The Kimberley & North West

• Summer

  Dec—Feb

  36°C Avg. High

  33°C Avg. Low

• Winter

  Jun—Aug

  30°C Avg. High

  27°C Avg. Low

Kununurra

As the eastern gateway to the Kimberley, the town of Kununurra (Goonoonoorrang) offers unparalleled opportunities for adventure seekers. Lose yourself in this rugged red landscape, getting off the beaten track to explore ancient national parks and one of the largest lakes in the southern hemisphere, the spectacular Lake Argyle. Embark on the outback adventure of a lifetime along the iconic Gibb River Road, with all the romance of the wide open road stretching before you.

Kununurra (Goonoonoorrang) is famous for its wildlife-rich waterways and wetlands. Start your exploration with a three-hour flight direct from Perth, or fly to Broome (Rubibi) and follow the sealed road that leads to this welcoming outback town. The scenic Ord River is a mecca for wildlife enthusiasts and watersport fans alike, so chart a course by boat and immerse yourself in nature. Spot freshwater crocodiles, rock wallabies, and hundreds of species of migratory and native birds. Take in Ivanhoe Crossing, and join a fishing cruise or canoe tour of Lake Argyle, the largest artificial lake on this side of the planet.

Step back in time at the World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park, where you can explore the towering 350-million-year-old domes of the Bungle Bungle Range by foot or scenic flight. Gaze at more geological wonders in Mirima National Park, whose wonders include the mysterious mineral phenomenon known as ‘zebra rock’ and the serene summer swimming hole Black Rock Falls. As night descends, watch the sky sink below the horizon from Kelly’s Knob lookout.

Dampier Peninsula

Explore one of Australia’s most remote, rugged, and breathtakingly beautiful regions – the Dampier Peninsula. Aboriginal people have cared for this land for tens of thousands of years. Join them on a cultural tour and discover ancient traditions, like foraging and mud-crabbing. Hear stories of the Dreamtime while you camp under the stars, surrounded by wild and wonderful natural landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Once you’ve flown from Perth to Broome (Rubibi), the Cape Leveque Road leads to the Dampier Peninsula. The 200-kilometre route charts a path through pindan woodland and, while it’s sealed, you’ll need a four-wheel drive to access many of the region’s main attractions. For a coastal camping experience that places you in the heart of the mighty outback, head to the wilderness retreats of Gumbanan or Goombaragin. After a restful night’s sleep, a dawn chorus of brightly coloured native birds acts as nature’s alarm clock.

Surround yourself with the fascinating marine creatures living among the coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves of the Buccaneer Archipelago – a cruising and fishing paradise comprising more than 1,000 rocky islands. The Horizontal Falls, where white-tipped tides surge through craggy rocks, are a natural phenomenon best experienced on a low-flying scenic flight or adrenaline-pumping boat ride.

For a unique coastal and cultural adventure, visit the Bardi people in the Lombadina community of Thomas Bay, or take to the water on a snorkelling, kayaking or whale-watching tour. Finally, head to Cygnet Bay, Australia’s oldest operating pearl farm, to witness the harvest of these precious gems. When it’s time to settle in for the night, fall asleep under a canopy of twinkling stars. Coastal camp sites, luxury cabins and safari tents mean you are only ever a few steps away from the natural wonders of the great outdoors.

Bungle Bungle Range

Discover the adventure of a lifetime at one of Western Australia’s most striking geological features – the Bungle Bungle Range in World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park. View the dazzling formations on a scenic flight, camp under the stars, and explore hidden gorges and watering holes. For walkers of all levels, trails abound, including day hikes to the stunning Cathedral Gorge and Echidna Chasm. A site with Aboriginal cultural significance, Purnululu National Park captivates everyone who visits.

Start your Purnululu adventure from Perth, a three-hour flight away from Kununurra (Goonoonoorrang), and then drive 200 kilometres south. Fancy a road trip? You’ll need at least two days to drive 3000-kilometres from Perth. Keep in mind that the national park is only accessible by four-wheel drive. More than 350 million years old and unknown to many until 1983, the Bungle Bungle Range is one of the most unique and captivating natural landmarks on the planet. From the air and on foot, its vast orange-and-black sandstone structures are spectacular.

Experience a four-wheel drive tour and eco-camping sites and allow a hidden world of gorges and water pools to reveal itself as you explore the beauty of this ancient national park.

Karijini National Park

Ascend over rocks, traverse breathtaking gorges, and cool off in crystal-clear rock pools in Karijini National Park, an ancient land full of wonder. Located in the Pilbara, it’s an ideal place to indulge in your adventurous side, with multiple opportunities for outdoor experiences. Walk the trails where wildflowers burst into bloom from June to September. After a two-hour flight from Perth, touch down in Newman – located two hours from Karijini. Or head to the mining town of Tom Price, where the park is a one-hour drive away. If you’d prefer others to do the driving, join a four-wheel drive tour; several operators run regular tours from Perth.

Step into Karijini’s rust-red terrain and be transported back two billion years. Find yourself dwarfed by towering gorges, descend into chasms, and scramble over boulders. When it’s time to cool down, sparkling pools, waterways and waterfalls like lush Weano Gorge are the perfect place to make a splash. Karijini’s walking trails suit all levels of experience, while lookout points, like Oxer Lookout, allow wanderers to survey the spectacular surroundings. Once the sun has set, shooting stars, meteor showers and a twinkling night sky make this timeless land an enchanting destination for stargazers.

Horizontal Falls

Sir David Attenborough calls them “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world” – and the surging waters of the Horizontal Falls must be seen to be believed. Prepare for an action-packed adventure amid the hundreds of islands that make up the Buccaneer Archipelago as you explore some of the planet’s most unique waterways. Home to two Horizontal Falls, Talbot Bay can be tackled on a boat trip that takes in the bay’s narrow channels and white-tipped waves. Prefer an airborne adventure? Get a bird’s-eye view as you soar above the falls on a scenic flight.

The Horizontal Falls are easily accessible by seaplane or helicopter from Broome (Rubibi) or Derby. From Perth, fly two-and-a-half hours or drive at least two days to make the 2,240-kilometre journey to Broome. Derby is just over 200 kilometres north of Broome (Rubibi). Formed by some of the largest tidal movements in the world, the swirling waters of the Horizontal Falls are a natural phenomenon. Massive volumes of water squeeze through narrow cliff passages, with the rapid-like formations creating the unique sideways waterfall effect.

The falls also serve up an adrenaline-packed adventure. Whether you witness the rapids and towering cliffs on a low-flying scenic flight or get in among the action on a fast boat, prepare yourself for a mind-blowing experience.

• The best time to visit Broome is during the dry season from May to October when the weather is pleasant, and rainfall is minimal. This period also coincides with the peak tourist season and various festivals and events.
• Take a scenic flight or boat tour to experience the natural wonder of the Horizontal Falls in the nearby Kimberley region. Witness the powerful tidal currents creating a series of rushing waterfalls between narrow coastal gorges.