Western Australia — The Kimberley
Kununurra to Broome
Traversing the Savannah Way through Western Australia is like travelling through another world. The mesmerising route offers visitors an extraordinary adventure through some of the most remote and dreamlike landscapes in the country. From the expansive lakes and cascading waterfalls of Kununurra to the deep gorges, pindan cliffs and dramatic coast in the Kimberley region, there are countless natural wonders to take in.
WA National Parks
- Purnululu National Park
- Danggu Geikie Gorge National Park
- Bandilngan (Windjana Gorge) National Park
- Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek) National Park
- Wunaamin Conservation Park
- Prince Regent National Park
- Mitchell River National Park
WA World Heritage Sites
- Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungle Range)
Kununurra & Lake Argyle
Kununurra, nestled on the banks of the Ord River, is the eastern gateway to the Kimberley region, a landscape celebrated for its fertile agricultural lands, spectacular waterways, and ancient rock formations.
The town is surrounded by a wealth of natural attractions. Visitors can hike up Kelly’s Knob for panoramic views over town, or wander through the awe-inspiring Mirima National Park nearby. This park, often referred to as the “Mini Bungle Bungle,” features a striking valley with rugged cliffs that form amphitheatres, gullies, and ridges.
Lake Argyle, approximately 75 kilometres south of Kununurra, is a must-see highlight to add to any visitor’s itinerary. As one of the largest artificial lakes in the Southern Hemisphere, Lake Argyle is a serene oasis offering a range of activities suited to both relaxation and adventure.
Travellers can enjoy a leisurely and scenic 40-minute drive from Kununurra through the striking Carr Boyd Ranges to the shores of Lake Argyle. For a unique perspective, visitors might opt for a scenic flight, take a float plane and land on the lake, or cruise along the Ord River from Kununurra to Lake Argyle.
Wyndham
About 106 kilometres from Kununurra, the journey to Wyndham is regarded as one of the most scenic drives in Western Australia.
Positioned along the edge of the Cockburn Ranges, the road provides visitors with breathtaking views, showcasing some of the most rugged and stunning scenery this part of the Kimberley has to offer.
Close to Wyndham, the Grotto is a permanent waterhole and refreshing swimming spot. On the edge of the Cambridge Gulf, Wyndham is a historic port town with a fascinating museum and fantastic fishing.
Purnululu National Park
Travelling south from Kununurra, visitors will pass through the small Aboriginal community of Warmun on their way to the impressive World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park.
Within Purnululu National Park, the iconic Bungle Bungle Range stands as one of the most striking geological landmarks in Western Australia. These massive, beehive-shaped domes, with their distinctive orange and black banding, are a truly remarkable sight and one of the park’s most celebrated features. Formed over 350 million years ago, the Bungle Bungle Range is a testament to the ancient geological history of the region.
Cathedral Gorge, Echidna Chasm, Picaninny Creek Lookout, the Window, and the Beehive Domes Walk are all Bungle Bungle highlights worth adding to the to-do list.
Halls Creek
Halls Creek, a historic town with a rich gold rush heritage, offers a glimpse into Western Australia’s pioneering past. Established in 1885, it was the site of the state’s first gold discovery. Today, the town is quieter but still holds significant historical and natural attractions.
Just six kilometres out of town, China Wall awaits, a natural wall of white quartz, stretching up to six metres for many kilometres. It’s an ideal spot for a picturesque picnic. Visitors can take a refreshing dip nearby at Caroline Pool, a natural oasis.
Located about 152 kilometres south of Halls Creek, visitors will find the unique natural phenomenon, Wolfe Creek Crater. It stands as the second-largest meteorite crater in the world. Known as Kandimalal to the local Aboriginal people, the crater holds deep cultural significance.
Fitzroy Crossing
Fitzroy Crossing, situated on the banks of the Fitzroy River, serves as a regional centre in the heart of Australia’s pastoral country. Danggu Geikie Gorge National Park, located just 20 kilometres from the town, is a key attraction to visit out of Fitzroy Crossing.
The stunning Danggu Geikie Gorge was carved by the Fitzroy River through an ancient limestone barrier reef dating back 350 million years. Here, travellers can marvel at the impressive geological formation of the gorge, the spectacularly varied landscapes, and learn of the inspiring cultural significance of the gorge and surrounds to the local Bunuba people.
Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek) National Park
Located 90 kilometres from Fitzroy Crossing via unsealed roads, Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek) National Park is home to Western Australia’s oldest cave system, a 750-metre-long underground tunnel carved by the waters of Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek) flowing beneath the Napier Range. Part of the ancient Devonian reef system, it presents an adventurous walk, requiring visitors to wade through the creek as they admire captivating stalactite formations.
Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek) is a site of cultural significance for the local Bunuba people.
Bandilngan (Windjana Gorge) National Park
Bandilngan (Windjana Gorge) National Park, situated just 35 kilometres northwest of Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek) National Park, is renowned for its striking 3.5-kilometre-long, 300-metre-high gorge, which cuts through the Napier Range. This ancient limestone range, formed over 350 million years ago, was once a thriving reef.
The park is home to diverse wildlife, including freshwater crocodiles, and is rich in cultural significance for the local Bunuba people. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, camping, and admiring the fossil-rich walls of the gorge.
Derby
Derby, known for its significant tidal movements, serves as the Western gateway to the Gibb River Road, one of Australia’s most iconic outback tracks. The town’s unique Prison Boab Tree, an ancient hollow tree once used as a temporary lockup, offers insight into the region’s frontier history.
Broome
Broome, located on the edge of the Kimberley, is a vibrant and multicultural town with a rich history rooted in the pearling industry. Today, it is a cosmopolitan destination known for its unique blend of cultures and stunning natural beauty.
Visitors can explore Chinatown, visit art galleries, and relax on the famous Cable Beach, where white sands stretch for over 20 kilometres.
When it comes to natural attractions, the list is endless. Visitors can start by looking out for the Staircase to the Moon, a natural phenomenon that takes place when the full moon rises over the exposed mudflats at low tide, creating an optical illusion of a staircase reaching to the moon. Meanwhile, Gantheaume Point is also a must-see, famous for its red sandstone cliffs and fossilised dinosaur footprints, which are visible during low tide.
As the epic Savannah Way adventure comes to close, Broome welcomes visitors to take as much time as they need to unwind and rest their weary legs. Whether it’s enjoying a beachside cocktail, indulging in a seafood feast, or simply soaking in the stunning surroundings, Broome provides the perfect finale to the journey of a lifetime.
Acknowledgement of Country
The Savannah Way Limited respectfully acknowledges the First Nations people of the Kimberley region, the Northern Territory and Tropical North Queensland, recognising their continuing connections to, and custodianship of, their respective lands and waters.
We pay our respects to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to their elders, past, present and emerging. Their rich cultures, deep heritage, and knowledge of the environment are of immense value to Australia and its communities.
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