Gibb River Road

What better way to kick off your road trip than a stop at Australia’s prime spot to see saltwater crocodiles. Keep your eyes peeled as you stroll along the sandy banks of the Lennard River, which cuts through Windjana Gorge. As well as catching crocs swimming in the shallow waters, expect to see fruits bats and corellas (cockatoos) roosting in the trees lining the shore. If you’re there at dusk, you might just get to see a whole colony of fruit bats fill the night sky as they go searching for their dinner. This spectacular sight is known to last at least 15 minutes.

Apart from the abundant wildlife, the gorge is also known for the steep limestone cliffs which sandwich the river. These awe-inspiring rocks are part of the 375 million year-old Napier Range.

Head out early if you want to beat the crowds at what many say is the most spectacular gorge you’ll find in the Kimberley region. Located 30 km off the Gibb River Road and a short walk over rocks, you’ll find a spectacular waterfall framed by steep cliffs.

Make sure you pack a picnic as the large, flat rocks surrounding the swimming hole are the perfect spot to enjoy an outdoor lunch. Once you’ve finished eating, dive right in to the clear sapphire-hued water.

You can help support the diverse wildlife and endangered birds that have found refuge in the Mornington Wildlife Sanctuary by staying overnight on the onsite camp. All proceeds go directly into wildlife conservation in the region.

Stay in a safari tent, or pitch your own, and dine under the stars at the camp’s restaurant. By day, you’ll be able to explore the 300 km 2 (squared) sanctuary, home to over 200 species of birds. See if you can spot the nationally-threatened gouldian finch, purple-crowned fairy-wren or the red goshawk on a guided birdwatching tour.

Locals love this tranquil spot located around 7km from the Gibb River Road and accessible by the Mt Barnett roadhouse. Be prepared to either swim, or pull yourself across in a small boat, to cross the swimming hole at the Manning Gorge campsite. From the other side of the swimming hole it’s then another hour long walk before you’ll be able to able to cool yourself down again with a dip at a roaring waterfall. Swim right underneath the waterfall’s cascading waters or bathe in one of the many nearby swimming holes.

Head back to the Manning Gorge campsite where you can pitch your tent right on the water’s edge.

Watch as water flows down into layer after layer of emerald-green pools at this majestic waterfall located in the Mitchell River National Park. This multi-tiered stunner can be seen from helicopter, or if you’re up for it, it’s a two hour walk (4-6 hour return) from the Mitchell River National Park campsite.

If you take the walking option, you’ll also get the chance to explore Little Mertens Falls. See Aboriginal art in the cave beneath the pools or take a dip in the swimming hole. The walk will also take you through dense rainforest on the Mitchell Plateau.

Stay in a “grass castle” nestled among the eucalyptus trees on the banks of the Bindoola Creek at Home Valley Station. These ultra-private cabins are constructed from steel and timber - a nod to the cottages built by Kimberley’s early settlers. Unlike the early settler cottages, you’ll be able to escape the heat with air conditioning!

If you’d prefer star-gazing from your bed, try one of the station’s eco-tents or pitch your own tent at the campground.

Get lost in the vast El Questro Wilderness Park to discover why it’s described as one of Australia’s last true frontiers. Across the property’s 700,000 acres you’ll find a varied and ever-changing landscape filled with thermal springs, rainforests and waterfalls.

If you’re itching to catch some fish, the park offers boating tours. Let the local guides direct you to some of the best spots along the Chamberlain River to catch barramundi.

If one day isn’t enough to see all this amazing park has to offer, stay a couple of nights in the park’s campsite or in the luxury homestead.

Another highlight of the El Questro Wilderness Park is Emma Gorge. Head out in the late afternoon to enjoy watching the setting sun cast shadows on the burnt-orange rocks and see if you can spot butterflies fluttering in the trees above. After an hour-long walk, you’ll be able to dive into the deep, green swimming hole lying beneath the waterfall at Emma Gorge.

Rising hundreds of metres from the ground, these impressive beehive-like sandstone structures are likely to be the most unique natural wonder you’ll find on the Gibb. Aboriginal people have revered the area for 40,000 years but it wasn’t until a documentary crew discovered it in 1983 that tourists started falling in love with its unique beauty.

Make your way through shady ravines between these red and black-striped domes. You’ll discover Aboriginal rock art, abundant wildlife, and palm-fringed pools perfect for a mid-afternoon dip.

The 50-metre infinity pool with sweeping views of Lake Argyle at this peaceful resort is the perfect spot to watch the sunset after a day of exploring. Stay overnight in one of the cabins, or treat yourself to a night of luxury in a lake view villa.

Have dinner at the park’s restaurant or make use of the BBQ and outdoor kitchen.

Stretching an area of more than 900 square kilometres, this massive man-made lake is Australia’s biggest expanse of fresh water. Take a helicopter ride to appreciate its sheer size or explore its countless bays and beaches by car. Engineering buffs may want to take a cruise led by local guides to find out how this massive reservoir was created.

Make sure you keep an eye out for crocodile warning signs especially when fishing or going for a dip! Even though it’s a freshwater lake, saltwater crocs are known to frequent its banks. Your safest bet is to take a dip in the small creeks, waterfalls and and rock pools.