One of the most recognisable ancient landscapes in the world, the Kimberley has 423 thousand square kilometres of unique wilderness to explore. With fewer people per square kilometre than any other place on earth, you won’t be hard pressed to uphold social distancing measures. The major gateway is the outback beach town of Broome. Cruising is a very popular way of seeing the Kimberley, with local lines Coral Expeditions offering adventures during the high season of April to October.
Attractions
Gibb River Road offers long or short road trip adventures. Stop at Derby and admire the bulbous alien form of the sacred Boab trees. Explore the gorges of the Windjana Gorge National Park by foot, peppered with natural watering holes which are home to indigenous wildlife including crocodiles. For waterholes safe to swim in, Bell Gorge has a series of tiered ponds culminating with the reward of a swim under the waterfall at the end of a short hike. Purnululu Naitonal Park in the east Kimberley features the ‘beehive’ domes of the Bungle Bungle Range, or view them from above with a sight seeing flight from the nearby town of Kununurra. Mitchell Falls is the subject of many postcard photography, and one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Australia. Viewed by air, or getting up close via a hiking track, the ideal time is to visit the falls is at its peak water capacity in February and March.
Stay
One of the most unique and remote places on earth also offers some of the most unique and remote accommodation options. Fly-in only accommodation destinations including the Kimberley Coastal Camp, Berkeley River Lodge, Kuri Bay and Faraway Bay. Back in civilisation, apartments or rooms at the Kimberley Hotel offer views of the ancient wilderness at your doorstep. Cliffs, still, reflective water holes, wilderness setting, the El Questro homestead offers the best of the Kimberley in a 9 suite luxurious holiday oasis.
Dine
Despite its remoteness from the world, the Kimberley is not isolated from food stimulation. At the end of a dirt road 130 kilometres south of Broome your destination is Ramada Eco Beach Resort. An open deck kitchen with panoramic views of the wilderness, Chef Luke Sutherland has delivered a menu of smoked barramundi, crocodile tail and other native ingredients to serve up the Kimberley. Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge on the banks of Camp Creek plates up an open air dining experience from the Ungolan Pavilion with local cuisine and some classic favourites.
