8 Best Things To Do In The Kimberley, Australia

1. Cable Beach

Cable Beach is renowned for its stunning beach, with 22 kilometres (13.7 miles) of pristine white sand, set against a backdrop of red ochre cliffs, fringed by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. This attraction is just a short drive from Broome and the spectacular sun-kissed, white beach with its turquoise water is perfect for swimming, sunbathing and beachcombing. Besides all this, there are a variety of water sports available. It is also the best location to enjoy magnificent Broome sunsets.

For a really unique experience, you can join the sunset camel ride that operates daily, along the beach. You can even drive your 4WD onto the sand, for a picnic and a spot of fishing. Apart from that, why not opt to sip a cocktail at a beachside bar, in one of the resorts. Last but not least, experience the sunset by riding on a camel. Yes, a camel ride along the beach - it sounds weird, but it’s fantastic. Unfortunately not free, kindly refer to the website for details about the cost.

Cable Beach

Address: Cable Beach, Western Australia 6726, Australia

Website: Cable Beach

2. The Ardi or Dampier Peninsula

Stretching 300 kilometres (186.4 miles) north of Broome, along the partly unsealed Cape Leveque Road, lies the Dampier Peninsula, the perfect getaway for the adventurous traveller. Known to the local aboriginal people as the Ardi, which means northeast, it offers unspoiled coastline and a unique, indigenous cultural experience. Visitors are offered the opportunity to learn traditional fishing, hunting techniques and taste bush foods. Besides all this, you can swim in the sparkling water, go snorkelling, fishing or simply relax on the wide open beach. You can also go mud crabbing with a local guide and enjoy feasting on your catch, spend the day fishing on a charter boat or settle into a safari tent and enjoy the view, overlooking the Indian Ocean. At times, travellers can even spot whales, turtles or dugongs off the beach.

As this attraction is on aboriginal land, everyone is asked to respect the land, culture and privacy of the local people. The pristine area is also rich in history and don’t forget to stop off at Beagle Bay and see the Sacred Heart Church.

Ardi-Dampier Peninsula

Address: Dampier Peninsula, Western Australia 6725, Australia

Price: Depends on the tour you choose. Booking required.

Website: Ardi-Dampier Peninsula

3. Kooljaman at Cape Leveque

Kooljaman at Cape Leveque is a remote wilderness paradise for the more adventurous. It is situated at the tip of the Dampier Peninsula, about 220 kilometres (136.7 miles) north of Broome. This attraction is surrounded by beautiful beaches and magnificent coastline. An interesting point to note is the wilderness camp is aboriginal owned. There are various types of accommodation available, among them is general camping, camping in traditional palm frond shelters on the beachfront, luxury safari-style tents, with impressive panoramic views and private bathroom, en-suite and log cabins.

There is also a diverse range of nature-based activities for tourists, such as a whale watching tour between July and October, exploring the spectacular, picturesque coastlines, coral reefs, as well as the marine life. Tourists or visitors can come to Kooljaman at Cape Leveque any day, between 8 am and 6 pm. While you are there, do not miss the unique tour experiences from Cape Leveque.

Kooljaman at Cape Leveque

Address: PMB 8, Cape Leveque, Broome WA 6725, Australia

Price: Depends on which accomodation you choose. Booking required.

Website: Kooljaman at Cape Leveque

4. Willie Creek Pearl Farm

Located just 38 kilometres (23.6 miles) outside of Broome, Willie Creek Pearl Farm is ideally situated on the scenic and protected tidal estuary of Willie Creek. Willie Creek Pearl Farm provides insight into the modern cultured pearl industry, from seeding to harvest and the grading of a pearl, right through to the final stunning product on display, in the showroom. This tour is a must for everyone and is the only pearl farm open to the general public, in Kimberley.

Visitors will get the chance to take a cruise on the majestic waters of Willie Creek, gain insight into how the cultured pearling industry operates today, as well as discover how the rare and beautiful Australian South Pearls are produced. For those seeking a little more exhilaration, get brave and take to the skies to experience the region from a different angle on a scenic helicopter flight.

Tourists can also relax and enjoy the stunning views over a delicious lunch at the Willie Creek Grill Restaurant. View the largest selection of freshwater pearl jewellery made from Australian South Sea pearls and enjoy morning or afternoon tea with freshly cooked damper (unleavened bread cooked on a wood fire), on all tours. The farm is a multi-award winner, both globally and regionally and they aim to provide products and experience, beyond expectation.

Willie Creek Pearl Farm

Address: Willie Creek Road, Waterbank WA 6725, Australia

Price: Depends on the tour you choose. Booking required.

Website: Willie Creek Pearl Farm

5. Tunnel Creek National Park

This national park holds Western Australia’s oldest cave system. Tunnel Creek flows through a huge water-worn tunnel, underneath the limestone of the Napier Range. Here, you can see beautiful curtains of glimmering flowstones, ancient stalactites and stalagmites, after walking around 750 meters (2460.6 feet), through the tunnel and wading through several deep pools. Once in the cave, be prepared to encounter a variety of bats, including fruit bats and ghost bats, as well as freshwater crocodiles and olive pythons.

Explore this ancient wonderland and have some fun but make sure you wear old sneakers and carry a reliable torch. You need a 4WD to access this park, which is generally inaccessible during the wet season. If you plan to come here, the best time is during the day, as it is not permitted during the night. Camping is not permitted and there is limited access to toilets, picnic tables and an information centre. It is a truly unique experience, here.

Tunnel Creek National Park

Address: King Leopold Ranges WA 6728, Australia

Price: Entrance fees applies. Refer to website.

Website: Tunnel Creek National Park

6. Rowley Shoals Marine Park

Located some 260 kilometres (161.5 miles) west of Broome is the Rowley Shoals Marine Park, a dedicated Marine Conservation Park. Its three corals atolls namely Mermaid Reef, Clerke Reef and Imperieuse Reef are among the most pristine and remote marine areas in the world. The marine park is home to a vast diversity of molluscs and fish, some of which are unique to Australia, as well as sea turtles, manta rays, whales and dolphins. Besides this, the deep water has plentiful populations of large species, such as sailfish, whales, marlin and sharks.

There is more! Discover an eco-dive experience, which you can’t get in other parts of the world. You just need to board a cruise, during the day, to experience it. If you choose to swim, you will get to see shellfish and giant clams, as well as Maori wrasse and giant potato cod. Also, discover more than 650 species of fish and over 200 species of coral. This is indeed one dive adventure you should not miss. Other activities include whale, dolphin or turtle watching or simply relaxing on board or enjoying beachcombing.

Rowley Shoals Marine Park

Address: Rowley Shoals, Australia

Price: Depends on the tour you choose. Booking required.

Website: Rowley Shoals Marine Park

7. Ganada

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Embrace the culture of aboriginal Australia with Ganada’s diverse range of arts, gifts and souvenirs. Housed in an outback setting, Ganada’s aboriginal owners will share their extensive knowledge, to ensure you find that special memento. Experience the joy of giving, with the traditions of aboriginal Australia. Among the items sold are art, music, books, T-shirts, scarves, ties, boomerangs and didgeridoos. The attraction is open daily, in the heart of Chinatown, Broome.

Ganada

Address: Paspaley Plaza - (6725) Broome WA Kimberley Area

8. The Gibb River Road

A journey along the Gibb River Road is one of the last true Aussie outback adventures. The journey traverses through 700 kilometres (435 miles) of spectacular scenery, with many gorges, waterfalls and rivers along its length, such as Bell Gorge, Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek and the Pentecost River. There is plenty of opportunity for hiking and swimming in pools, beneath the plunging waterfalls. Camping and canoeing are also available in designated areas.

You may also choose to join an extended 4WD safari or relax at station stays and wilderness retreats along the way. Or why not opt to stay at an outback retreat, for cattle mustering, heli-fishing and unique indigenous cultural experiences. While you are travelling, you can spot the unique flora and fauna of the Kimberley region or swim in freshwater rock pools and lagoons.

Due to the remoteness of this attraction, facilities along the Gibb River and Kalumburu roads, are limited. Among the accommodation are station stays, camping areas as well as wilderness retreats. You need to book in advance as they are very popular among tourists. If you plan to embark on the Gibb River Road journey, you should get yourself a copy of the Kalumburu and Gibb River’s Road Guide, at the local visitor centre.

The Gibb River Road

Address: Between Derby and Kununurra, Western Australia, Australia

Price: Depends on which tour you choose. Booking required.

Website: The Gibb River Road

A wonderful Outback experience

A Kimberley holiday offers some of Western Australia’s most unique wilderness experiences and will capture your imagination. Hidden in the region’s heart, lies vast wildlife sanctuaries, spectacular gorges and thundering waterfalls, which provide the perfect backdrop for a Kimberley holiday adventure in Western Australia’s northwest. On its coast, lies some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, untouched coral and rugged islands, with an amazing variety of marine life. Kimberley promises an extraordinary holiday experience, unlike any other.