7 days exploring the Kimberley’s natural wonders

Fly into Kununurra from Perth, Broome or Darwin and head straight to the Hoochery Distillery, where the fun-loving rum producers say their handmade spirits are “created using traditional, inefficient and labour-intensive methods.”

Visit Waringarri Aboriginal Arts to peruse the treasures on display at Western Australia’s oldest Aboriginal-owned art centre. Take a tour to hear from a local Miriwoong artist about their techniques and the history of the centre.

Get up close to the region’s rare and globally sought-after pink diamonds at Kimberley Fine Diamonds. Gaze at intricate jewellery inspired by Western Australia’s landscape, try on some bling and witness the beauty of the region’s famous natural resource.

Savour dinner outdoors tonight, just out of town at The PumpHouse restaurant. Snag a spot on the balcony’s edge and soak in river views as the sun goes down, sipping glasses of wine and dining on the region’s finest local produce.

Relax at Kununurra Country Club Resort, where you’ll find cosy quarters and a pristine pool within easy walking distance of town. Base yourself here for the next few nights, and be sure to ask the friendly staff about their local tips.

Departing from Kununurra, board a scenic flight with Bungle Bungle Guided Tours, taking in aerial views over the glorious coast on the way towards the stripy, dome-like rock formations of the Bungle Bungles, estimated to be around 350-million-years-old.

Once you land, weave through the majestic red rock formations alongside a local Aboriginal guide. Visit significant sites such as Cathedral Gorge, named for the spectacular acoustics that echo off the stone cave.

Balance along the knobbly bed of Piccaninny Creek, which remains dry until periods of significant rainfall. Traverse the pebbly floor with your guide, taking in the impressive views from outside and among the dome clusters.

Soar back towards Kununurra, keeping your eyes peeled for a sneak peek at tomorrow’s adventures among the swirling banks and turquoise waters of Lake Argyle, which look nothing short of spectacular from above.

If you have a few hours of daylight left upon your return to Kununurra, head to Elephant Rock to end your day on a high – literally. Traverse the rocky ridge on a one-hour hike to reach the peak, then soak in views over the outback landscape.

The largest manmade, freshwater lake in the Southern Hemisphere, Lake Argyle lies just outside Kununurra. Take a day cruise starting along the Ord River with Triple J Tours to spot freshwater crocodiles on the banks of submerged mountains.

Book a BBQ boat for the day with Lake Argyle Cruises to experience the sights and sounds of Lake Argyle at your own pace. Cool off in the water, spot colourful native birds such as the Yellow Chat and stop to explore isolated islands.

With Lake Argyle Cruises you can also hire your very own kayak or canoe. Paddle past timid Johnston River Freshwater Crocodiles, splash close to the shore to see the rugged cliff faces up close and slide off the edge for a refreshing dip.

Whether you’re whipping up a classic Aussie feast on your BBQ boat or packing a pre-made picnic, Lake Argyle is teeming with banks perfect for a scenic lunch. Dig in and appreciate the tranquil surroundings from wherever you choose to rest.

Take a walk on the wild side with Go Wild’s epic abseiling tours around Lake Argyle. Feel your stomach drop as you lean back over towering cliffs, and learn to lower yourself down with skill and finesse as you take in surreal views.

On your way to El Questro, stop in for a splash in the tranquil blue-green water of Molly Springs. This petite pool and trickling waterfall make a picturesque spot to cool off in the shade as you watch fish dart beneath you.

Pull in at El Questro and head to your cliffside retreat that peers over the Chamberlain Gorge. Take in panoramic views through your retreat’s floor-to-ceiling windows, draw yourself an outdoor bath among the trees or head for a dip in the pool.

You won’t regret joining a Chamberlain Gorge boat tour, winding along rugged, luminous orange rock faces to where cheeky archerfish spit water into the air. As you cruise, sample sparkling wine, locally sourced from the Ord Valley.

Ready to reel in a keeper? Learn the tricks of the trade from your expert fishing guide as you try to snag a wild barramundi, keeping an eye out for a chance to spot estuarine crocs and sea eagles as you drift.

Sit back as a live band serenades the crowds at The Station. Enjoy classic Aussie dishes at Steakhouse Restaurant, and don’t be surprised if you’re tempted to get up and dance at the Swinging Arm Bar.

A soak in Zebedee Thermal Springs is a must at El Questro. Those staying in the retreats or homestead have it to themselves each afternoon, but it’s open to all visitors before then. Edged with ancient palms, the mossy bathing holes are restorative.

Take the short, flat hike to reach the fairytale-like pool and moss-adorned walls of Emma Gorge. Be sure to bring your bathers – although the natural pool is astonishingly cold, you’ll get a rush from hopping in.

Go all out with a 60-minute helicopter ride over the astonishing rock maze of the Cockburn Ranges, taking in the warm-hued landscape and bizarre natural formations that make this region so unique.

Take the guesswork out of finding a spot to watch the sunset by joining a guided sunset tour. Drive to the top of Saddleback Ridge or Pigeon Hole Lookout for endless views over the enormous wilderness park.

Head back to your retreat to savour dinner at a communal table on a picturesque balcony. Delve into delicious food and make new friends; after so many adventures, there will be plenty to talk about around the table.

On arrival, transfer from the airport to Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa, then freshen up with a L’Occitane spa treatment (the massages are phenomenal), a swim in the adults-only pool, or both. Grab an easy poolside lunch.

Join Yawuru man Bart Pigram to experience Broome through the eyes of Traditional Custodians on a fun and insightful Mangrove Discovery Experience. The mangroves are fascinating, and home to turtles and even saltwater crocodiles.

Stroll along Broome’s famous Cable Beach, where the flat expanse of sand creates a mirror-like reflection of the sky. Stretch out on a towel and soak up some sun, or take a dip in the impossibly clear water.

In the afternoon, board the shuttle into Broome to see the revitalised town centre. Look out for the brass plaques that detail two centuries of pearling history. Then catch a flick at Sun Pictures – the oldest operating outdoor cinema in the world.

Head to Matso’s Brewery to sample Australia’s original alcoholic ginger beer as you kick back beneath outstretched palms in the beer garden. Tuck into local seafood – from whole Exmouth prawns to grilled barramundi – and sip beers inspired by Broome’s tropical climate.

Fuel up for an incredible day with good coffee and great food at The Aarli, a locally loved venue that puts innovation at the forefront of each and every dish. Try their panko crumbed eggs with toasted roti or the breakfast bahn mi for a truly memorable start to the day.

The frothing, surging, boiling Horizontal Falls are a spectacle unlike anywhere else on the planet. Take a half-day trip from Broome with Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures to appreciate the wondrous sight from the air.

Touch down in the tranquil waters of Talbot Bay before transferring to a high-powered boat. Bump over the rushing white water, following the falls as they squeeze through narrow gaps in the parallel ranges, then slow your pace during a calm lunch.

Don’t miss your chance to witness the tapestry of colours at Gantheaume Point, just a 10-minute drive from Broome’s town centre. Drive to a clifftop lookout and marvel at the contrast of red rocks, turquoise water and green bushland.

End your travels on a high with a truly magical moment: the Staircase to the Moon. Watch as the sun sets and the full moon rises above the ocean in the dark of night, with its reflection glowing on the waves to create a powerful optical illusion.