Top 10 Waterfalls to Visit in the Kimberley

The Kimberley region of Western Australia is a vast and untamed wilderness, home to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. From the towering heights of King George Falls to the unique phenomenon of the Horizontal Falls, the Kimberley's cascading wonders are a testament to nature's raw power and beauty. Join us as we embark on a journey to discover the top 10 waterfalls in this awe-inspiring region.

  1. Mitchell Falls

Nestled deep within the Mitchell River National Park, Mitchell Falls, also known as Punamii-Uunpuu, is a true icon of the Kimberley. This magnificent four-tiered cascade plunges over layers of ancient sandstone, creating a breathtaking display of water and rock. The falls are surrounded by a landscape of rugged red cliffs, lush vegetation, and crystal-clear pools, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the pristine beauty of the wilderness.

Accessing Mitchell Falls is an adventure, requiring a 4WD journey and a 4 km hike through the remote terrain or a scenic helicopter flight over the stunning landscape. Once there, visitors can explore the area through hiking trails that wind through the park, offering breathtaking views of the falls and the surrounding gorges. The top of the falls is a perfect spot for a refreshing swim, providing a moment of tranquillity amidst the rugged wilderness.

Mitchell Falls holds great cultural significance for the local Indigenous people, who have lived in harmony with this land for thousands of years. The falls are a natural wonder and a sacred site steeped in ancient stories and traditions.

You can witness this sensational attraction up close and learn about its rich history and cultural importance from knowledgeable guides. Marvel at the sheer power of the cascading water, explore the surrounding wilderness and create unforgettable memories in one of Australia's most pristine and awe-inspiring locations. Day tours to the Mithcell Falls are available from Kununurra and Broome.

Reasons to visit Mitchell Falls and Mitchell River National Park

  • Four-tiered cascade plunging over an ancient sandstone

  • Surrounded by rugged red cliffs, lush vegetation, and crystal-clear pools

  • Large plunge pool at the base, perfect for swimming

  • Accessible by 4WD or scenic helicopter flight

  • Hiking trails offering breathtaking views of the falls and surrounding gorges

  • Culturally significant site for local Indigenous people

  1. Horizontal Falls / Garaan-ngaddim

Horizontal Falls / Garaan-ngaddim is a natural phenomenon located in the remote depths of Talbot Bay that is unlike any other. This unique spectacle is created by the enormous tidal movements of the Kimberley region, which force massive volumes of water through narrow gaps between the cliffs, creating a waterfall effect that appears to be flowing horizontally.

The power and beauty of the Horizontal Falls have earned them the title of "one of the most unusual natural wonders of the world" by Sir David Attenborough. The falls are surrounded by towering red cliffs and pristine turquoise waters, creating a stunning contrast of colours.

Embark on an adventure with a thrilling boat ride through the narrow gaps of the Horizontal Falls and feel the rush of the water as it surges past the cliffs. The falls are best viewed during the changing tides when the water flow is at its strongest, creating an unforgettable display of nature's power.

Kimberley Pearl Charters offers the opportunity to witness the Horizontal Falls up close, with expert guides sharing their knowledge of this incredible natural wonder. Learn about the unique tidal movements that create this phenomenon, explore the surrounding bays and inlets, and marvel at the sheer beauty of this remote and untamed landscape.

Reasons to visit Horizontal Falls at Talbot Bay

  • Unique tidal waterfalls created by massive tidal movements

  • Water appears to flow horizontally through narrow gaps between cliffs

  • Surrounded by towering red cliffs and pristine turquoise waters

  • Thrilling boat rides through the narrow gaps

  • Best viewed during changing tides when water flow is strongest

  • Expert guides share knowledge of this incredible natural wonder

  1. King George Falls

Standing tall at over 80 metres, King George Falls is Western Australia's highest twin waterfall and one of the most spectacular sights in the Kimberley. Fed by the mighty King George River, these falls cascade down vertical sandstone cliffs, creating a thunderous roar that echoes through the surrounding gorges.

The twin falls are most impressive during the wet season, typically between February - April when the water flow is at its peak. During this time, the falls transform into a raging torrent, water plunging down the sheer cliffs in a breathtaking display of power and beauty.

King George Falls holds great spiritual significance for the local Balanggarra people, representing the male and female Wunkurr (Rainbow Serpents) who are believed to have created the landscape during the Dreamtime. The falls are a sacred site, and visitors are encouraged to respect the cultural importance of this natural wonder.

There are multiple ways to access the majestic King George Falls, including cruise ships or scenic flights. The 80-meter waterfall is breathtaking and will leave a lasting impression on anyone fortunate enough to witness it. On a Kimberley cruise, you can marvel at the grandeur of the falls from the comfort of the ship's deck or take a tender ride to the base of the falls for a closer look. Learn about the rich cultural heritage associated with this site from knowledgeable guides and create lasting memories in one of the Kimberley's most awe-inspiring locations.

Reasons to visit King George Falls

  • Western Australia's highest twin waterfall, standing over 80 metres tall

  • Fed by the mighty King George River

  • Most impressive during the wet season when water flow is at its peak

  • Spiritual significance to local Balanggarra people, representing Rainbow Serpents

  • Accessible by cruise ships and scenic flights

  • Tender rides to the base of the falls for a closer look

  • Learn about the rich cultural heritage from knowledgeable guides

  1. Manning Falls

Nestled within the rugged landscape of the Manning Gorge at Mt Barnett Station, Manning Falls is a beautiful multi-tiered waterfall that cascades into a large swimming hole at its base. The falls are surrounded by ancient rock formations and lush vegetation, creating a tranquil oasis in the heart of the Kimberley wilderness.

Accessing Manning Falls requires a hike through the gorge, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the area's stunning natural beauty. The trail winds through rugged terrain, past ancient rock art sites, and along the banks of the Manning River before reaching the falls themselves.

The large swimming hole at the base of Manning Falls is a popular spot for visitors to cool off and relax after the hike. The falls are nestled amidst rugged red cliffs and lush vegetation, making them perfect places to soak in the wilderness's pristine beauty.

Reasons to visit Manning Falls

  • Beautiful multi-tiered waterfall in Manning Gorge

  • Large swimming hole at the base, perfect for cooling off

  • Surrounded by ancient rock formations and lush vegetation

  • Accessible via a hike through the gorge, passing rock art sites and the Manning River

  1. Barnett River Gorge Falls

The Barnett River Gorge Falls is a stunning waterfall that plunges over 100 meters into a deep pool below. The falls are part of the Barnett River Gorge system, known for its dramatic red rock formations and pristine wilderness.

Accessing the Barnett River Gorge Falls requires a 4WD journey and a short hike, but the effort is well worth it. The falls are a sight to behold, with water cascading down the sheer cliff face into the pool below, creating a mist that rises into the air and catches the sunlight.

The pool at the base of the falls is a great place to swim, with crystal-clear water and a sandy beach.

Reasons to visit Barnett River Gorge Falls

  • Stunning waterfall plunging over 100 meters into a deep pool

  • Part of the Barnett River Gorge system, known for dramatic red rock formations

  • Accessible via 4WD and a short hike

  • Swimming opportunities in the crystal-clear pool at the base of the falls

  1. Big Mertens Falls

Big Mertens Falls is a tall, single-drop waterfall tucked behind the Mitchell Falls along the Mertens River creek system in the Mitchell River National Park.

Access to Big Mertens Falls is on the same hiking trail as Mitchell Falls, a challenging hike through rugged terrain, but the reward is worth the effort. The falls plunge over a sheer cliff face into a deep pool below, creating a stunning sight that will take your breath away. Along the way to Big Mertens Falls, you will pass Little Mertens Falls, a much smaller waterfall and picturesque pool with access to ancient Aboriginal rock art. Guided rock art tours are also available.

The area around Big Mertens Falls is home to diverse wildlife, including wallabies, goannas, and various bird species. Visitors can enjoy the serenity of the falls and the surrounding wilderness, taking in the beauty of this remote and untouched landscape.

Reasons to visit Mertens Falls

  • Tall, single-drop waterfall in the remote Kimberley wilderness

  • Enroute to the Mitchell Falls

  • Requires a challenging hike to access, but it is well worth the effort

  • Dramatic beauty and serene surroundings

  • The area is home to diverse wildlife, including wallabies, goannas, and birds

  1. Galvans Gorge Falls

Galvans Gorge Falls is a serene waterfall that flows into a tranquil pool, surrounded by lush vegetation and ancient rock formations. 

Accessing Galvans Gorge Falls is relatively easy. It is located 1km off the Gibb River Road, and a short hike leads to the base of the falls. 

The pool at the base of the falls is a popular swimming spot, with crystal-clear water and a sandy beach. Visitors can relax in the tranquil surroundings and enjoy the beauty of the falls and the surrounding wilderness.

Reasons to visit Galvans Gorge Falls

  • Serene waterfall flowing into a tranquil pool

  • Surrounded by lush vegetation and ancient rock formations

  • Part of the Galvans Gorge system, known for Aboriginal rock art

  • Easily accessible via a short hike through the gorge

  • Swimming opportunities in the crystal-clear pool at the base of the falls

  1. Bells Gorge Falls

Bells Gorge Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall that cascades into a series of natural pools, creating a stunning oasis in the heart of the Kimberley wilderness. The falls are located in Wunaamin Conservation Park and are accessible by 4WD.

The hike to Bells Gorge Falls takes visitors through rugged terrain, past ancient rock formations and along the banks of the Bell Creek. The trail can be challenging in parts, but the reward is well worth the effort.

The series of natural pools at the base of the falls is a popular spot for swimming. With crystal-clear water and smooth rock ledges to relax on, visitors can also explore the surrounding gorge, which is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna.

Reasons to visit Bells Gorge Falls

  • Multi-tiered waterfall cascading into a series of natural pools

  • Located in the remote Bell Gorge Wilderness Area

  • Accessible by 4WD and a hike through rugged terrain

  • Excellent swimming opportunities in the natural pools at the base of the falls

  • The surrounding gorge is home to diverse flora and fauna

  1. Wunnaumurra Falls

Wunnaumurra Falls is a powerful waterfall that plunges over 60 meters into a deep pool below. It is located within Mt Elizabeth Station and is known for its dramatic red rock formations and rugged wilderness.

Accessing Wunnaumurra Falls requires a challenging hike through the gorge, but the breathtaking views of the falls and the surrounding landscape make it well worth the effort. The trail passes through ancient rock formations and along the banks of the Wunnaumurra River, offering visitors a glimpse into the untamed beauty of the Kimberley.

The pool at the base of the falls is a great spot for swimming, with crystal-clear water and a sandy beach. Visitors can also explore the surrounding gorge, home to diverse flora and fauna.

Reasons to visit Wunnaumurra Falls

  • Powerful waterfall plunging over 60 meters into a deep pool

  • Requires a challenging hike to access but rewards with breathtaking views

  • Swimming opportunities in the crystal-clear pool at the base of the falls

  • The surrounding gorge is home to diverse flora and fauna

  • Opportunity to stay overnight at Mt Elizabeth Station

  1. King Cascade ------------

King Cascade is a unique and picturesque waterfall on the Prince Regent River. The falls are around 50 meters across and feature water tumbling down a staggered terrace of Kimberley sandstone, creating a "hanging garden" effect with lush vegetation surrounding the cascades.

The Prince Regent River was named after Lt. Phillip Parker King, who noted the falls in his journal during his exploration of the area in the early 19th century. The river and the falls are in a remote wilderness area, accessible only by boat or air.

Visitors to King Cascade can marvel at the unusual terraced formation of the falls and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the surrounding wilderness. The area is home to various wildlife, including crocodiles, birds, and fish.

  • Unique terraced waterfall around 50 meters across

  • Water tumbles down a staggered terrace of Kimberley sandstone

  • Creates a "hanging garden" effect with lush vegetation

  • Located on the Prince Regent River, named after Lt. Phillip Parker King

  • Accessible only by boat or air, situated in a remote wilderness area

Kimberley Pearl