The Kimberley

western australia

About The Kimberley

For many, the Kimberley is considered Australia’s final frontier. Wild and remote, it’s a massive region that is three times the size of the UK (and bigger than 75% of the world’s countries!) Amazingly, many people have never heard of the Kimberley and there are lots of Australians who mistakenly believe that the Kimberley is in the Northern Territory. In fact, it occupies a rather large chunk of the northern part of Western Australia. The region has few sealed roads, with plenty of dirt tracks offering intrepid travellers the ultimate opportunity for adventure.

The raw beauty of the region must be seen to be believed. An excursion up the coastline (by boat, as there are very few roads) offers magnificent scenery including towering coastal gorges and waterfalls, tidal phenomena such as the Horizontal Falls, great fishing and ancient Aboriginal art decorating cave walls. A 4x4 expedition into the Kimberley’s vast interior reveals pristine gorges and swimming holes, Aboriginal communities and cattle stations, sprawling savannahs and a few surprises such as Zebedee hot springs, tucked amongst a forest of Livistona palms.

Whether you see the Kimberley by land or sea, you will leave here feeling enriched and spellbound by the raw beauty of this isolated part of Australia.

When to come

Being so close to the equator, the Kimberley doesn't experience Summer, Winter, Spring or Autumn. Instead, there are two dominant seasons separated by short transitional periods. Local indigenous tribes recognise many variances within these seasons, so they have their own seasonal calendars.

Dry Season - May to August

Days are cooler and skies are blue. Coastal areas experience cool, breezy nights while inland temperatures can plummet close to freezing.

The Build-Up - September to November

In the lead-up to the wet season, temperatures and humidity begin to increase and waterholes dry up. This is a great time for barramundi fishing. Plan your adventures for early morning or late afternoon. Avoid venturing out in the midday sun.

Wet Season - December to April

At this time of the year, the Kimberley typically receives 90% of its rainfall. National parks and roads close, and cyclones form offshore. This is becoming an increasingly popular time to visit to capture the epic lightning shows and gushing waterfalls. Days are typically uncomfortably hot, humid and muggy.

For more detailed information about the weather and climate in the Kimberley check out the Bureau of Meteorology.