The Kimberley Region

The Kimberley is located in the north - west corner of Australia and is home to approximately 35,000 people. There are 3 major towns in the Kimberley which include Broome, Derby and Kununurra with other small towns and communities in between. Kimberley Air Tours is based in both Kununurra and Broome.

In the Kimberley we don’t have spring, summer, autumn or winter. From October to March it is the ‘Wet season’. At the beginning of the wet season we experience the ‘build up’ to the wet season. During both of these times, the Kimberley experiences extreme hot and humid weather, heavy rain and some cloudy days along with lightning shows. This is the best time of year to visit if you would like to experience our unique ‘waterfall season’ and beautiful lush green landscapes.

During April to September we have the ‘dry season‘ where there are blue skies, easterly winds, warm pleasant days and some cooler nights. This is the best time of the year to visit if you are wanting to do outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or fishing. This is our peak time of year where tourists from all over Australia and other countries come to experience the unique landscapes and attractions the Kimberley has to offer.

Iconic attractions for the Kimberley include the Gibb River Road, Purnululu National Park (home to the Bungle Bungle Range), Lake Argyle, Mitchell River National Park and the Horizontal Falls. Tourists visiting the area love to explore all the attractions each town has to offer.

Kununurra
Kununurra has a population of approximately 7,500 people, this almost doubles in the peak of the dry season with passing tourists and seasonal workers who come to work for the tourist season. Kununurra was initially established as a service centre for the Ord River Irrigation Project, today this irrigation project provides water for 15,000 hectares of farmland. Currently, the main crops that are being grown from this project are Indian Sandalwood, Mangoes, Chia, Citrus fruits and Melons. The Miriwoong and Gajirrabeng people are the traditional Indigenous owners of the land that Kununurra is situated on. Kununurra is most popular for its unique landscapes it is unlike any other place in the Kimberley or Western Australia.

Broome
Broome is a coastal town located on the western side of the Kimberley region on the land of the Yawuru people. It is a much larger town compared to Kununurra with a population of 14,500 people, which triples to 45,000 people during the tourist season. Broome is best known for it’s pearl farming industry and where the red dirt of the Kimberley meets the pristine turquoise water of the India Ocean. In the 1800’s, the first European explorers discovered beds of pearl oysters in the waters around Broome and the Dampier Peninsula. This discovery was a defining moment for Broome as it was the beginning of its pearl farming history. Today Broome is one of Western Australias most popular holiday destinations. Tourists travel to Broome to visit the iconic Cable Beach, Horizontal Falls and learn about the regions rich pearl farming history.

Other Points of Interest

Lake Argyle
One of the worlds largest man-made freshwater lakes. Lake Argyle Resort is a popular get away destination for tourists and locals. Lake Argyle Resort is also home to Australia’s most photographed pool. With an infinity pool on the edge of the resort overlooking the lake.

Purnululu National Park - Bungle Bungle Range
Purnululu National park is 240,000 ha in size and consists of a series for beehive shaped domes known as the ‘Bungle Bungles’. These domes have been slowly eroded by wind and rain over the last 20 million years. These domes are naturally stripped by black and orange layers formed from differing levels of clay within the sandstone which gives it its distinctive appearance and protects the fragile sandstone underneath.

How to get to Kununurra

By Air
Virgin Australia and AirNorth have flights to Kununurra from Perth, Broome and Darwin. There are several car hire companies based at the airport for those who need to rent a vehicle for the duration of their stay.

By Road
Travelling by road is the most popular way to reach Kununurra. Kununurra is situated on the Victoria Highway 42km west of the Western Australia/ Northern Territory Border.
If travelling from Perth or Broome, the Victoria highway is accessible from the Great Northern Highway.
If travelling from Darwin or Katherine, the Victoria Highway is accessible from the Stuart Highway.

By Bus
Greyhound Australia operates a bus service between Broome and Darwin via Kununurra. Please check their website for the most up to date timetable.

How to get to Broome

By Air
There are regular flights to Broome from both Perth and Darwin operated by, Qantas, Virgin Australia and AirNorth. There is also seasonal flight to Broome from Sydney and Melbourne during peak season.

By Boat
Several cruises arrive and depart from Broome as part of their tour. If you are travelling around the Kimberley onboard a cruise ship, check to see what date you are in Broome. Better yet, extend your holiday to spend a few extra days in Broome!

By Car
Broome is located off Broome Road, which is 35km off Great Northern Highway. The Great Northern Highway is accessible from most places within Western Australia and also off the Victoria Highway.

By Bus
Greyhound Australia operate a bus service between Broome and Darwin. Please check their website for the most up to date timetable.