Things to Do in Broome

Australia's Ultimate 4WD Adventure

The legendary Gibb River Road is a 660-kilometre unsealed 4WD track that cuts through the heart of the Kimberley, connecting Derby in the west to Kununurra in the east. Originally constructed in the 1960s to transport cattle from remote stations to coastal ports, the "Gibb" has become Australia's most famous outback driving route and the best way to experience the Kimberley's natural treasures.

What Makes the Gibb River Road Special

• Epic journey: 660km of corrugated dirt roads, river crossings, and outback adventure
• Spectacular gorges: Access to Windjana, Bell, Manning, Galvan's and dozens of other stunning gorges
• Remote cattle stations: Overnight stops at historic working stations offering accommodation and meals
• Pristine waterfalls: Crystal-clear swimming holes and cascading falls at every turn
• Aboriginal rock art: Ancient art sites under ledges and in caves along the route
• True wilderness: Experience the Kimberley's remoteness and natural beauty

Key Stops Along the Gibb River Road

• Windjana Gorge: 375-million-year-old canyon with freshwater crocodiles
• Bell Gorge: Multi-tiered waterfall and swimming hole
• Manning Gorge: Stunning waterfall accessed via scenic bushwalk
• Mt Barnett Station: Historic cattle station and camping hub
• Mt Elizabeth Station: Halfway point with station accommodation
• El Questro Wilderness Park: Million-acre property with gorges and thermal springs

Kimberley's Best Swimming Holes

Bell Gorge is consistently voted one of the Kimberley's most beautiful swimming holes and waterfalls. Located in the King Leopold Ranges along the Gibb River Road, this spectacular gorge features a multi-tiered waterfall cascading into crystal-clear pools surrounded by layered red rock formations.

Experience Highlights

• The walk: 1km steep descent through stunning scenery (allow 30-45 minutes each way)
• Swimming: Pristine natural pool at the base of the falls
• Photography: Spectacular layered rock formations and cascading water
• Camping: Silent Grove campground nearby with basic facilities

Kimberley's Gorge Walks

Manning Gorge is one of the Kimberley's most rewarding gorge walks, offering a stunning waterfall, swimming holes, and ancient Aboriginal rock art. Accessed from Mt Barnett Station on the Gibb River Road, this walk combines adventure, natural beauty, and cultural significance.

The Journey

• River crossing: Wade across the Manning River to start the trail
• Walk distance: 4km return through diverse terrain
• Swimming holes: Multiple pools along the way, plus the main gorge pool
• Waterfall: Beautiful cascade into the main gorge pool
• Rock art: Accessible Aboriginal art sites near the gorge

Kimberley's Caves

Tunnel Creek is Australia's oldest cave system, carved through the limestone Napier Range by water over millions of years. This 750-metre-long tunnel allows you to walk through the mountain itself, wading through waist-deep water while spotting stalactites, bats, and freshwater crocodiles in this unique underground adventure.

What to Expect

• Cave walk: 750m tunnel through the mountain (allow 1-2 hours return)
• Water levels: Knee to waist-deep in places—bring waterproof bag for valuables
• Wildlife: Fruit bats, freshwater crocodiles (harmless but keep distance)
• Lighting: Bring strong waterproof torch—it's very dark inside
• Historical significance: Hideout of Aboriginal resistance leader Jandamarra in the 1890s

Kimberley's Rock Art

The Kimberley contains one of the world's greatest concentrations of rock art, with paintings and engravings dating back over 40,000 years. The region features two distinctive art styles that are among the oldest forms of human artistic expression on Earth.

Art Styles

• Wandjina figures: Large spirit beings with distinctive halo-like headdresses, mouthless faces, and large eyes—created by Worora, Ngarinyin, and Wunambal peoples
• Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) art: Delicate human figures in dynamic poses, some of the oldest art in the world (over 20,000 years)
• Hand stencils: Ancient handprints created by blowing ochre pigment over hands placed on rock
• Animal depictions: Detailed representations of local wildlife and extinct megafauna

Where to See Rock Art

• Guided tours: The best way to learn about the art's cultural significance from Traditional Owners
• Mitchell Plateau: Exceptional Wandjina and Gwion Gwion art sites
• Tunnel Creek area: Accessible art sites near Windjana Gorge
• Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges: Significant art galleries on guided tours

King George Falls are among the Kimberley's most impressive waterfalls, with twin cascades plunging 80 metres into a tidal gorge surrounded by sheer red sandstone cliffs. Located in far northern Kimberley, these spectacular falls are only accessible by boat, seaplane, or helicopter, making them one of the region's most exclusive attractions.

How to Experience

• Kimberley coastal cruises: Multi-day expedition cruises along the coast
• Scenic flights: Helicopter or seaplane tours from Kununurra
• Boat tours: Day trips from Wyndham during high tide
• Photography: Best visited during wet season (October-March) when falls are flowing

The Ord River Valley in the East Kimberley is a lush oasis of tropical agriculture surrounded by ancient red rock formations. The town of Kununurra serves as the eastern gateway to the Kimberley and offers a range of water-based activities on the river and Lake Argyle.

Top Activities

• Ord River sunset cruises: Spot freshwater crocodiles and abundant birdlife
• Ivanhoe Crossing: Watch water flow over the causeway (wet season)
• Mirima National Park (Hidden Valley): Mini Bungle Bungles just outside town
• Celebrity Tree Park: Boab trees planted by visiting celebrities
• Waringarri Aboriginal Arts: Gallery featuring East Kimberley Indigenous art

The Iconic Bungle Bungle Range

The Bungle Bungle Range in World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park is undoubtedly the Kimberley's most recognizable natural icon. These striking orange and black striped sandstone domes rise dramatically from the savannah plains, creating one of Australia's most surreal and photographed landscapes. The formations, which remained unknown to the outside world until 1983, have been sacred to the Kitja people for over 20,000 years.

Formation and Geology

Twenty million years of weathering have created these extraordinary beehive-shaped towers. The distinctive banding is caused by alternating layers of sandstone and cyanobacterial crust—the orange bands are sandstone rich in iron and silica, while the dark grey-black bands are layers of cyanobacteria (ancient photosynthetic organisms) growing on the sandstone surface.

Must-Do Experiences

• Cathedral Gorge: Natural amphitheatre with remarkable acoustics—a 3km return walk
• Echidna Chasm: Narrow 200m-high gorge, spectacular when sunlight reaches overhead (11am-1pm)—2km return
• Piccaninny Creek: Stunning lookout over the beehive domes
• Scenic flights: Aerial views reveal the full scale and beauty of the formations
• Mini Palms walk: Valley views surrounded by Livistona palms

Access and Logistics

Located 250km south of Kununurra and 108km east of Halls Creek, Purnululu requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle. The 53km access road from the Great Northern Highway is rough and challenging. Many visitors choose scenic flights from Kununurra or guided tours that include 4WD transfers from the airstrip.

Four-Tiered Kimberley Icon

Mitchell Falls is one of the Kimberley's most spectacular and photographed attractions. This stunning four-tiered waterfall cascades over ancient sandstone layers in Mitchell River National Park, located on the remote Mitchell Plateau in far northern Kimberley. Known as Punamii-Uunpuu to the traditional Wunambal owners, the falls are surrounded by pristine wilderness, emerald rock pools, and significant Aboriginal rock art sites.

The Experience

• The walk: 8.6km return trail (moderate-difficult) through spectacular scenery
• Little Mertens Falls: View ancient Bradshaw (Gwion Gwion) rock art along the way
• Swimming: Crystal-clear pools above the falls perfect for refreshing dips
• Helicopter option: Fly over the falls for breathtaking aerial perspectives
• Cultural significance: Learn about the area's importance to Wunambal people

Best Time to Visit

Waterfall Season (October-May): Falls are at their most spectacular during and just after the wet season, but road access is limited or impossible. Scenic flights operate during this period.

Dry Season (April-September): Road accessible by 4WD from the Gibb River Road via Kalumburu Road—a challenging 270km round trip from the Gibb. Many tour operators include Mitchell Falls as a scenic flight add-on.

Access Options

• Self-drive 4WD: Via Gibb River Road and Kalumburu Road (experienced 4WDers only)
• Day tours: Scenic flights from Kununurra with landing, walk, and helicopter transfer
• Multi-day tours: Incorporated into comprehensive Gibb River Road expeditions
• Helicopter tours: Depart from Mitchell Falls campground or nearby stations

Spanning over 700,000 acres (one million acres/405,000 hectares) in the eastern Kimberley, El Questro Wilderness Park is one of Australia's most unique holiday destinations. This former working cattle station has been transformed into an adventure playground featuring dramatic gorges, thermal springs, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife—all within a single spectacular property.

Top Experiences at El Questro

• Emma Gorge: Hike 1.6km to a towering waterfall and swimming hole surrounded by soaring cliffs
• Zebedee Springs: Soak in natural thermal springs surrounded by Livistona palms
• Chamberlain Gorge: Cruise through stunning gorge walls reflecting in calm waters
• El Questro Gorge: Challenging hike with rock-hopping and scrambling
• Helicopter flights: Aerial tours showcasing the park's immense scale
• Barramundi fishing: Try your luck in the Pentecost River
• Cultural tours: Learn from Traditional Owners, the Ngarinyin people

Accommodation Options

• El Questro Homestead: Luxury boutique lodge with all-inclusive packages
• Emma Gorge Resort: Safari-style tented accommodation near Emma Gorge
• The Station: Riverside camping and cabin accommodation
• Black Cockatoo Campground: Bush camping for self-sufficient travelers

Described by David Attenborough as "one of the greatest natural wonders of the world," the Horizontal Falls are a unique tidal phenomenon located in Talbot Bay in the Buccaneer Archipelago. Massive tidal movements—among the largest in the world with ranges up to 10 metres—force enormous volumes of seawater through two narrow coastal gorges, creating waterfall-like effects that flow horizontally rather than vertically.

The Experience

• Seaplane flights: Fly from Broome or Derby over the stunning Buccaneer Archipelago
• Fast boat rides: Experience the powerful tidal currents up close
• Swimming in cages: Swim in shark and crocodile-free cages in Talbot Bay
• Scenic flights: Aerial perspectives of this incredible natural phenomenon

Lake Argyle is Australia's largest freshwater lake by volume, holding nine times more water than Sydney Harbour. Created by the damming of the Ord River in 1972, this artificial lake has developed into a thriving ecosystem supporting freshwater crocodiles, over 270 bird species, and an abundance of barramundi. The lake's dramatic landscape features red sandstone cliffs, hidden coves, and islands that were once hilltops.

Experiences

• Sunset cruises: Enjoy stunning sunsets while spotting wildlife and rock wallabies
• Morning cruises: Wildlife viewing when animals are most active
• Scenic flights: Aerial views reveal the lake's immense scale
• Swimming: Designated swimming areas with an Infinity Edge pool overlooking the lake
• Fishing: Try catching barramundi or black bream

Bandilngan (Windjana Gorge) is a stunning 375-million-year-old Devonian reef system carved by the Lennard River. The gorge stretches over 3.5 kilometres with walls rising up to 100 metres, creating a dramatic landscape that's home to hundreds of freshwater crocodiles, fruit bats, and diverse birdlife.

What to Do

• Gorge walk: 7km return trail along the ancient waterway
• Crocodile spotting: See freshwater crocodiles basking on riverbanks
• Fossil hunting: Spot ancient marine fossils in the limestone walls
• Camping: Stay overnight at the campground to experience the gorge at different times

Broome serves as the main western entry point to the Kimberley, offering world-class beaches, pearling history, and the famous Staircase to the Moon phenomenon. Most Gibb River Road tours and Kimberley adventures start or finish in Broome.

Why Visit Broome

• Cable Beach: 22km of pristine white sand and legendary sunsets
• Camel rides: Sunset camel rides along Cable Beach
• Dinosaur footprints: 130-million-year-old tracks at Gantheaume Point
• Pearling heritage: Historic Chinatown and pearl farm tours
• Staircase to the Moon: Optical illusion over Roebuck Bay mudflats

Derby is the western gateway to the Gibb River Road and serves as a base for exploring the western Kimberley. This historic port town features the famous Boab Prison Tree and access to spectacular gorges and coastal attractions.

Derby Attractions

• Boab Prison Tree: 1,500-year-old hollow boab with 14-metre girth
• Derby Wharf: Witness extreme tidal variations (up to 11.8 metres)
• Horizontal Falls flights: Scenic flights depart from Derby
• Windjana & Tunnel Creek: Easy day trips from Derby

Due to the Kimberley's vast size and remote terrain, scenic flights offer unparalleled perspectives of the region's most spectacular attractions. Many locations are only truly appreciated from the air, where the scale and grandeur of the landscape becomes apparent.

Popular Flight Routes

• Bungle Bungles: See the full extent of the beehive formations from above
• Mitchell Falls: Four tiers visible from the air, landing options available
• Horizontal Falls: Witness the tidal phenomenon from above
• King George Falls: Aerial views of twin 80-metre waterfalls
• Kimberley Coast: Fly over the rugged Buccaneer Archipelago
• Lake Argyle: Appreciate the massive scale of Australia's largest lake

Kimberley expedition cruising offers access to the region's most remote and spectacular coastal attractions. These multi-day luxury cruises explore pristine coastline, ancient rock art, massive waterfalls, and dramatic tidal phenomena that cannot be reached by road.

What to Expect

• Route: Typically Broome to Wyndham or vice versa (or Darwin extensions)
• Duration: 7-14 nights exploring the Kimberley coast
• Activities: Zodiac excursions, helicopter flights, fishing, wildlife viewing
• Highlights: King George Falls, Horizontal Falls, Montgomery Reef, ancient rock art
• Season: April to September when seas are calm

The Kimberley is renowned as one of the world's premier fishing destinations, offering exceptional opportunities to catch barramundi, mangrove jack, and a variety of other tropical species in pristine rivers, gorges, and coastal waters.

Fishing Opportunities

• Barramundi: Lake Argyle, Ord River, and remote billabongs
• Mangrove jack: Rocky gorges and coastal estuaries
• Black bream: Lake Argyle and Ord River system
• Threadfin salmon: Coastal waters and river mouths
• Guided charters: Expert local guides know the best spots

It depends on where you want to go. The Great Northern Highway between Broome and Kununurra is sealed and accessible by 2WD. However, the Gibb River Road, Bungle Bungles access road, and most gorges require a high-clearance 4WD. Many visitors choose guided tours to access remote areas without needing their own 4WD.

The Gibb River Road is challenging but not inherently dangerous if you're properly prepared. Risks include corrugated roads, river crossings, remote breakdowns, and limited communication. Travel with another vehicle if possible, carry comprehensive recovery gear, and inform someone of your itinerary. Thousands of people successfully traverse the Gibb each year.

Yes, but with caution. Many gorges and waterholes are safe for swimming and free of saltwater crocodiles. However, always check local signage, ask rangers or tour guides, and never assume water is safe. Saltwater crocodiles inhabit tidal and coastal areas north of Broome—never swim in these locations.

We recommend a minimum of 3-4 days to experience Broome's main attractions including Cable Beach, Gantheaume Point, Town Beach, and Chinatown. Add extra days for Kimberley tours, whale watching, or scenic flights. Many visitors spend 5-7 days to fully appreciate the area.

Swimming at Cable Beach is recommended from May to October when waters are clear and marine stingers are absent. From November to April, dangerous Irukandji jellyfish are present, making swimming inadvisable. Always check current conditions and swim at patrolled beaches.

The actual dinosaur footprints at Gantheaume Point are only visible during very low tides (below 2.16 metres). Check local tide charts for optimal viewing times. Replica casts are installed near the viewing platform for year-round viewing at any tide level.

Absolutely! Broome offers excellent family experiences including safe swimming at Town Beach, the water playground, camel rides, dinosaur footprints, wildlife encounters, and cultural tours suitable for all ages. Many accommodations and restaurants cater specifically to families.

Options include guided 4WD tours (from 3 to 14+ days), scenic flights, coastal cruises, and self-drive expeditions for experienced outback travellers. The choice depends on your budget, time, fitness level, and adventure preference. Guided tours provide expertise and access to remote areas.

Waterfalls are most spectacular during and immediately after the wet season (December-April), but most areas are inaccessible by road during this time. The best compromise is May-June when waterfalls are still flowing strongly but roads are open. By August-September, many falls have reduced to trickles or stopped flowing entirely.

Yes, but choose appropriate tours and activities. Guided tours with comfortable accommodation work well for families. Some gorge walks and river crossings may be challenging for young children. Crocodile safety awareness is essential. Many families successfully explore the Kimberley with proper planning and realistic expectations.