5 scenic ways to experience the Kimberley

The Kimberley is one of the world’s oldest and largest wilderness regions. Located in the northern reaches of Western Australia, it’s an isolated location defined by craggy ranges, deep gorges, sweeping plains and a rugged coastline.

Wild, stunningly beautiful and full of adventure, the Kimberley is a spectacular destination that will lodge itself in your heart, however it can be daunting to plan the best way to travel around and experience this remote region that covers almost 423,000sqkm.

Whether you opt to cruise, fly or drive, we’ve explored the most scenic ways to experience the Kimberley region.

1. Cruise the Kimberley

The Kimberley coastline is 12,000km of limestone cliffs, sugar-white sands, turquoise seas and stunning tidal phenomena that are best explored by water. A Kimberley cruise is the ideal way to venture to multiple stops along the coastline, covering vast distances on a relaxed voyage and providing access to locations that vehicles cannot access.

2. Fly over the Kimberley

The best way to take in the sheer size of this ancient landscape is by air. Obtain a different perspective of this sunburnt country from coast to coast with a private jet tour, traversing the contrasting colours of the Broome coastline, swimming with whale sharks on Ningaloo Reef and the curious Bungle Bungles formations.

We recommend the 8-day APT West Coast and Kimberley Horizons by Private Jet escorted tour between Perth and Darwin for a top-flight look at Australia’s west. Stops include the Margaret River wine region, Ningaloo Reef, El Questro Wilderness Park and a scenic cruise through Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge with flights over the Bungle Bungle Range and Cape Leveque.

3. Overland tour

For an up-close-and-personal experience in the Kimberley, go overland. An expert driver-guide will take you right into the heart of this rugged region with escorted sightseeing by day and luxury wilderness lodges at your nightly accommodation. Be immersed in the very essence of the Kimberley with one-of-a-kind experiences that range from an outback adventure along Gibb River Road to exploring the iconic sights, wildlife and natural wonders.

A 9-day APT Essence of Kimberley Tour from Broome provides a seamless way to experience the region in luxury and comfort. Stay at APT’s exclusive Wilderness Lodges and venture to natural sights such as the Boab Prison Trees, Ord River, Cathedral Gorge, El Questro Wilderness Park and Bell Gorge and soak in the secluded thermal waters at Zebedee Springs.

Self-drive 4WD adventure

Keen to take the wheel yourself? There is nothing quite like driving in the outback and experiencing the freedom and open itinerary of a Kimberley road trip. Tailor your trip to suit your travel desires – choose your own adventure and hit the road. Self-drive itineraries between Broome and Kununurra will allow you to explore the epic sights at your leisure, taking in tropical rainforests, rugged ranges and national parks.

We recommend the APT Kimberley Self-Drive Accommodation for the freedom you want plus all the support you need. Choose from 2-, 3- or 4-night self-drive packages that include overnight stays at APT Wilderness Lodges. Stay at Bell Gorge off the Gibb River Road for the western Kimberley, Bungle Bungle to explore World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park and Mitchell Falls on the Mitchell Plateau.

Kimberley Day Trip

Make stunning Broome your base and venture out to explore the Kimberley on a day trip. For a tour that ticks all the boxes and takes in all the highlights, you can see a showcase of the Kimberley by road, seaplane and fast boat. This premium experience is perfect for a taster of the region and a snapshot of the natural beauty of the Kimberley on an all-inclusive, full-day adventure.

The Horizontal Falls & Cape Leveque Tour by Horizontal Falls Adventures is a 10.5-hour day trip departing Broome for a luxury 4WD tour of the Kimberley’s red heart and Cape Leveque. Board a seaplane for a low-level flight over Buccaneer Archipelago and a thrilling landing near the Horizontal Falls. After a relaxing lunch on a houseboat, a fast-boat ride through the falls kicks things up a gear before your seaplane ride back to Broome.