It’s no secret that the Kimberley is known for being big – and for doing things big. But if you asked us? We say it should be known for its sense of awe.
From walking among the towering, tiger striped domes of Purnululu National Park to watching a fiery sunset along the seemingly endless Cable Beach (while a string of camels casually meanders past!!) the Kimberley’s natural experiences are extremely beautiful, extremely plentiful, and extremely varied. But the one thing they all seem to have in common? The incredible, and unmatched sense of awe they invoke.
To help you on your quest for maximum awe in the Kimberley, we have rounded up some of our most memorable and most awe-inspiring experiences throughout the region.
PURNULULU NATIONAL PARK
Sit down and marvel at the spectacular Cathedral Gorge; a naturally formed amphitheatre shaped over millions of years of dramatic wet seasons, wander through the narrow opening of Echidna Chasm; watching in wonder as the midday sun transforms the entire landscape within seconds, or feel yourself engulfed by the magnitude, beauty and seemingly infinite bee-hive shaped domes as you walk along Piccaninny Creek; it doesn’t matter where you are in Purnululu National Park, you will find yourself speechless.
While every experience in Purnululu is special, we do have a few suggestions to really make the most of your time there:
- Catch a scenic flight with the Kimberley Experiences Group; soar over Piccaninny Creek and gain a completely different perspective of the Bungles and see how truly vast and untouched the landscape is. You can board either a fixed wing flight with Aviair (operating out of Kununurra) or for the more adventurous, you can take a helicopter ride with HeliSpirit (which operates within the Park). Doors off anybody?
- Go star gazing. Pack a head torch and rug and watch the night sky come to life above this breathtaking landscape. (Any spot within the Park is great for the stars, but some of our favourites are the Kungkalanayi Lookout, along Piccaninny Creek, or even within Cathedral Gorge [looking out]).
- Indulge in a spot of luxury and stay at the serene Bungle Bungle Savannah Eco Lodge. Enjoy their fresh gourmet meals and experience their own special sunset lookout (made even better with a cheeseboard and wine in hand!).
MIMBI CAVES
Located 91km east of Fitzroy Crossing, Mimbi Caves is one of the seven Camping with Custodian sites and one of the most engaging, most inspiring, cultural experiences.
Camp under the stars with the glowing cliffs of the Devonian Reef providing the most spectacular backdrop, sit around a campfire at night and hear songs about connection to country and go on a tour with Rose or Ronnie and discover the incredible landscapes of Mimbi Caves.
From walking among the towering karst cliffs to finding sparkling turquoise waterholes hidden deep within the cave system and learning about the Gooniyandi Culture through rock art, bush tucker and dreamtime stories, Mimbi Caves inspires, in every sense of the word. Our tip? Spend a sunrise at the campsite and watch as the cliffs come to life with the early morning light.
STAIRCASE TO THE MOON
Last, but certainly not least (!) is the phenomenal experience of watching the Staircase to the Moon in Broome. Watching the dark sky suddenly become illuminated with the power of the full moon rising is one thing, but watching it create a golden, glittering staircase in its trail, is another entirely.
Pack a picnic and a rug, or grab a bite from the Staircase to the Moon markets, and find a quiet spot along Roebuck Bay to watch the magic happen. If you’re staying in town, Discovery Parks Broome is an ideal spot to watch it from, as is the foreshore and/or jetty at Town Beach.
If you would prefer a quiet place to witness this moon-lit wonder, simply find a quiet section of beach anywhere between Town and Simpson Beaches.
From the magnitude and scale of Purnululu, to the tidal phenomena of the staircase to the moon, here’s to the Kimberley. Here’s to letting its natural landscapes inspire you, move you, and most of all, ignite a deep sense of awe within you.
By Charlotte & James Maddock.
Charlotte & James are a Kiwi/Aussie duo road tripping Western Australia. Follow their adventures here @cjmaddock
