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DESTINATIONS: KALUMBURU
King Edward River & Mitchell Falls
The ‘Kalumburu Road’ heads north of the Gibb near the
eastern end. Most people stay the night at Drysdale Station,
refuel and do final preparations before heading to the Mitchell
Falls turn-off on the left a few hours drive north. You haven’t
‘done the Kimberley’ unless you’ve been to Mitchell Falls, as it’s
one of Australia’s most memorable tourist attractions.
A little way down the road is the King Edward River
campground, the place that sees many travellers taking the time
to relax and have a swim in the croc-free river. You can choose to
stay here overnight or head up to the Mitchell Falls campsite but
be warned. The track to the Mitchell Falls campsite can be hardgoing
in places, due to the terrible corrugations caused by the
large 4x4 tourist buses and trucks that are as ‘thick as flies on a
carcass’ during the dry season.
Image by Gavin Gillett - www.summit.net
Image by Gavin Gillett - www.summit.net
Top, left and below:
The Mitchell Falls
area is a ‘must do’
Kimberely attraction.
Image by Gavin Gillett - www.summit.net
Many tourists choose to
leave their off-road caravans,
camper-trailers and boats at the
King Edward River campsite.
Helicopter tours are available
at Mitchell Falls, and if that’s
something that appeals to you,
I’d suggest you walk into the
falls (downhill) and get a ride
back to camp in the helicopter.
Some argue that the helicopters
and their noise, spoil the natural
serenity of this beautiful place.
From Mitchell Falls most
people head back to the King
Edward River campsite, have
another swim and stay the night.
They then head back to the
Kalumburu Road, turn left and
head up to the Kalumburu region.
From the Mitchell Falls turn-off,
Kalumburu is a good 3-4 hours’
drive and potentially longer if
you’re towing. By the way, don’t
even dream of bringing your
caravan, camper-trailer or boat
unless it’s been built to handle
the rigours of off-road work.
If your particular outfit isn’t
up to the job, then leave it at a
caravan park in one of the towns
at either side of the Gibb entry
points, and head to Kalumburu
with your camping gear.