The Kimberley region in far-north Western Australia has an allure like no other, with its promise of rugged outback wonders, a spectacular coastline and its main town, the unique Broome.
Broome topped a recent YourLifeChoices reader survey of bucket-list destinations in Australia, showing many people haven’t made it there yet, perhaps because of its isolated location. But there are several ways to experience the Kimberley, and each does bring rewards.
The major route to the Kimberley is the Northern Highway, which runs 1050km between Kununurra and Broome. This road gives access to the major attractions, such as Purnululu National Park and its amazing Bungle Bungle rock formations. Geikie Gorge offers boat tours with the chance of crocodile sightings. Visiting Tunnel Creek National Park involves a 750m walk through WA’s oldest cave system, including wading several pools. There are cruises on Lake Argyle and the astounding open-cut Argyle Diamond Mine.This is the easiest self-drive option, plus coach tours take this route.
An alternative route to the region is the Gibb River Road. This is for adventurers in their 4WDs or on camping tours, because it’s mostly unsealed and very rutted. But it leads to several wonderful sites, including Windjana Gorge, where crocodiles can be seen on the gorge walk, and Bell Gorge and Manning Gorge, each with wedding cake-style waterfalls and waterholes.
The third option for the area is a Kimberley Coast cruise. This is an exclusive, small-ship experience that takes you right into some amazing coastal formations, such as the Horizontal Falls and the King George River and Falls, land trips to Aboriginal art sites, plus wildlife experiences with turtles and crocodiles.
Cruises can be from seven to 12 days from Broome to Darwin, or vice-versa. There are also day cruises from Broome. The centre for a lot of Kimberley activity is Broome, with its magnificent 22km-long Cable Beach, other pristine and remote beaches, a rich pearling and war history – it was bombed in 1942 – and a unique character where jewellery boutiques are as common as Outback-style pubs.
Broome is a major stop-off point on the around-Australia drive, because it’s a long way from anywhere: 2350km from Perth and 1900km from Darwin. There’s a lot to see along the way, so you’ll need plenty of time, especially if driving from eastern Australia.
Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia fly into Broome via Perth or Darwin, and you can hire a car for self-guided touring. Otherwise, all major Australian tour companies have Kimberley trips, where you’ll fly to Broome or Darwin and then see the sights via a coach.
The best time to visit the Kimberley is the dry season, which is April/May to September/October. At other times, it’s hotter, very wet and subject to cyclones.
For more information, visit www.australiasnorthwest.com
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Jeremy Bourke’s favourite travel modes are walking, driving, local buses, trains, flying and cruising – in that order. He’s been a travel writer for 18 years, and his only unvisited continent is South America.
