20 Sep 6 Amazing Waterfalls of the Kimberley
A holiday cruise always sounds like a fantastic idea for a getaway. Now, imagine a cruise that drifts along one of the most incredibly unique coastlines in the world, stopping off to play and explore some of the best waterfalls ever seen by man. The Kimberley will awe and inspire you with its diversity of amazing waterfalls.
Every waterfall is different along this isolated and ancient Australian coastline – from plunging 65-metre water drops, to cascading flows that enrich the vibrant emerald green native shrubbery, to the pounding twin horizontal waterfalls that Sir David Attenborough called “Australia’s most unusual natural wonder”.
Bound to excite, ignite and relax, a cruise exploring the waterfalls of the Kimberley will be a trip that you’ll remember forever.
King Cascade
When we think of waterfalls, we usually picture a wall of water falling down over a rock lip many metres above the ground. And this is precisely why the King Cascade waterfall surprises and impresses us so much: this beautiful waterfall is terraced, the water flowing down step-by-step over the huge black and red rock graduations.
King Cascade waterfall is around 27 meters high and is on the bank of Prince Regent River in the East Kimberley region. Although King Cascade is everyone’s favourite destination, the beauty of the waterfall is marred by sadness. In 1987, a young American, Ginger Meadows, lost her life there in a crocodile attack.
For this reason, visitors climb the cascade to swim in the multitude of crystal rock pools and cascades fringed with stunning forest green grass. This is a truly memorable experience.
Cruises often pull right up to the falls so guests can take a refreshing shower under the falls.
Mitchell Falls
Mitchell Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall, around 80 meters from top to bottom, and is said to be the second largest waterfall in the Kimberley. This incredible cascading waterfall is chiseled through sandstone. The result is layers of fresh, crisp, green waterholes where water cascades from one pool to the next.
Local tribe, the Wunambal people call this area Punami Ounpuu, and this area is undoubtedly one of the most sensational natural attractions in the Kimberley. Mitchell Falls is located in the remote but accessible Mitchell River National Park in the Kimberley, Western Australia.
Horizontal Falls
The true icon of the Kimberley! Sir David Attenborough once described the Horizontal Falls as “Australia’s most unusual natural wonder”. The Horizontal Falls is a natural phenomenon where the rapid tidal current is forced through two narrow gorges, pushing the water to form rapids. The effect is a pair of waterfalls turned on their side!
The Horizontal Falls are located in the turquoise water of Talbot Bay, in the Buccaneer Archipelago. This incredible waterfall is considered one of the greatest natural wonders, and can only be accessed by air or sea. So take a cruise soon and get up close and personal with this invigorating and life affirming experience.
King George Falls
Take a cruise to experience first hand another of the Kimberley’s natural wonders, the incredible twin King George Falls. You might even recognize it from Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Australia’! This is the highest waterfall in the region, perched majestically at over at more than 50 metres high with 180 feet of water beneath.
The King George River plunges over an ancient sandstone cliff into tidal waters, creating the truly astounding spectacle of King George Falls – Western Australia’s highest twin waterfalls. Take your time admiring the towering red gorges, heaving waterfalls and the ancient sandstone cliffs. Explore the Buccaneer Archipelago with its pristine secluded beaches and hundreds of tiny islands.
This phenomenal landscape is inaccessible by road, so the best way to see it is by cruise.
Emma Gorge
From the exciting rapids of the Horizontal Falls to the relaxing and tranquil waterfall of Emma Gorge, this spot truly shows the magnificence and scope of which the Kimberley is truly capable.
After a hearty one hour walk you will be rewarded with the serenity of Emma Gorge waterfall, its 65 metre droplet waterfall falling from breathtaking cliffs. Sit back and listen to the sound of the falls, or take a dip in the fresh, pure water.
There is also a thermal spring nestled amongst the rocks, which provides a nice warm alternative should the waterhole prove a tad too brisk.
Emma Gorge is set in El Questro, a 700,000 untamed frontier that truly embodies the spirit of outback Australia.
Kununurra Waterfalls
In the local indigenous language, Kununurra means “Meeting Of Big Waters” – so that should paint a picture of what this incredible region has to offer.
This area has the ability to connect you with nature, with some folklore suggesting that certain waterholes even have fertility powers. What is certain is that this vast area is home to many waterfalls that will delight your senses.
Although most tourists visit during the dry season, the best time to see the majesty of the waterfalls is in the wet season (or shortly after).
Lake Kununurra neighbours with Lake Argyle, which is the largest manmade lake in the southern hemisphere. This makes is a hive of activity for those that enjoy water sports, wildlife spotting and of course, fishing enthusiasts.
Go chasing waterfalls
Are you ready to feel the gentle spray of the falls as you stand on the front of your boat, taking in the scenery as it unveils? Or relax in a waterhole after a short walk through the beautiful, ancient land? Or run through the heaving falls, connecting to your inner-child?
The Kimberley’s waterfalls offer such a range for what is undoubtedly one of nature’s most playful creations. Turquoise waterholes, frothy white rapids and crisp blue water are the perfect visual companions to the Kimberley’s red and black gorges, lined with emerald green grasses.
Put the waterfalls of the Kimberley on your travel bucket list today.