Why is Australia’s Kimberley region a popular bucket list item?
Adam Bowen, owner and guide of Kimberley Off-Road Adventure Tours, has worked in the area for 10 years and can tell you why.
1. Purnululu National Park – One of Western Australia’s biggest drawcards is the world renowned Purnululu National Park, a world heritage site. It is home to a unique landscape of towering orange and black sandstone domes. The site is known as the Bungle Bungles and the unique dome structures are often described as beehives. As you wander around the beehives, you begin to appreciate their magnitude, and there is a sense of stillness about the place. The Bungles have been culturally significant to Australia’s Aboriginal people for thousands of years, but it wasn’t until the early eighties, that this hidden jewel of the Kimberley was shared with the rest of the world.
The Bungle Bungles, Purnululu National Park
Lake Argyle
2. Lake Argyle – This is the largest man-made lake in the southern hemisphere, it’s described as ‘paradise in the outback’ and sits about 70km east (by road) of the Kimberley town, Kununurra. It is vast and beautiful, and has plenty to offer any visitor. There is plenty of opportunity to spot native wildlife as the lake is home to between 20,000 - 25,000 freshwater crocodiles as well as fish, birds and wallabies. If you are looking for an adventure you can take a bushwalking track on foot or mountain bike, or you can spend time on the lake canoeing, fishing, swimming or relaxing on a Lake Argyle cruise.
3. Kimberley gorges – Each of the gorges in the Kimberley offer unique, rugged beauty and they’re well-worth the journey to find them. They are a great example of what nature does best – capture your attention, take over your senses and take your breath away. A few worth mentioning are Manning Gorge, El Questro Gorge and Bell Gorge. When you find the gorge, you are often greeted by a welcoming watering hole where you can relax and cool off whilst taking in the sights of the local fauna and flora. Our passengers say:
Manning Gorge, Kimberley, WA
” Fantastic off-road adventure with Adam...we saw some spectacular scenery. This trip is a must do if you want to experience gorges and waterfalls off the beaten track.” – Lee N. (May 2019), Trip Advisor
“He will have you swimming in the most beautiful gorges, take you on stunning hikes and have you climbing/exploring to see the beautiful nature, wildlife, scenery and history the Australian outback has to offer.” – Theresa (Oct 2019), Trip Advisor
“What an experience some of the harshest conditions but most spectacular scenery” – Mike (Broome to Darwin, Oct 2019), Trip Advisor
4. Culture – The ancient cultures that exist in the Kimberley draw visitors from all over the world. Bradshaw rock art (Gwion Gwion) is arguably the most significant because it is recognised as the earliest figurative art in the world. The rock art is considered to be 18,000 years old and can be found on the rocky escarpment at around 100, 000 sites, over 50,000 square kms of land. The Kimberley region is also known for its Wandjana rock art, which is painted on to the face of the rock using red and white ochre. It is thought to be 4,000 years old and is often found at sites considered important and spiritual to the local Aboriginals.
Some popular rock art sites in the Kimberley are at Adcock Gorge, Manning Gorge and Galvans’ Gorge. To see rock art at less well-known locations, consider joining one of our 9-day Kimberley tours.
Bradshaw rock art, Kimberley WA
“Adam knows so much about the history, animals and plants. He can take you to isolated waterholes, rock art and campsites. This tour is about enjoying a true outback bush camping experience in great company with the guidance of a knowledgeable tour leader.” – Kerri R, (Broome to Darwin, August 2017), Trip Advisor
“This tour is very affordable compared to other tours in this area. You get to see amazing waterfalls, mountains, gorges, go swimming in beautiful waterholes, and see awesome rock art.” – Jessica Mullhall, (May 2017), Trip Advisor
The Gibb River Road, Kimberley WA
5. Gibb River Road – “I’ve travelled the Gibb River Road” is a line many Australians wish they could say, and so ‘the Gibb’ is a top ten bucket list item. Why? Because the road cuts through the heart of the rugged and remote Kimberley region, providing a picturesque drive and access to the stunning ranges, gorges, waterfalls and treks. The road is an old track which was put in so stations could transport cattle by truck instead of having to travel overland for several weeks at a time. It is 660km road of mainly gravel and at times is very corrugated. The Gibb takes you from Derby on the west coast to Kununurra (or Wyndham) on Western Australia's eastern border.
“The things we've done on the Gibb River Road were amazing. Kimberley is a unique place and Kimberley Off-Road made this experience really remarkable and Aussie style.” - Gurcanelbek (August 2017) Trip Advisor
“The Darwin to Broome Gibb River Road Tour was spectacular. I have never been on an organised Tour before but this one ticked all boxes. Photos don't do it justice. The Trekking was exactly as I had hoped exhilarating, the stunning rock formations awe inspiring and then you get to swim in incredible gorges, rivers, hot ponds and waterfalls…” – Lou M, (Darwin to Broome, May 2017) Trip Advisor
If you’re looking to tick the Kimberley and the Gibb River Road off your bucket list, and you don’t want to test your caravan or car out on the challenging Gibb; take a look at our 9-day Kimberley tour. The tour departs from Darwin or Broome regularly during the dry season (April – Oct) and it’s run by Adam, who has 10 years guiding experience in the Kimberley. He is passionate about the region and would love to see you on his tour. You can read more about Adam HERE and you can find reviews on Trip Advisor.
If you’d like to speak to us directly drop us an email at info@kimberleyoffroadtours.com or give Adam or Lucy a call on 0447 740 880