency provisions; a comprehensive tool, puncture repair and first aid kit; gas cooking equipment; sunscreen and insect repellent. In the event of a breakdown, stay with your vehicle – it is easier to find than an individual. 

There is no mobile phone reception in these remote areas, so it’s recommended that you carry a satellite phone.

Kalumburu is a ‘dry’ community and alcohol is not permitted.

It is advisable to boil or treat water taken from creeks before drinking. Do not leave food or rubbish unattended, where animals can scavenge, and take your rubbish away as there is no collection facility. 

You can collect firewood from the designated firewood collection zones, but it’s recommended that you use fuel stoves wherever possible. 

Park entry and camping fees are applicable at Mitchell River National Park and are collected by the Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) at the King Edward River campground.

Permits are required to visit Kalumburu, please contact the Kalumburu Aboriginal Corporation on 08 9161 3000.