13 unforgettable things to do in the Kimberley

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The Kimberley rivals all destinations for the title of most unforgettable experiences in one place; start working through our list of truly memorable things to do in the Kimberly now.

The Kimberley is incredibly vast and diverse; sprawling over 422,000 square kilometres, it is roughly three times the size of England. From a walk with an Aboriginal guide through the Bungle Bungles’ dramatic sandstone karsts to marvelling at the turquoise tidal waters of the mighty Horizontal Falls, the Kimberley serves up sights that will stay with you forever.

1. Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park

Despite having existed for around 350 million years, the orange and black striped domes of the Bungle Bungles in World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park were only ‘discovered’ by the wider world in the 1980s when a film crew captured them for a documentary about Western Australia. Now one of the major attractions in the Kimberleys, the Bungle Bungles can be seen by air from Kununurra or – if time permits – hit the road and walk among the sculptured rocks.

an aerial view of The Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park
Purnululu National Park is dotted with orange and black striped domes. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

2. Horizontal Falls

Just when you think the Kimberley can’t get any more surprising, you find yourself in a seaplane on the way to the Horizontal Falls. It’s one of the many tours you can book to experience the Horizontal Falls.

an aerial view of Horizontal Falls, Talbot Bay
Horizontal Falls is a sight to behold. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

In Talbot Bay in the remote Buccaneer Archipelago, massive tidal movements of up to 10 metres creates a waterfall effect as millions of litres of water rips and foams through two gaps in the coastal range. It’s a wondrous sight: turquoise blue water rushing between rugged red hills.

a group of tourists heading to Horizontal Falls, Talbot Bay
Buckle up for an exhilarating tour of Horizontal Falls. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Want to stay longer than just a day? Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures  now offers a 24-hour overnight stay aboard the 10-room Jetwave Pearl, moored in Talbot Bay. It includes seaplane transfers, a helicopter flight, powerboat rides, fishing, swimming in a marine enclosure to view sharks.

tourists swimming in the marine enclosure
Get up close to sharks from the safety of a marine viewing enclosure. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

3. Camel rides on the beach

No visit to Broome is complete without exploring the 22-kilometre stretch of Cable Beach that boasts some of Australia’s whitest sand. Rent a paddle board and glide over the aquarium-like water or simply dive in between the red and yellow flags. But better still, make a beeline for the Cable Beach section known as ‘north of the rocks’ and take a dreamy sunrise or sunset camel ride.

riding camels on Cable Beach, Broome at sunset
Ride camels along Cable Beach at sunset. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

4. Cruise the Kimberley coastline

Taking a voyage along the eye-popping Kimberley coastline is a true once-in-a-lifetime experience. Departing from Broome (to either Wyndham, Darwin or your embarkation point), a Kimberley cruise takes ocean lovers through the Horizontal Falls and into mirrored bays where the rocks shelter ancient Aboriginal art, and along rugged gorges where ospreys look out from crags and crocodiles bask, open-jawed, in the tropical sun.

the True North ship cruising along the Kimberley
True North Adventures is one of several companies that offer Kimberley cruises. (Image: True North)

Seafaring journeys range from four-night adventures to 21-day odysseys – find the right Kimberley cruise for you in our guide to the best.

a helicopter and True North cruise ship at Horizontal Falls
True North Adventures will take you to awe-striking spots. (Image: True North)

5. Kimberley tours

When it comes to an extraordinary adventure in the Kimberley, you won’t have to hunt for something to do. Instead, you will be rejigging your itinerary, trying to squeeze in as many extraordinary experiences as possible. And the best way to do it? Join as many of the best Kimberley tours as possible.

a Snubfin Dolphin Cruise with Broome Whale Watching, Broome
Keep your binoculars handy while on a Broome Whale Watching tour. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Expect to choose your own adventure: take a seaplane to the Horizontal Falls; grab a 4WD and immerse yourself in the ancient landscapes; learn about Indigenous culture on a walking tour; search for humpback whales on a cruise out of Broome.

a group of tourists onboard a boat during Broome Dinosaur Adventure Tours
Explore the prehistoric Kimberley coastline with Broome Dinosaur Adventure Tours. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Whatever part of the Kimberley you want to explore, there’s a tour for you, and you will have fun while learning about Australia’s northwest corner.

people spotting dinosaur footprints on the beach with Broome Dinosaur Adventure Tours
Stare in awe at real dinosaur footprints on the Broome coastline. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

6. Drive the Gibb River Road

Tackling this 660-kilometre rugged dirt track between Kununurra and Derby is the ultimate outback drive through the heart of the Kimberley. You will be covered in a thick layer of crimson dust, hot, craving fresh fruit and vegetables, and sunburnt, but then you come across wonders from freshwater swimming holes to ancient Aboriginal paintings, wedge-tailed eagles to fiery sunsets and splendid stars. Is it any wonder that the Gibb River Road sits in the same travel trophy cabinet as the Canning Stock route, the Birdsville Track and other great Aussie tracks?

Gibb River Road at sunset
Fiery orange hues paint the sky along the Gibb River Road. (Image: Sean Scott)

7. Lake Argyle

Near Kununurra, the vast Lake Argyle is the biggest human-made lake in the southern hemisphere. Part of the Ord River Irrigation Scheme, it is about 18 times the size of Sydney Harbour.

Lake Argyle in Kununurra, Western Australia at sunset
Lake Argyle is Australia’s second-largest freshwater man-made reservoir. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Jump on a cruise of the 55-kilometre stretch of the Ord River between Lake Argyle and Kununurra and you’ll get a glimpse into a wondrous aquatic world. Keep the camera handy as you’ll likely spot a myriad of bird species, flying foxes and freshwater crocodiles.

While in the area, don’t miss a visit to the Argyle Homestead Museum . Built in 1895, this was the home of the Durack family and serves as a time capsule of colonial life in East Kimberley.

two kids jumping into the water, Lake Argyle Cruises, near Kununurra
Cool off the calm, refreshing waters of Lake Argyle. (Image: Tourism Australia)

8. El Questro Homestead

El Questro Station on the Gibb River Road, 110 kilometres from Kununurra, is synonymous with just about every Kimberley adventurer’s bucket list.

a rugged landscape at the El Questro Wilderness Park
El Questro Wilderness Park is home to ancient boab trees. (Image: Tourism Australia)

A vast cattle station turned tourism venture, the property is peppered with boabs believed to be up to 5000 years old, rivers brimming with barramundi and thermal pools so perfectly shaded with palms you’d think a landscaper had been at work.

an outdoor tub at El Questro Homestead
Enjoy the private al fresco stone bathtub at El Questro Homestead. (Image: Delaware North Companies)

But where to sleep? If you’re lucky, you’ll snooze at the exclusive El Questro Homestead.  Other sleeping options include camping, a pre-erected tent with air con or hotel-style bungalow alongside the river.

a couple outside a tent at El Questro
Get closer to nature at El Questro Station tents. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Where else in Australia can you stay on the same property for as little as $60 or as much as $3,345 a night and still enjoy the same scenery?

an aerial view of El Questro Homestead
El Questro Homestead is perched on the edge of rugged sandstone cliffs. (Image: Delaware North Companies)

9. Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm

Broome is famed as an old pearling village but heading north for 200 kilometres and exploring a pearl farm in the outback is where the real adventure lies.

an aerial view of the Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm
Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm is situated on the pristine coastline of Broome. (Image: Tourism Australia)

On the tip of the Dampier Peninsula, Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm  is a working farm that also provides unique tours and accommodation, ranging from safari tents to the fancy Master Pearlers Private Retreat.

harvesting pearl at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm
Find the rarest South Sea pearls in the world at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Here you can immerse yourself in the epic story of this Australian-owned pearl farm, spanning four generations of the Brown family, since 1946. You can also catch a seaplane from Cygnet Bay to the world-famous Horizontal Falls. 

a seaplane at Horizontal Falls, Talbot Bay
Explore Horizontal Falls from above on a seaplane. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

10. King George Falls – King River Gorge

The 100-metre waterfalls of King George Falls are one of the Kimberley’s most wonderous sights. Think twin falls with water as white as wedding veils plunging into two emerald pools, which are surrounded by rust-red rocks.

an aerial view of King George Falls
King George Falls is nothing short of spectacular. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Due to its remote location, a cruise from Broome to the King George River or a scenic flight over the north Kimberley coast are the only ways to access King George Falls. April and May are the best months to visit, when the falls are thundering after heavy rain.

11. Ord Valley Muster

What better way to experience an outback town than by getting involved in its annual festival? Each May, Kununurra comes alive for the Ord River Muster . During this fun-packed fortnight boasting more than 30 events, you can watch rough riders at a rodeo, try yoga on a boat, dine under the stars and boogie to a dozen or so live bands, such as Birds of Tokyo, Toni Childs and King Stingray.

a rodeo event at Ord Valley Muster, Kununurra
Catch the action-packed rodeo in the Kununurra during the Ord Valley Muster festival. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

12. Staircase to the Moon

Come nightfall in Broome and one of the best free shows is the Staircase to the Moon , when the glow of a full moon on the mudflats creates the illusion of a giant’s staircase reaching skywards. Travellers and locals flock to witness the spectacle at Town Beach, were night markets boast live music and stalls dishing up Asian street food. Want to watch this natural phenomenon in style? The Mangrove Resort  is a comfy spot to admire the Staircase to the Moon, which occurs from March through to November.

a bright full moon phenomena during the Staircase to the Moon show in The Mangrove Resort
The full moon creates a glowing staircase over the mudflats. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

13. Hoochery Distillery

In the 1990s when the sugar industry was booming in the area, the late American farmer Raymond ‘Spike’ Dessert III built a small pot distillery on his Kununurra seed farm. Now producing over 50,000 bottles of Ord River Rum a year, the Hoochery Distillery  has won numerous awards.

the exterior of The Hoochery Distillery Café
The Hoochery Distillery just outside of Kununurra is a must-do. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Spike’s Reserve 15-year-old sells for $349 a bottle, making it one of Australia’s priciest rums. But there are plenty more entry-level varieties to purchase at this charming rusted old shed. And don’t go home without sampling a slice of the famous Ord River Rum Cake.

dining at The Hoochery Distillery Café
Swing by The Hoochery Distillery Cafe to refuel. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
For more insider tips and unforgettable experiences, read our guide to the Kimberley.
Leah McLennan
Leah McLennan is a freelance writer based in Darwin. She was a journalist in Sydney for over a decade and counts her time as travel editor for Australian Associated Press as one of the highlights of her career. From exploring remote campsites in the Top End with her family, to seeking out new art galleries in faraway cities, she’ll grab an adventurous or arty travel experience within her reach.
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Theatre, art and music: Our top picks from this year’s Perth Festival lineup

Credit: Jessia Wyld Photograpghy

    Lynn GailBy Lynn Gail
    Blend the addictive energy of dance, creative cinematic movies, captivating theatre, and energising music during Perth Festival.

    Perth Festival has extraordinary roots. Born as a summer community experiment back in 1953, the brainchild of Professor Fred Alexander, it’s now Australia’s longest-running international art-based festival. From its first event at University of Western Australia, it now spans across Noongar Boodjar country (Perth City) bringing worldclass performances into the hearts of ardent festivalgoers. Hundreds of curtain calls, including numerous free events, are set to linger and leave a lasting impression on those who seek thrills that fill life’s in-between spaces. Featuring unmissable highlights from 6th February to 1st March, we’ve done the legwork for you – here’s what’s on, and where:

    1. East Perth Power Station

    East Perth Power Station during Perth Festival
    See East Perth Power Station come alive. (Image: Jessica Wyld Photography)

    Abandoned, run-down and shutdown in 1981, East Perth Power Station , located on the banks of the stunning Swan River, was reinvented in 2025 as an entertainment venue for the Perth Festival. Pack a picnic, bring the family and kick back under paperbark trees at Casa Musica – a free event featuring a melting pot of world-class musicians from Australian shores and around the globe. The diversity will have you bopping until the final encore.

    A decade after David Bowie’s passing, his powerful music lives on in the electrifying show, Rebel Rebel . Powerhouse vocalists join Perth Symphony Orchestra for one incredible night showcasing the singer-songwriter’s iconic hits. Illuminate your world through the eyes of First Nation Noongar artist, Lance Chadd Tjyllyungoo in a free event. His distinctive paintings and Dreamtime stories decorate the Power Station’s walls depicting spiritual beliefs. Or settle in to watch British indie pop singer-songwriter, Nilüfer Yanya .

    2. St Mary’s Cathedral

    Award-winning vocal group, Roomful of Teeth
    Take in Award-winning vocal group, Roomful of Teeth. (Image: Anja Schutz)

    Step into the lofty ceilings of Perth’s grandest cathedral, St Mary’s, and soak up choral harmonies. Dating back to 1865, the stained-glass reproductions of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper are a talking point, add talented maestros, and the stage is set to enthral.

    The international line-up is impressive. Master Irish fiddler, Martin Hayes takes to the stage with exquisite lyrical compositions from his native land. Åkervinda , an award winning Swedish quartet, weave stories of love, loss, and resilience into harmonious Nordic folk songs. The USA Grammy Award-winning vocal group, Roomful of Teeth , break all the rules. Hear their voices echo through the arched vaulted ceilings.

    3. Lotterywest Films

    guests at Lotterywest Films as part of Perth Festival
    Discover the Lotterywest Films program. (Credit: Jessia Wyld Photograpghy)

    One of the festivals longest-running favourites, Lotterywest Films run a rich tapestry of cinematic features showing until 29th of March. Pack a picnic, cushions, popcorn and pop a cork under a Somerville Pine Tree as the sun sets and screenings begin. Cinema lovers, choose your poison from thrillers, deep-dive documentaries, tearjerkers, raunchy rom-coms and side-splitting comedies. The program is fantastically full, the filmmakers the best in the business, and the outdoor setting, unequalled.

    4. The Embassy

    guests at The EMbassy as part of Perth Festival
    Step into the old world glitz of The Embassy. (Image: Franz Bato)

    Modelled on Perth’s historic Embassy Ballroom, a devilish dance venue that operated in the 1900s, The Embassy in Perth Town Hall , serves sophistication in its A-list shows. Set your sequins a’sparkle at the, What’s TINA Got to Do With It extravaganza where guest artists play tribute as they belt out the glitzy star’s hits. The returning act, Ali Bodycoat & The Embassy Big Band, will have you jiving as you take to the dance floor reimagining a bygone era. Who doesn’t like chocolate? Black-bearded drag sensation, La Gateau Chocolat puts the raw in cacao. World-renowned for his feisty range of storied songs, he reveals the inner-man come artist through his deliciously sweet and intimate act.

    5. Unusual locations

    still from The Trial theatre
    Watch a star-studded cast in The Trial. (Image: Cole Baxter)

    We’ve all heard of the hit show, The Office, but a spinetingling operatic thriller acted out in disused office space? Philip Glass’ nail-biter, The Trial , has a star-studded line-up. Together they deliver a dramatic ordeal showcasing Oscar-winner Christopher Hampton’s libretto; the suspense lingers after the final bow.

    Sit back under starry skies and soak up dynamic dance at Ballet at the Quarry: Incandescence .  Four exclusive classical and contemporary acts illuminate the amphitheatre’s stage as Perth City twinkles at nightfall. Mystery excites the mind. West Australian Opera returns again with another ‘secret opera’. Be led from an undisclosed meeting point and let the music lead to the secret.

    6. A View From A Bridge

    A View From A Bridge special event at Perth Festival
    Share your innermost thoughts at A View From A Bridge.

    Free, connecting strangers, and inclusive to everyone, artist, Joe Bloom’s collaborative project, A View From A Bridge has one prop – an old red telephone. Talk into the receiver , share thoughts, innermost feelings, memories, hopes and dreams as Bloom captures you from afar. The freedom to speak through the telephone movement has a worldwide following. A range of clips will be shown online.

    What else to do in Perth

    Shadow Wine Bar in perth
    Taste the best of Perth at eateries like Shadow Wine Bar.

    Endless blue skies crown Perth during February, making it the perfect time to explore Australia’s most western capital city. The city might be compact, but it packs a punch when it comes to what’s on. Perth Cultural Centre houses the city’s art-scene venues: Western Australian Art Gallery, WA Museum Boola Bardip and Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA).

    After exploring the city’s alleyways, hidden corners, and main hub, savour worldclass food in Perth’s vibrant eateries. Award-winning restaurants, rooftop bars, and cafes can be found throughout; the leisurely eat-and-drink scene is literally mouthwatering, so book extra nights.

    Start planing your 2026 trip to Perth Festival at perthfestival.com.au .