Top 7 attractions in the Kimberley, WA: What to see and do

The Kimberley isn’t just a destination; it’s a rite of passage.

With its ancient landscapes, formidable isolation and deep cultural roots, this vast region in Western Australia offers one of the last true wilderness experiences in the country. For seasoned four-wheel drivers, it’s the stuff of legend: off-grid tracks, roaring waterfalls, secluded coastlines and a culture that predates time itself.

JUMP AHEAD

1. Karunjie Track
2. Old Halls Creek & Wolfe Creek Crater
3. Mitchell Falls
4. Kalumburu
5. Lake Argyle & Kununurra
6. Parry Creek Trail
7. Purnululu National Park

1. Karunjie Track

Forget the well-travelled Gibb River Road, for those in the know the Karunjie Track is the secret handshake of Kimberley touring.

Stretching approximately 50km between the King River Road and the Pentecost River, this track offers one of the most scenic and rewarding drives in all of Western Australia. It’s raw, remote and stunning.

The Karunjie Track traces the edge of the Pentecost River floodplain, with the towering Cockburn Range as its backdrop. In the late afternoon light, these ancient sandstone cliffs ignite in fiery oranges and purples, mirrored in the braided river channels that snake across the floodplain. It’s no wonder this route has been featured in tourism campaigns and Hollywood movies – it’s pure Kimberley gold.

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But more than the scenery, it’s the solitude and sense of discovery that makes this track unforgettable. You’ll rarely see another soul. You’ll pass through private cattle country, cross wide, stony floodways and feel utterly immersed in the country’s rhythms.

This is a dry-season-only route, with deep mud and impassable crossings common after rain. The track itself varies from hardpack clay to sections of soft sand and rocky creek crossings. Tyre pressures should be dropped and recovery gear is wise, especially if you’re towing.

A highlight and challenge is the Pentecost River crossing. Often tackled at the end of the drive (heading east to west), this crossing can be intimidating, especially for those new to water crossings. It’s stony and wide but generally shallow in the dry, and you’ll often spot saltwater crocs basking on the far bank. It’s the stuff of 4×4 dreams… and the odd nightmare if unprepared.

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Bush camping is permitted along parts of the track, but leave no trace. Home Valley, on the eastern end, offers a range of stays from riverside bush sites to luxury cabins. You’ll need to pass through cattle stations, so check gate signage and always leave them as you found them.

Karunjie isn’t just a shortcut, it’s a spiritual overture to the Kimberley – a raw, open-armed welcome into one of Australia’s last great wild places.

Top tips

• Don’t rush. This short track is worth every slow kilometre.
• Drive east to west in the late afternoon for the best views of the Cockburn Range.

2. Old Halls Creek & Wolfe Creek Crater

If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-track Kimberley adventure, this route from Halls Creek to Wolfe Creek Crater via Old Halls Creek delivers history, outback character and rugged 4×4 touring in equal measure.

You’ll follow the dusty trails of gold prospectors, discover dramatic natural features and finish your journey standing on the rim of a giant meteorite crater in the vast Tanami Desert. This route rewards adventurous four-wheel drivers with a mix of pioneering history, Aboriginal culture and expansive desert country. It’s less travelled, raw and remote – exactly what seasoned outback tourers crave.

Kick things off by exploring the Old Halls Creek township, located 15km west of the current town. Access is via a gravel road suitable for all 4x4s. This is where gold was first discovered in Western Australia in 1885, sparking the state’s first gold rush. Now, all that remains are crumbling ruins, a lonely cemetery and scattered relics from a time when thousands came chasing their fortune.

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Nearby, don’t miss these 4×4-accessible local gems:

• China Wall – A striking natural quartz vein resembling a mini Great Wall of China, rising abruptly from the ground and stretching for several hundred metres.
• Caroline Pool – Once a popular swimming hole for gold diggers, this shaded gorge offers a peaceful picnic spot and a chance to stretch the legs.
• Palm Springs – A refreshing thermal spring fringed by Livistona palms. It’s a fantastic spot for a warm dip after dusty touring.
• Sawpit Gorge – A beautiful swimming and camping location surrounded by rocky cliffs and clear waterholes. There are basic facilities and it’s a top overnight option before pushing on.

These sites are all accessed via unsealed roads and station tracks that can become rough in sections, but nothing a well-prepared 4×4 and a bit of tyre deflation can’t handle.

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Return to Halls Creek and head south on the Tanami Road for 145km before turning west onto the Wolfe Creek Crater access track (23km of rough corrugations). The crater is a massive 880m-wide meteorite impact site, created around 300,000 years ago. It’s an awe-inspiring place, especially at sunset. Walk to the viewing platform or take the 3.5km rim trail for panoramic views. Entry into the crater is discouraged out of cultural respect for the Djaru Traditional Owners.

Free bush camping is available near the crater, featuring firepits, a drop toilet and ample space; you’ll need to be self-sufficient. The Tanami is remote and prone to tyre-shredding corrugations – pack spares, tools and carry comms.

Top tips

• This route makes for a great two- to three-day side trip before or after tackling the Duncan Road. It’s a slice of outback WA few others see… and it’s ideal for the self-reliant four-wheel driver.

3. Mitchell Falls

Mitchell Falls (Punnami-Ounpuu to the Wunambal people) is more than just a destination; it’s a rite of passage for Kimberley travellers.

Tucked away in the remote north-west of the region, these spectacular tiered waterfalls are among the most breathtaking natural wonders in Australia. But getting there is half the adventure and exactly what makes it so rewarding.

Dropping in four stages over the rugged Mitchell Plateau, the falls form a jaw-dropping cascade of water, especially in the early to mid-dry season. They’re set among an amphitheatre of sandstone cliffs, lush pockets of monsoon rainforest and ancient rock art galleries. It’s a landscape etched with time, culture and elemental power.

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From the lookout above the falls, you’ll watch as the Mitchell River tumbles down layer after layer of rock, with the ever-present chance of seeing a wedge-tailed eagle riding the thermals overhead. The site is utterly majestic, and its allure is even more potent due to the effort required to reach it.

Access to Mitchell Falls begins with the Kalumburu Road, turning onto the Port Warrender Road at the King Edward River crossing. From here, it’s a slow, often brutal 85km crawl along a heavily corrugated track to Mitchell Falls Campground. High clearance 4x4s are essential, as is lowering tyre pressures. Expect bulldust, washouts and loose rock, conditions that will shake every bolt on your rig. But it’s worth every bump.

From the campground, the 4.3km (one-way) Punamii-Uunpuu walking track leads you past Little Mertens Falls, a swimming hole at Big Mertens Creek, Aboriginal rock art sites and breathtaking escarpment views. The hike is moderate and best done early in the morning to beat the heat. Alternatively, scenic helicopter flights operate from the campground, offering an unforgettable bird’s-eye view of the falls and their surrounding wilderness. Many opt for the ‘hike-in, heli-out’ option.

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Mitchell Falls is situated within Wunambal Gaambera Country and holds profound spiritual significance. Visitors are kindly requested to tread respectfully, refrain from swimming at the main falls, and to observe local cultural protocols. Rock art sites around the area depict Wandjina and Gwion Gwion figures, and are some of the oldest known in Australia.

June to August is prime time. Earlier in the season, the falls thunder with runoff; later, you can still enjoy the views with fewer crowds and drier walking conditions. Mitchell Falls isn’t just a photo stop – it’s a full-bodied Kimberley experience that leaves a lasting impression on those who make the journey.

Top tips

• Bring plenty of water and good hiking boots.
• Book helicopters in advance – spots fill quickly.
• Spend at least two nights in the area to explore at your own pace.

4. Kalumburu

Tucked away on the far north coast of the Kimberley, Kalumburu is the most remote permanent settlement in Western Australia.

It’s a place where red dirt meets aquamarine seas, saltwater crocodiles bask on tropical beaches, and ancient culture continues to thrive. Getting here is an adventure in itself, but for those who make the journey, Kalumburu offers a rare and powerful glimpse into the real Kimberley.

Kalumburu’s appeal lies in its stark contrasts: rugged coastline, vibrant cultural heritage and a deep sense of isolation. This is not a tourist town; it’s a working Aboriginal community with a strong connection to Country, where visitors are welcomed with respect and curiosity.

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The area is rich in history, both ancient and recent. The Kalumburu Mission, initially established by Benedictine monks in 1908, became an RAAF base during World War II, suffering Japanese bombing raids. The small but fascinating Mission Museum showcases wartime artefacts, cultural relics and stories that bring the region’s layered history to life.

But it’s Kalumburu’s coastal beauty that truly captivates. Nearby Honeymoon Bay, established in 1992 by the local indigenous couple Les French and Ruth Davey, is a top spot to set up camp right by the water. Here, you can fish off the rocks, join a fishing charter, watch the tide roll in or soak in the raw, untouched beauty of the far north coast.

Reaching Kalumburu is a serious undertaking. The drive begins by turning off the Gibb River Road onto the Kalumburu Road, which is notoriously rough and often heavily corrugated. From the King Edward River crossing, it’s roughly 270km to the community. You’ll need to be fully self-sufficient, with ample fuel, water, food and recovery gear.

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Entry permits are required and can be arranged online through the Kalumburu Aboriginal Corporation. Visitors are reminded to be respectful – this is a living community, not a tourist attraction. Stick to public areas unless you are invited elsewhere, and always ask permission before taking photographs of people or places. Kalumburu is not polished or curated – it’s raw, real and unforgettable.

Some top experiences not to be missed:

• Fishing is legendary – barra, mangrove jack, trevally and queenies are all up for grabs. Local guides offer charters that are well worth the coin.
• Visit McGowan Island Beach for a peaceful coastal camp spot.
• Explore the WWII heritage sites dotted around the area.
• Meet the locals and learn about Wunambal Gaambera culture firsthand.

Top tip

• Stay a few days to slow down and appreciate the rhythm of life here. It’s one of the most soul-stirring corners of the Kimberley.

5. Lake Argyle & Kununurra

While lacking in remote 4×4 tracks, Lake Argyle and Kununurra are essential stops on any Kimberley adventure.

Whether you’re kicking off your trip or wrapping up a lap of the region, these two destinations offer a perfect mix of practical touring amenities, breathtaking scenery and rich local character that four-wheel drive travellers will appreciate.

Perched beside the Ord River and framed by red escarpments, Kununurra is the central service hub for the East Kimberley. With reliable mechanics, tyre services, supermarkets, caravan parks and fuel, it’s an ideal place to reset and prepare for the road ahead – or unwind after the tracks behind.

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Start with a drive to Mirima National Park, a pocket of domed sandstone formations just minutes from town, often dubbed the Mini Bungle Bungles. Then, tackle the iconic Ivanhoe Crossing, a concrete causeway that delivers that classic Kimberley photo-op – your 4×4 splashing through Ord River rapids. Just be sure to check local advice before crossing.

For a taste of the Kimberley’s homegrown spirit, literally, head to The Hoochery, WA’s oldest legal distillery. It’s a rustic stop just out of town, serving up locally distilled rum and whiskey, with tastings, stories and a country-style café. Back in town, book a table at the PumpHouse, a fine-dining restaurant set inside a converted water pumping station right on the river. It’s the perfect place to toast your Kimberley journey with a Kimberley Blonde and a barramundi fillet.

Just 70km southeast, via sealed road, Lake Argyle offers a dramatic contrast – one of Australia’s largest freshwater lakes framed by the towering Carr Boyd Ranges. Its scale is staggering, holding enough water to fill 18 Sydney Harbours when full.

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For four-wheel drivers looking to take it slow, this is the place to do it. Base yourself at the Lake Argyle Resort & Caravan Park, known for its infinity pool that seems to float over the lake. Cruise at sunset, hire a kayak or take a scenic flight – there’s no wrong way to experience the serenity here.

Drive up to Pannikin Lookout for sweeping views across the lake, especially stunning at golden hour. Then drop into Dead Horse Springs, a peaceful, lesser-known picnic and birdwatching spot. Don’t miss the Durack Homestead Museum, a beautifully preserved slice of Kimberley history, relocated stone by stone before the lake rose. It tells the story of the Durack family’s pioneering pastoral feats and offers a glimpse into the harsh, isolated life of early settlers.

Top tip

• Lake Argyle and Kununurra may not test your diff locks, but they deliver everything else a seasoned four-wheel driver could want – great roads, good food, honest history and views you’ll never forget. Book a couple of nights – you won’t regret it.

6. Parry Creek Trail

For those exploring the Kimberley’s north-east, the Parry Creek Trail offers a stunning blend of natural beauty, history and 4×4 exploration … all without the punishing corrugations found elsewhere.

Starting in Wyndham, this scenic loop travels through gorges, floodplains and wetlands, finishing at Kununurra via the legendary Ivanhoe Crossing. This lesser-known route offers a gentler but equally rewarding taste of the Kimberley. Along the way you’ll pass ancient rock formations, cascading waterholes, vibrant bird habitats and relics of Australia’s early communication history. It’s ideal for travellers looking to take their time, absorb the landscape and snap some stunning photos along the way.

Start your loop in Wyndham, WA’s northernmost town, famed for the Five Rivers Lookout – a sweeping panorama where the Ord, Durack, Pentecost, King and Forrest Rivers spill into the Cambridge Gulf. From here, head south along the Great Northern Highway to visit The Grotto, a deep, fern-lined gorge with a seasonal waterfall and a 140-step descent into its cool, shaded depths – perfect for a refreshing dip in the early dry.

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Next, continue onto the Old Halls Creek Road, a dusty, narrow track that winds through sandstone ridges and leads you into Parry Lagoons Nature Reserve. Keep your camera handy, as wallabies, brolgas, jabirus and whistling kites are frequent visitors along the way.

At the heart of the reserve lies the Old Wyndham Telegraph Station, a red-brick ruin steeped in history. Built in 1914, it served as a vital communication link during the early 20th century, especially for cattle stations and wartime efforts. Though abandoned after flooding in the 1930s, the station remains a powerful reminder of the hardships faced in pioneering days.

Marlgu Billabong, just a short drive from the station, is a wildlife haven. A raised boardwalk leads to a shaded bird hide where you can spot hundreds of bird species, from magpie geese and pygmy geese to elusive kingfishers and the occasional saltie lurking near the water’s edge. The billabong comes alive at sunrise and sunset, with mirrored reflections and an explosion of colour across the wetlands.

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From Parry Creek, head to Kununurra via the Parry Creek Road, which takes you through rolling savannah and over the mighty Ivanhoe Crossing – a concrete causeway that challenges drivers with its fast-flowing waters and submerged traction. Only attempt it when water levels are safe.

The Parry Creek Loop delivers a diverse slice of the Kimberley – lush, historic, and full of surprises, all packed into a perfect day or two behind the wheel.

Top tip

• Camp at Parry Creek Farm, a shady retreat with basic facilities and excellent birdwatching right from your deck.

7. Purnululu National Park

If there’s one place that captures the Kimberley’s ancient soul and geological wonder in a single snapshot, it’s Purnululu National Park, home to the world-renowned Bungle Bungle Range.

This UNESCO World Heritage-listed marvel of nature remained a secret to the outside world until the 1980s, but has since become one of Australia’s most iconic outback destinations.

The Bungle Bungles are unlike anything else on Earth. These massive, beehive-shaped domes, formed over 350 million years, are made of sandstone and quartz, layered in striking orange and grey bands. Rising up to 300m high, they sprawl across a surreal landscape that feels more Martian than Australian. But the wonder doesn’t stop there – hidden gorges, narrow slot canyons and palm-lined creeks offer endless opportunities for exploration on foot.

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Access to Purnululu is part of the adventure. Located off the Great Northern Highway, about 250km south of Kununurra or 100km north of Halls Creek, entry is via the Spring Creek Track – a 53km rough 4×4-only road that winds over jump-ups, creek beds and rocky outcrops. It’s slow going (allow two to three hours) but the remoteness adds to the magic.

Once inside the park, the road splits into northern and southern trailheads, with designated campgrounds in each area. The Parks and Wildlife Service maintains basic facilities and the ranger station, while the Bungle Bungle Caravan Park (located outside the park) offers guided tours and helicopter flights.

Don’t miss these top walks and attractions:

• Cathedral Gorge (2km return): This short walk leads into a towering natural amphitheatre, where acoustics bounce off ancient rock walls and silence echoes powerfully.
• Domes Walk (1km loop): A gentle stroll that immerses you in the striped beehives up close – best at sunrise or sunset.
• Echidna Chasm (2km return): Located in the northern end, this narrow gorge slices through high cliff faces, lighting up in brilliant oranges as the midday sun filters through.
• Mini Palms Gorge and Homestead Valley offer longer, less-travelled trails that reward keen hikers with solitude and scenery.

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This is Gija and Jaru country, and the land holds deep spiritual meaning. Rock shelters and paintings found in and around the park reflect tens of thousands of years of occupation and Dreaming stories. Respecting cultural sites and staying on marked trails is essential.

Whether you’re hiking through slot canyons, gazing across sunlit domes or watching stars blaze across the night sky, Purnululu is pure Kimberley magic, and a must-stop on any serious 4×4 adventure.

Top tip

• Take a scenic helicopter flight with HeliSpirit Bungle Bungle for the ultimate aerial perspective. The Bungle Bungles’ true scale is only revealed from above.

The Kimberley isn’t meant to be rushed. It’s a place that invites slowness, demands preparation and rewards respect. These seven highlights aren’t just destinations, they’re experiences that will shift something inside you.

Whether you’re tackling the wildest tracks, camping by croc-infested beaches or listening to stories older than time, the Kimberley offers more than just a 4×4 trip; it provides connection to country, silence and the road ahead. Take your time. Travel respectfully. And let the Kimberley leave its mark, because it always does.

Essential information

Best Time to Visit: May to September (Dry Season) – Tracks are open, river crossings are manageable and temperatures are cooler. Roads are often closed from November to April.

Required Gear: High-clearance 4×4, recovery gear (snatch strap, recovery tracks, compressor), spare tyres, satellite comms or PLB, long-range fuel tank or jerry cans. A camper trailer or rooftop tent is ideal for remote stays.

Permits Required: Entry to Purnululu National Park, Mitchell Plateau and Wolfe Creek requires a Western Australian Parks Pass. Aboriginal land access is needed for Kalumburu. Book ahead for camping in national parks.

Fuel & Supplies: Kununurra, El Questro, Drysdale River Station, Kalumburu, Halls Creek and Wyndham. 

Food and water: Available in Kununurra, Halls Creek and at roadhouses. Carry ample spares for remote tracks.

Fast facts

1. Camp beside the Pentecost River and watch the sunrise hit the Cockburn Range.
2. Hike to Mitchell Falls, then fly back.
3. Cross Ivanhoe Crossing in Kununurra.
4. Watch the domes of Purnululu glow at sunset.
5. Catch a barra and cook it on the beach at Kalumburu.