Escape the winter chill in the breathtaking Kimberley region. From scenic cruises to Aboriginal culture, here’s your ultimate guide to exploring this Aussie gem
Ready to swap the winter blues for balmy adventures? Our travel experts have pinpointed the Kimberley, one of the world’s last wilderness frontiers, as one of their top places to visit this winter. With its dry weather, epic landscapes, and a bucket load of adventures, this Western Australian region is calling your name. So, grab your sunnies, chuck on your walking shoes, and dive straight into it.
This guide has been crafted with the help of Westpac Concierge seasoned travel experts. Not only do their insights come in handy when planning a trip, but they can also help you organise it from A to Z, including plane tickets, hotel bookings, car rental, and more. Where they can, they’ll also throw in some fair dinkum perks. If you’re a Westpac cardholder, you might be eligible for this complimentary service, so don’t wait – check your eligibility status now.
These are the top things to do in the Kimberley
Set sail on a cruise
With a rugged coastline dotted with secluded gorges, thundering waterfalls, and towering rock faces, boat adventures are an excellent way to get the real deal on what the region has to offer – it’ll leave you gobsmacked.
Imagine waking up to the sight of the majestic King George Falls, with its twin cascades plunging 80m into the river below, or cruising through the stunning Horizontal Falls, described by David Attenborough as one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. Cruises offer front-row seats to these incredible sights, plus plenty more hidden gems.
For an eco-friendly voyage that combines adventure with environmental appreciation, hop aboard Lady M, a 12-guest, family-owned vessel that has attained ECO Certification with Ecotourism Australia. Lady M tours are designed to ensure that its presence is environmentally and culturally sustainable. The boat features the latest technology for waste treatment, an onboard desalination plant, and strict codes of conduct for tours in sensitive and wildlife-dense areas.
If you’re after a bit of luxury, look no further than Kimberley Quest. Whether you’re after a quick jaunt or a leisurely adventure, the brand will have you sorted.
For those short on time, there’s a ripper four-day itinerary that takes you to the most iconic spots in southern Kimberley, including the magnificent Horizontal Falls and Montgomery Reef. Or, if you’ve got time to spare, kick back on an eight-, 10-, 14-, or even 21-day odyssey. With room for just 18 passengers, the custom-built Kimberley Quest II offers a boutique vibe while delivering five-star service. We’re talking a spa, a top-notch library filled with reference books and regional tales, and a helicopter to whisk you above waterfalls and cliff edges. Plus, Kimberley Quest has recently been snapped up by Pinnacle Travel Group, a proudly transportation services Western-Australian company, supporting local jobs and businesses.
Immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture
Broome, also known as Rubibi by the Yawuru people, is the perfect gateway to the Kimberley. With a significant First Nations population, it offers some of the most immersive opportunities to connect with the region’s culture, traditions, and history. Authentic Aboriginal-led experiences provide a true-blue connection to the land and its people, and Discover Aboriginal Experiences, a programme run by Tourism Australia, has quite a handful to recommend in the region.
One must-try experience is the Broome Cultural Tour by Kimberley Cultural Adventures. Robert Dann, an Indigenous local, guides you through the town’s history in this three-hour tour. You’ll tuck into local bushfoods, learn about traditional bush medicine, and hear yarns that bring Broome’s past to life. This tour is not just about seeing the sights but about understanding the soul of the area.
For a more extended adventure, check out the Broome Ultimate Aboriginal Culture Expedition by Mabu Buru Broome Aboriginal Tours, a three-day journey that includes a luxury boat cruise. Led by guide Bart Pigram, you’ll hear stories of the saltwater lifestyle that defines this coastal region. If you’re keen to explore further with Bart, his tour company, Narlijia Experiences Broome, offers two-kilometre guided walks through Broome’s mangroves and mudflats. It’s a ripper way to get up close to the landscape while learning about its cultural significance.
Heading east to Kununurra, you’ll find Waringarri Aboriginal Arts centre. This one-of-a-kind destination celebrates the Miriwoong cultural identity and is the first wholly Indigenous-owned art centre in Western Australia. One of the oldest continuously operating art centres in the country, Waringarri supports economic independence for artists and its community. Join a tour to see cracking artworks, hear the stories behind each piece, and gain insight into the Miriwoong people’s deep connection to their land.
Embrace the untamed spirit of the wild at El Questro Wilderness Park
El Questro Wilderness Park is a sprawling expanse of rugged beauty, stretching across nearly 700,000 acres in the heart of the region. Here, you’ll enjoy a true taste of the outback, with a mix of dramatic landscapes, stunning gorges, and natural thermal springs. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to September, when the weather is just right for exploring.
One of the must-do experiences at El Questro is cruising the Chamberlain Gorge at sunset. As the sun dips below the horizon, the gorge’s towering cliffs glow in a spectrum of reds and oranges, creating a breathtaking backdrop. This offers a chance to spot freshwater crocs and rock-wallabies, and if you’re lucky, you’ll see the elusive barramundi.
After a day of exploring, take a refreshing dip at Emma Gorge. This stunning swimming hole, framed by towering cliffs and lush greenery, is fed by a cool waterfall. It’s the perfect spot to cool off at and soak in the natural beauty. For a relaxing soak, head to Zebedee Springs, a series of natural thermal pools nestled in a palm-fringed oasis. The warm, crystal-clear waters are a real treat.
Hiking enthusiasts will love the numerous trails that wind through the park. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll or a challenging trek, there’s something for everyone. The scenic walks offer incredible views and a chance to connect with the landscape on foot.
Don’t miss the four-hour Bush Culture & El Questro History Tour. It dives into the pioneering heritage and colourful characters that once ran El Questro as a working station. Along the way, you’ll learn how indigenous bush plants are used for medicine, weapons, and even fish poison. The tour includes a morning tea at a shady waterhole, providing a moment to relax and take in the surroundings.
For those looking to stay awhile, El Questro offers a range of accommodation options. The El Questro Homestead is a luxurious retreat perched on a clifftop overlooking the Chamberlain River. This exclusive lodge offers five-star service, gourmet dining, and incredible vistas. Each room is a haven of comfort and style, perfect for soaking up the outback’s tranquillity.
The Station, on the other hand, offers a more laid-back experience with a variety of accommodations, from riverside bungalows to campgrounds. It’s a great base for exploring the park, with easy access to all the major attractions and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
So, here’s to you and your next wilderness adventure! And if you’re looking for more ideas on how to make the most of Australia’s natural beauty, you can also check our guide to or our selection of top green travel destinations in the country.
