North Western Australia - Kimberley Towns

From Broome To Kununurra Across The Kimberleys. Explore The North Of Western Australia.

The Kimberley in Australia is three times the size of the UK, or about the same size as 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

Broome (population 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. (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

Derby (population 4500) is 220 km north of Broome, also on the west coast. But there aren't any beaches here, just crocodiles and mudcrabs. 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 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

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 its 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 by travelling along the first and well maintained part of the Gibb River Road. Near Fitzroy Crossing you get back on the highway.)

Find out more about Fitzroy Crossing

Halls Creek

Halls Creek is about the same size as Fitzroy Crossing, but nowhere near as nice. Tourists stop here to join tours into the Bungle Bungle National Park. There are some very nice places to camp near Halls Creek. Other than that the town doesn't have much to offer. Fill up the car and keep going...

Find out more about Halls Creek

Kununurra

Kununurra (population 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

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

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