Enticing in its remoteness, raw beauty and sense of real adventure, the Kimberley is nothing you’ve experienced before. Need more convincing to check it out? Here are five undisputed reasons why you should make a trip to this West Australian wonderland.
1. Nature Gone Wild
There is something a little odd about the Kimberley landscape, but in a good way. The uniqueness of the place hits you as soon as you land with the likes of 360 million year-old bee hive-like rock formations mingling with iron-tinged red cliffs, which are then contrasted by torrential waterfalls and secluded white sand beaches. You know you’re on to something when Sir David Attenborough describes part of the landscape as "one of the greatest natural wonders of the world" (when referring to the Kimberley’s aptly named Horizontal Falls).
2. Step Back in Time
Spanning back more than 60,000 years, Australia’s indigenous culture is the longest surviving on Earth. And there is no place better to immerse yourself in it than the Kimberley where you can bear witness to 17,000 year old rock art; hear the retelling of ancient Dreamtime stories; or learn the secrets of the land on a guided tour through the bush.
3. The Wildlife
Whether its bird watching, camel riding off into the sunset or fishing that floats your boat, you’ll find it here. And just a heads-up, the wildlife doesn’t only extend to the living - you can literally walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs, as the Kimberley is home to fossilised tracks 130 million years in the making.
4. Adventurer’s Delight
From mangrove hopping and croc spotting to uncovering secluded coves and 4WDing your way through flooded rivers, if ever you’ve had the desire for a Bear Gryll’s style adventure, the Kimberley is the place for you. However, for those up for something a little less heart-racing, there is also the option to meander the wetlands, mud flats and thermal springs of the various wilderness parks or find a fetching flat expanse for a leisurely beach stroll.
5. The Finer Things
Something that the Kimberley knows how to do is luxury. From boutique accommodation and high-end galleries to jewellers boasting the very best of locally uncovered diamonds and pearls. The fare tops off a first-class experience with fresh produce from the sea, rivers and bush featuring heavily on the menu - you cannot leave without trying a freshly prepared barramundi seasoned with native bush herbs, and perhaps a little spicy mango salsa on the side.
