Kimberley Towns
From Broome To Kununurra
Across The North Of WA

The Kimberley region of Western Australia is larger than Victoria and Tasmania together, bigger than Germany, three times the size of the UK, or comparable to California.

We have six towns here. Only three of them have a population over 2000.

Hard to imagine, isn't it?
You can see why they call it the last frontier...

When you travel across the Kimberley you will most likely stop in all of these towns, and if it's just to fuel up. Below you can find out a bit more about our bustling metropolises...



Broome

Kimberley Towns: BroomeCable Beach. What else?


Broome (population around 14 000) is the biggest and most touristy of all Kimberley towns. It is marketed heavily as a tropical beach paradise. The beaches in and near Broome are world class, no doubt about it. But many people arrive here with wrong expectations.

Broome itself is still a small place. There just isn't all that much there. At least not when you compare it to other popular beach destinations around Australia or the world.

Broome is also struggling to keep up with the demand. The town can't grow as fast as the tourist numbers grow. And it isn't sure if it wants to...

Find out more about Broome

Derby

Kimberley Towns: DerbyThe Derby Wharf at Sunset


Derby (population 4500) is 220 km north of Broome, also on the west coast. But there aren't any beaches here, just crocodiles and mud crabs. The main reason that most tourists visit Derby is that it marks the beginning/end of the Gibb River Road.

You can also join cruises or flights to the Horizontal Waterfalls and the Buccaneer Archipelago from here. Well worth it if you have the time. The fishing is good, the locals are friendly, and Derby offers a few distractions that make a short stay very enjoyable.

Find out more about Derby

Fitzroy Crossing

Kimberley Towns: Fitzroy CrossingCrossing the Fitzroy River on the Old Concrete Crossing


Fitzroy Crossing is a tiny historical settlement. The reason it exists is that in the old days people had to wait here during the wet season for the floodwaters to recede so they could cross the Fitzroy River. (That still happens today...)

The main reason for tourists to stop here is Fitzroy Crossing's vicinity to the Geikie Gorge, Tunnel Creek and Windjana Gorge National Parks.

You can visit Tunnel Creek and Windjana Gorge on the way from Derby to Fitzroy Crossing. That first part of the Gibb River Road is very well maintained. Near Fitzroy Crossing you get back on the highway.

Find out more about Fitzroy Crossing

Halls Creek

Kimberley Towns: Halls CreekWaterhole outside Halls Creek


Halls Creek is about the same size as Fitzroy Crossing. Personally I don't find the town itself as nice as Fitzroy, but find that the county around Halls Creek has much more to offer than that around Fitzroy.

Tourists stop here to join tours into or stock up for their trip into Purnululu/the Bungle Bungle National Park. There are also some very nice waterholes and places to camp near Halls Creek along the Duncan Road.
Wherever you are heading next, you will at least be filling up your car here...

Find out more about Halls Creek

Kununurra

Kimberley Towns: KununurraRanges reflected in Kununurra's Ord River


Kununurra (population around 6000) is the second main tourist hub in the Kimberley. It's located on the eastern edge of the Kimberley, not far from the border between Western Australia and the Northern Territory. The name Kununurra means "Meeting of The Big Waters" and is very appropriate. The area offers countless gorges and waterfalls, several big tidal rivers, dozens of smaller streams and creeks, Lake Kununurra, and of course the huge expanse of Lake Argyle.

The town and the surrounding farmlands are surprisingly lush and productive thanks to the massive Ord River irrigation scheme, and the whole east Kimberley is by far the most scenic part of the north west.

Find out more about Kununurra

Wyndham

Kimberley Towns: WyndhamView over Wyndham Port


Wyndham is the Kimberley's oldest and and also its northernmost town. Wyndham is located on the coast, 100 km north of Kununurra. However, like Derby it sits on the edge of a gulf and has no beaches. Just crocodiles, tidal flats and mangrove swamps. There isn't much there, except for a lot of history. The town has been shrinking and shrinking for many years. I still think Wyndham is well worth a visit.

Find out more about Wyndham


Travelling to the Kimberley?


The FREE Kimberley Pocket Guide
A great introduction to travel in the Kimberley region and along the Gibb. This free resource will answer all the questions you might have in the early stages of planning a trip.


Destination Kimberley
The full Kimberley travel guide shows you how to make the most of your adventure at Australia's last frontier. Destination Kimberley includes the most detailed and most current guide to the Gibb River Road available anywhere. Also called "The Bible" by its readers.


Travelling to the Northern Territory?


Destination Top End offers the same comprehensive, detailed insider information for the tropical regions of the Northern Territory. Be the best informed traveller in the Kakadu, Litchfield and Katherine Gorge national parks and beyond!

A must have if you travel to or from Darwin.


NEW! Destination Red Centre is the latest addition in this popular series. Monica Coleman takes you through Australia's red Outback heart, offering all the detail and insider tips that you have come to know and love about our guides. With special emphasis on Aboriginal communities and culture.

A must have if you travel to or from Alice Springs/Uluru.




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