Gateway to the Kimberley

GATEWAY TO THE KIMBERLEY

A visit Broome and the rest of the Kimberley is a tantalising temptation, one many find hard to resist. There are endless ways to explore the Kimberley, with a lifetime at hand you would inevitably fall short of seeing it all.

From the pristine white sand beaches and turquoise water that caresses your soul to the harsh and unforgiving landscape that, simply begs the question…where have you been all my life?

The Kimberley has been listed, as the Lonely Planets No.2 must see destinations in the world. In light of this and the legendary tales you are bound to create whilst here, the soul awakening experience of seeing our beautiful land simply cannot wait a minute longer.

For information on what to do, whether a tour tickles your fancy or a fishing charter has you jumping for joy it can all be found at www.australiasnorthwest.com and www.visitbroome.com.au. Please see below for a taste of the information they offer.

From Broome you will find endless tracks to take, the question is which one to choose first?

Perhaps the Dampier Peninsula and Cape Leveque which offer the perfect getaway for the adventurous traveller. Stretching 220 kilometres north from Broome, the only access to the area being the partially unsealed Cape Leveque Road is an adventure in it’s own right. Or perhaps the short distance of 391 kilometres east of Broome, where you will meet the mighty Fitzroy River in all it’s power and beauty, not to mention a barramundi or two just waiting for your hook. A True outback town where you are welcomed by the locals at the legendary Crossing Inn, built in 1897 as a shanty inn and trade store for long-distance travelers.

Derby and the awe inspiring Buccaneer Archipaelago are just a hop, skip, drive, boat or helicopter ride away. Derby is the closest access point to the Buccaneer Archipelago – a group of around 1,000 beautifully rugged islands. Take a 30 minute light aircraft flight or join a boat cruise and explore their secluded beaches, lush rainforests, the South Sea Pearl farms and fringing mangroves surrounded by turquoise water. Huge tides in the Buccaneer Archipelago create the amazing phenomenon known as the Horizontal Falls – caused by huge tidal movements forcing masses of seawater through a narrow gap in the high cliff walls.

Not to be outdone Derby itself is situated on the King George Sound, 220 kilometres northeast of Broome, Derby in Western Australia (WA) was the first town to be settled in the Kimberley.

Its wide streets, lined with boab trees, were originally built to allow a mule or camel team to turn easily. Follow the Derby Pastoral Trail to the Derby Wharf, or visit the Wharfinger House Museum, Pioneer Cemetery and the Old Derby Gaol for a taste of pioneering history.

Long before the early settlers, Derby in WA was home to several Indigenous groups. Their vibrant cultural heritage can be explored at the Mowanjum Art Centre, Ngunga Designs and the ancient Boab Prison Tree, or along the Joonjoo Botantical Trail and Pigeon Heritage Trail.

*Information courtesy of Australia’s North West