The Kimberley

The Kimberley region is located in the northern part of Western Australia, extending from Broome in the west to Kununurra and Lake Argyle in the east, from the sea to a bit south of the main Great Northern Highway. It covers about 421,000 square kilometres and is slightly larger than Japan and much larger than the United Kingdom and New Zealand. It is bordered on the west by the Indian Ocean, on the north by the Timor Sea, on the south by the Great Sandy Desert, and on the east by the Northern Territory.

The Kimberley has only three towns including Broome, Derby and Kunanurra with a population of more than 2,000 and the total population is only around 25,000. Access to much of the region is by dirt road, air or sea.

The Kimberley region was one of the earliest settled parts of Australia, with numerous groups of people arriving over thousands of years from the islands of what is now Indonesia. European settlement, however, is quite recent, dating from around 1885, when the MacDonalds and the Duracks arrived to set up cattle stations, having spent several years droving their cattle from the eastern colonies. Many other Europeans arrived soon after, when gold was discovered around Halls Creek. Although the gold rush didn't last long, some people stayed.

Other industries have included pearling, mining (including the Argyle Diamond mine, which began operation in 1983 and is still producing about 1/3 of the world's diamonds), agriculture (centred on the Ord River Irrigation Area near Lake Argyle) and tourism. The geology of the area is varied and fascinating, as well as producing some spectacular scenery. You can also see some ancient Aboriginal rock art all throughout the region.

The highlights of the Kimberley region are the many gorges and incredible rock formations in the 800,000 year old landscape. This region is ravaged by a tropical wet season from late October - mid April and cyclones are common from January - March. Each season varies and brings a unique beauty to the landscape. 4WD travellers get the best out of a trip through the Kimberley with fairly easy access to some great swimming holes, gorges, walking trails, lookouts and fishing locations. Crocodiles are prevalent around the coastline of Mitchell Plateau and Kalumburu areas but not in the gorges along the Gibb River Road. Although the Kimberley is one of the most remote and undeveloped regions in Australia, you will be one of many thousands who visit the region each season.

The Kimberly Region is abound with such an array of things to see and do, and to think it is barely untouched makes this place even more magical.  From the massive manmade lakes that are a paradise for nature and birdlife to the awe-inspiring Bungle Bungles, rugged ranges, tidal rivers and inviting rock pool and waterfalls.  You can explore till your heart is content and still have so much more to see.  It is a place of sheer beauty and wonder that is unsurpassed anywhere in Australia. You can set out by yourself or decide to jump on board one of the many tours that take you out for the day or overnight or perhaps longer if you wish.  Each tour is accompanied by an experienced guide that not only makes your trip very enjoyable but interesting and memorable.

The Kimberly in Australia has so much to offer such as wildlife, adventure tours, fishing trips, bushwalking, water sports, luxurious resorts in pristine locations and bush camping! Whatever you hope to find in the Australian Outback, you will find it here!