Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Kimberley

30 November 2022
Kimberly outing

The Kimberley is known as the northernmost region in Western Australia, it is home to iconic locations such as Broome, Kununurra and Derby. It is also home to the indigenous community, the Bardi people, who have made their home a popular tourist destination for travellers to explore. This guide will help you find the best times to explore the Kimberley, the best places to visit and the top adventures and tours that make the Kimberley worth visiting.

Best Time to Visit The Kimberley

The best time of the year to visit the Kimberley is in May and June. They are the most popular months to explore the Kimberley, according to the locals and the tourists. 

May

May is one of the best times to visit the Kimberley. It is the time that more attractions and activities are open to locals and tourists to enjoy. The temperature is still quite cool during May, making it the perfect weather to enjoy the famous 10-day Ord Valley Muster festival. This is one of the main highlights of visiting in May as the festival showcases Native food tours, Wild Walks, art exhibits, and of course the iconic Kimberley Moon event. It is also not as busy as June, therefore, making May a highly recommended month to book your next holiday!

June

Ahh, June. Known as one of the busiest and most popular times to visit the northernmost region of Western Australia. As the temperature starts to get cooler, more traveller’s flock to this beautiful region of Australia. It is the perfect climate to explore beautiful landmarks such as the waterways of Kununurra – the longest river cruise in Australia. It is full of life and events for travellers to enjoy, making it a great time to book a fun family trip!

Where to Stay

The Kimberley has many amazing places that you can choose to stay at. Our list provides you with some of the top budget and luxury accommodation options in the Kimberley. Take a look to find out what you can book for your next trip to Western Australia. 

Lombadina 

One of the Kimberley’s hidden jewels is the unique Lombadina. It is also home to a small community of Aboriginals, known as the Bardi people. This place is well-suited for a group of travellers or families who are interested in bonding with the friendly locals. It also perfect if you’re searching for something affordable. They offer different accommodation options such as a five-bedroom located in a Iidool Lodge, or a single bedroom located in the Roundhouse. Many activities are also on offer for tourists to enjoy, such as snorkelling, learning about the history of the Bardi people, whale watching, and mud crabbing. A relaxing and welcoming option for your next stay in Thomas Bay. 

Habitat Resort

If you’re planning to stay in Broome, the Habitat Resort is one of the highest-rated resorts to stay in. It is the perfect option to book for your next family holiday. Only a 5-min drive to Cable beach and guests can explore the tropical gardens that the resort has to offer. Enjoy a free game of golf before heading into your cosy bungalow. Each bungalow is also equipped with a full kitchen and private veranda. This resort is the ideal place to stay if you’re travelling as a family, as it provides a vast range of entertainment right on the resort to keep the kids satisfied. 

Houseboat in Kununurra

This accommodation is for travellers who are searching for an adventure or a romantic getaway. Kimberley Dreaming is a houseboat that is in the East of Kimberley. It can house up to 6 people and can be used at three locations, which are Wallaby Creek, Sandy Creek, and Lilly Creek Lagoon. Travellers can encounter a unique experience, no matter what location they choose from. Other than relaxing and enjoying the beautiful view, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained. These activities include eco-noeing (a canoe trip), swimming, enjoying an outdoor picnic, and fishing! They also offer an exciting opportunity to sleep under the stars on top of the deck in a giant dome, making this one of our top places to stay in the Kimberley. 

Cruises 

If you’re searching for a relaxing and stress-free experience, hopping aboard a cruise is the perfect opportunity for you! Whether you’re searching for a short 11-day cruise or a nice long 24-day cruise, the Kimberley offers it all. Choosing a cruise allows you to visit all the amazing locations in the Kimberley, while having the luxury of not needing to unpack your bags at every location or having to find a way of transport for your next adventure. Depending on the cruise you choose, you will be able to experience many different highlights of the Kimberley. This includes places such as the highest twin waterfalls in Western Australia, located in George Falls and the largest man-made lake in Western Australia, Lake Argyle. So, come along and find the perfect Kimberley cruise for you in 2023!

Top Adventures

Tourists travel to the Kimberley just for the amazing views in Western Australia. But there are plenty of activities and tours to do during your stay in one of Australia’s best regions. Explore some of the best tourist attractions that the Kimberley has to offer.

Dinosaur Tour

At the top of our list is the dinosaur footprints tour located in Broome and Dampier Peninsula. Go on an adventure exploring and learning about the 120 million old dinosaur footprints located here, in the Kimberley region. Cruise up the Dampier Creek sipping on cocktails and nibbling on the delicious gourmet food. You will also get the chance to snap pictures of the wonderful wildlife that roam around the bushland or are swimming up the creek. End the day with a 5-course tapas meal, while taking in the surreal view. 

Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek Tour

If you’re searching for more activities to do while in Broome, the Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek 4WD tours are an adventure you must add to your bucket list. Explore some of the Kimberley’s most popular attractions such as the historical Boab Prison Tree, located in Derby, and a chance to wander through Windjana Gorge National Park. Make sure you keep a lookout for freshwater crocodiles and fossils on your exciting journey. Once you’ve arrived at the Tunnel Creek National Park, you will then hike down an underground maze at Tunnel Creek, which opens to a large watering hole, where you will be able to jump right in to cool yourself off after exploring the hidden caves. The tour ends with a sunset view at Lillimoobana Station. If you enjoy hiking, learning, and exploring, then this tour is just for you. 

Camel Beach Walk 

Camels at sunset on Cable Beach, Broome
Camels at sunset on Cable Beach, Broome

The camel beach walk at Cable beach is a highly popular attraction due to the uniqueness of the experience. Hop on a camel’s back and ride along the sandy white beach either at sunrise, pre-sunrise, or in the morning. You will also get plenty of photo opportunities to post on Instagram and learn about the camel you’re riding on. The ride is a little over an hour, so you will be able to just relax and enjoy the view of the beautiful sunset. This special experience will surely make it on your top favourite travelling memories. 

Hopefully, this ultimate guide to exploring the Kimberley has helped you to plan out your next holiday. Whether you’re visiting in May or June or sleeping on a boat! The Kimberley is a fantastic holiday destination for all types of travellers with an activity for everyone to enjoy.