5 Unforgettable Experiences in Western Australia’s Kimberley Region

With winding waterways that cut through eons-old sandstone, ancient crocs that watch lazily as you pass by and natural reefs that give Queensland a run for its money, Western Australia’s Kimberley region is out of this world. Here are five of the most unforgettable experiences to have during your next visit.

Visit ancient rock art galleries

The Kimberley's cliffs and caves are adorned with natural open-air galleries, showcasing ancient Dreamtime stories. These artworks, known as the Gwion Gwion style, can be seen at Ngula (Jar Island). Remarkably, these etchings are believed to be at least twice as old as Egypt's hieroglyphs.

While there are several guided tours of these sites available, True North Adventure Cruises offers a more intimate experience. Small, purpose-built vessels take guests into previously inaccessible areas where the company’s onboard naturalists are always on the lookout for hidden corners emblazoned with examples of the sacred stories.

Visit Mitchell Falls

The word “majestic” is often used when talking about the Kimberley, but Mitchell Falls (Punnami-Ounpuu to the Wunambal people) is worthy of the hype. The four-tiered waterfall, punctuated by blue-green pools that tip their contents through the craggy, finger-like outcroppings on either side, is a bucket-list Kimberley destination. Located within the northern Mitchell River National Park, access to the falls on foot is via an 8.6-kilometre loop over rough country. True North can take visitors directly to the falls via its onboard helicopter, offering the opportunity to take in the natural wonder’s splendour from the front row.

Visit the reefs

Nestled in Camden Sound Marine Park, Montgomery Reef is Australia’s largest inshore reef. It puts on quite a show for those lucky enough to visit, exposing up to four metres of itself at low tide. It’s open to all, but is best experienced with a qualified tour operator. The reef teems with five species of turtles and True North’s onboard naturalist, Chris Mirbach, is so confident you’ll spot one that he jokes to guests that he’ll “buy them a cocktail if they don’t”.

Further offshore, 300 kilometres west of Broome, the Rowley Shoals is a lively ecosystem that’s far enough from the Western Australian coast that world-class snorkelling is guaranteed. With 50-metre visibility beneath the surface, you’ll spend your time spotting playful humpbacks, dolphins, bumphead parrot fish and schools of fish so dense you can barely see through them. The Rowley Shoals is so pristine that according to Mirbach, “it’s one of the best snorkelling spots on the planet.”

A wildlife wonderland

It’s not just underwater where the Kimberley’s natural wonders are on display. Huge crocodiles, rock wallabies, kangaroos and more than 300 species of birdlife call the region home. You can book a number of wildlife tours departing from Broome to spot them in situ. With True North, you’ll be ferried up the Prince Regent River where you’ll feel the spray of Cathedral Falls while birdwatching. Just 100 metres away, a flying fox rookery bustles with life, crocs swim the waters below and wedge-tailed eagles circle above.

Helicopter rides for spectacular remote picnics

Picture this: touching down on a slab of rock beside a waterfall and freshwater swimming hole while professional chefs prepare a sumptuous meal using ingredients that may have been swimming in the river below that very morning. A picnic in the wild doesn’t get better than this. 

While other tour operators offer heli-picnics only True North and True North II are equipped with their own full-time private choppers, which means gourmet trips via air are built into your itinerary.

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