THE KIMBERLEY North-West Australia

AUSTRALIA'S NORTH WEST

Australia's North West is one of the world's last true wilderness areas and home to the Kimberley - the inspiration for 'Australia' the movie.

The seaside town of Broome forms the southern gateway to this spectacular region and offers up breathaking Cable Beach - a 22km stretch of soft white sand and warm turquoise waters.

From Broome, venture into red-earth country and experience an authentic Aussie outback adventure by four wheel drive, take a scenic flight over extraordinary rock formations and magnificent waterfalls, or cruise through the inland waterways that permeate the region. 

Highlights of Australia's North West include the Bungle Bungle Range, the rocky landscapes of Karijini National Park, the many ancient gorges featured along the Gibb River Road, and Lake Argyle - a mass of water large enough to be classified as an inland sea.

THE KIMBERLEY WA The Kimberley WA Australia

The Kimberley WA is one of the world's last great wilderness areas. Covering an expanse of nearly 423,000 square kilometres and with an estimated population of just 30,000 it has fewer people per square kilometre than almost any other place on Earth.

People come here to immerse themselves in the awesome landscape - and to meet the locals who they've heard are friendly, unpretentious and proud of their history.

The Kimberley has two distinct seasons - the dry and the wet. During the dry, which continues from May until October, the temperature is warm and comfortable. The wet, which extends from November until April, is characterised by heavy and short downpours in the evening or late afternoon, providing a refreshing change to the heat of the day.

North West Australia
Broome - The Pearl of the Kimberley  

This exotic town was once the pearling capital of the world and drew its population from a range of nations whose people came on the promise of pearls and in the hope of making a fortune. Its colourful history has resulted in a multi-cultural feel.

Broome is famous for all 22 kilometres of it. This is undoubtedly one of the world's most stunning beaches - a pure white band bordering a brilliant blue ocean. Just the place for lazy days and sunset camel rides.

Tour a pearl farm, or relax poolside at one of many easygoing resorts. At Gantheaume Point, near Broome, dinosaur footprints are also preserved in rock.

Get Away From it All

The rugged ranges and coastline of the Kimberley present a unique mix of seclusion and majestic scenery.

The coral atolls of the Rowley Shoals are famed for their almost untouched coral gardens and abundant marine life. Tour by sea plane and cruise boat to the Horizontal Falls - considered one of the greatest natural wonders of the world.

Wilderness Adventure

The Kimberley is one of the premier four wheel drive destinations in the world. The biggest four wheel drive challenge is the Gibb River Road between Broome and Kununurra. It dissects some of the most rugged country on earth and gives access to spectacular wildlife and stunning gorges.

Various air connections can get you into the east Kimberley of WA in no time at all, and once you're there - prepare for a holiday adventure like no other.

Go Wild Kununurra

From Kununurra look for sensational barramundi fishing, scenic flights over the Mitchell Falls and the unforgettable Bungle Bungle Range at the World Heritage listed Purnululu National Park, or boat trips on Lake Argyle.

The lake and banks of the Ord River are home to an incredibly diverse eco system, including freshwater crocodiles, rock wallabies and hundreds of species of migratory and native birds.

Trek on foot into Purnululu's palm-fringed Piccaninny Gorge or through the fiery-red rock of the Cockburn Ranges. Head into the Carr Boyd Ranges for refreshing waterfalls or Drysdale River National Park for Aboriginal rock art.

Near Fitzroy Crossing is the mind-spinning Geikie Gorge, where the yellow, orange and grey of the steep walls mirrored in the river create a stunning picture. The Kimberley WA, one the world's last frontiers is calling you!

The Kimberley, the real star of 'Australia'

The Cockburn Range is fantastic for walking, with its steep-sided gorges and fiery red rock formations that play with the light. The Carr Boyd Range, near Kununurra, has permanent flowing creeks, safe swimming and refreshing waterfalls.

In September 2007, Western Australia welcomed filmmaking legend Baz Luhrmann and Hollywood stars Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman to the magnificent Kimberley region to shoot scenes for Luhrmann's new movie 'Australia'.

The rich colour palette and unique landscape inspired Luhrmann to take 400 cast and crew to the remote region for more than four weeks in August and September 2007 to film the movie's pivotal scenes.

To experience the Kimberley, the real star of Australia, create an epic adventure of your own. 

The rugged ranges and coastline of the eastern North West region is one of the world's last true wilderness areas, with some parts still truly isolated even today.Zebedee Springs, El Questro Station

Yet most of this ancient land can be discovered on four-wheel drive tours, small-scale cruises and by air with scenic flights. Enjoy a week in comfort by choosing luxurious station-style accommodation, ranging from homestead to wilderness cabins, or a stunning resort in coastal seclusion.

Luxury cruising is another wonderful way to enjoy this part of the state, and a possible alternative to our itinerary - most cruises last from five days up to two or three weeks.

Four wheel driving provides travellers with the opportunity to explore rarely discovered and remote areas of Western Australia.

The northern regions of the state are a treasure trove of spectacular landscapes, remote wilderness, isolated lakes, lazy rivers and white, sandy beaches that may never have seen a footprint on them.

Gibb River Road is one of Australia's classic outback drives. The 660 kilometre journey is accessible only between May and October. The rest of year is often rained out or rivers are too swollen to cross.

The region is steeped in frontier history with tales of cattle drives, hardship and Aboriginal culture at points along the journey.Off Gibb River Road

The area is rich in natural wonders and the day on the road provides a relatively soft entry into the sometimes challenging conditions ahead, and a taste of what's in store.

The 2134 hectare Windjana Gorge National Park offers a stunning natural retreat and encompasses a three and a half kilometre section of the Lennard River, which flows in the wet season, but evaporates into a series of pools in "the dry".

The campsite houses the only facilities in the area and is well serviced with toilets, showers and firewood.

The river pools attract a rich selection of bird life and fresh water crocodiles, which are often seen sunning themselves near the water holes

AUSTRALIA'S GOLDEN OUTBACK

Vast clear skies and theatrical landscapes. True outback adventures, authentic Aboriginal encounters and visits to settlements built by goldrush pioneers.

Images of the vast clear skies and theatrical landscapes of the Golden Outback region will stamp themselves forever in your minds eye. See sculptures by world renowned artist Antony Gormley at one of Western Australia’s most unusual and remote cultural attractions near the town of Menzies.

This is the place for true outback adventure. Driving becomes an activity in itself rather than a means to an end, and camping under the stars is a mystical experience.

Look for tours offering authentic Aboriginal encounters in and around the mining towns and settlements built by goldrush pioneers. Or simply get into the laid back atmosphere of rural life among grandiose heritage buildings, friendly pubs and hospitable farmstays.

Vast clear skies and theatrical landscapes. True outback adventures, authentic Aboriginal encounters and visits to settlements built by goldrush pioneers.

Images of the vast clear skies and theatrical landscapes of the Golden Outback region will stamp themselves forever in your minds eye.

Gun Barrel HighwayThis is the place for true outback adventure. Driving becomes an activity in itself rather than a means to an end, and camping under the stars is a mystical experience.

Four-wheel drivers will relish the Canning Stock Route, the Gunbarrel Highway through to Uluru and the sealed Eyre Highway across the expansive Nullarbor.

The Heart of Gold Country

Look for tours offering authentic Aboriginal encounters in and around the mining towns and settlements built by goldrush pioneers. Or simply get into the laid back atmosphere of rural life among grandiose heritage buildings, friendly pubs and hospitable farmstays.

Golden Nugget in the palm of a person's handKalgoorlie is the heart of Western Australia's gold mining country. Still a thriving mining town, it's also a living museum where visitors can visit a vast operational open-pit mine, explore an old mine shaft or try their hand at gold-panning.

In spring, many parts of the region are transformed as the arid landscape gives way to pockets of delicate wildflowers. Nature lovers will want to explore the woodlands edging the Darling Range too, for native wildlife and bush walks.

It's also worth the trip to photograph that West Australian icon, Wave Rock.

Down to the Coast

In extreme contrast, the rugged coastline and sandy coves around Esperance create irresistible photo opportunities.

People flock to this small coastal town from far and wide for world class windsurfing and diving. Blue Haven, Esperance Nearby islands offer amazing eco experiences and a variety of accommodation options for holiday-makers, while surrounding farmland rolls into rocky national parks. The Golden Outback region is one of contrasts and diversity.

Farmstay Country

The area to the east of the Harvey Hills Farmstay Chalets. is popular for farmstay holidays and offers a taste of country hospitality. Children will love the experience and the farm animals. A trip to farming country is all about getting close to nature and into the clean, fresh air.

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