Kimberley Region
Kimberley is located on the northwest of Australia, and is one of the world’s most ancient wilderness areas, covering 163,300 square miles (423,000 sq km). Fauna and flora bloom in here, thanks to its incredible source of freshwater.
The region is characterized for its remarkable landscapes, with its beautiful orange canyons, that in contrast with the blue of the ocean, its rivers, waterfalls and gorges, create an incredible and colorful backdrop that will take your breath away. The rocks that make the region are presumed to be more than 2 billion years old.
Evidence shows that the area has been inhabited since 41,000 years ago. It’s an area of great diversity in all senses, with about 60 different aboriginal tribes living in the region. Nowadays, Kimberley has one of the lowest population densities in the world, with 40,000 people, 50% of which are aboriginal.
Things to do in Kimberley
Explore Broome
Broome is Kimberley’s major and most popular town, and one of Australia’s most unique destinations. It offers a combination of outback and white sand beaches rarely found somewhere else. (They are also famous for their mango beer!).
There are many things to do in the town, like riding a camel by the Cable Beach, sample the previously mentioned unique beer or visit some archaeological parks to see the ancient fossilized stegosaurus prints.
Road Trip through The Gibb River Road
The Gibb River Road is a 4WD only track that covers 410 miles (660 km). It takes you through the vast wild outback, lakes, swimming holes, gorges and canyons, as well as aboriginal communities and conservation sanctuaries.
It is the best way to discover the natural treasures of the region. A unique Aussie adventure for adrenaline junkies.
See the Bungle Bungles
Located in the World Heritage Purnululu National Park, the Bungle Bungles are a range of sandstone domes rising 985 feet (300 mt) above the ground, and one of the icons of the region.
Take one of the walking trails and enjoy not just the backdrop that the Bungle Bungles create but its hidden gorges and diverse and unique animals (like the nailtail wallaby and short-eared rock wallaby).
Follow ancient cave systems
Kimberley’s Tunnel Creek National Park is Australia’s oldest cave systems. These caves have been carved out by the waters of Tunnel Creek; and are home to beautiful formations like stalactites and stalagmites, as well as exotic fauna like bats, pythons and crocodiles.
You can easily walk the caves, and although the waters won’t get over your knee, be prepared to get wet.
Explore the meteorite crater at Wolfe Creek Crater National Park
The Wolfe Creek Crater is the second largest crater in the world, with a total area 2,887 feet (880 mt). It was named “Kandimalal” by the aboriginal of the area.
You can climb the crater, or enjoy its beauty for above.
Snorkel at the Rowley Shoals Marine Park
Rowley Shoals is a place of incredible beauty, made up of coral atolls, coral gardens and incredible marine life.
Over 650 species of fish live here, as well as mollusks, turtles, manta rays, whales and dolphins. Snorkeling in here is a must if you visit.
Swim in Lake Argyle
Lake Argyle is the largest freshwater lake on Western Australia.The lake offers pretty unique sights thanks to its color changing sandstone cliffs, and beautiful sunsets and sunrises.
You could take a day cruise, fish or go paddle boarding.
See the Horizontal falls
The horizontal falls are one of the most unique natural wonders you can look at. Located in Talbot Bay, this natural phenomenon occurs when the waters of the Bay rush forward to squeeze to the two narrow cliff-bordered gorges of McLarry Range.
This creates an unique horizontal waterfall effect. As the area is extremely remote, the only way to admire this phenomenon is from the air or by riding the waters.
See King George Falls
The King George Falls are a pretty unique set of twin waterfalls, created when King George plunged some sandstone cliffs.
The falls are of great significance for the Balanggarra natives, who believe the falls to be male and female.
Experience the amazing Montgomery Reef from the heights
The Montgomery Reef is an appearing-disappearing reef. The phenomenon happens twice a day, where the entire area of 150 square miles disappears thanks to Kimberley’s huge tides.
The reef is home to turtles, dolphins, sharks, crocodiles and dugongs.
Admire the ancient paintings
The ancient caves of Kimberley are home to an amazing set of paintings that is presumed to be over 12,000 years old. Kimberley was home to nomadic tribes in ancient times, who left rock art paintings and drawings on the walls of the caves, known as Bradshaw or Wandjina rock art.
Kimberley is home to about 100,000 images, scattered around the caves of the region.