Mitchell River National Park

Western Australia

Mitchell River National ParkA biologically significant environment rich in breathtaking scenery, rare and extraordinary Aboriginal art and home to the mesmerising four-tier Mitchell falls, a thundering display of power and natural beauty.

For outback scenery and Aboriginal culture, Mitchell River National Park in the rugged Kimberley region, is among the best in Australia. Spectacular landscapes including the Mitchell Plateau and the thundering Mitchell Falls. A bushwalking track leads to the falls where you can enjoy a refreshing dip. Take a plane or chopper ride over the falls to feel their majestic power. The Mitchell Plateau abounds in wildlife and plants. There’s rainforest, open woodlands of gum trees, and watercourses lined by pandanus palms and paperbark trees. The Mitchell River National Park is also home to another beautiful terrain including Merton Falls, Surveyors Pool, Mitchell and King Edward Rivers. The area is home to many ancient rock art sites, most of which have remained untouched for thousands of years. There are basic camping facilities throughout the park. Access is by four-wheel drive only from the Gibb River Road between Derby and Wyndham and may be limited during the wet season. Camping in Western Australia's natural areas is a special experience. Selected campgrounds from across the state are now bookable online for a trial period. Tourists are advised to check for alerts and road/park closures before commencing their travel on www.emergency.wa.gov.au and https://alerts.dbca.wa.gov.au

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Things to do

Mitchell Falls Camp at Mitchell River National Park

Mitchell Falls Camp is located in the Mitchell Falls National Park, home to majestic waterfalls, spellbinding gorges, Aboriginal rock art and several sites of cultural significance to the Wunambal people. The campground itself is situated at the end of the Mitchell Falls Track next to Mertens Creek and has designated areas for campers with and without generators. Accessible only by four-wheel drive (4WD), every campsite has its own fire ring and limited wood is provided for cooking (you may not collect wood from the park and please do not bring your own as it can spread weed seed and plant disease). Use of portable gas or fuel stoves is encouraged. Sealed vault pit toilets are available at Mertens Creek. Water can be collected at a point upstream but should be boiled before use. You are allowed to swim downstream but please do not use soap. There is a helipad (and booking office) at the campground, where you can arrange a scenic flight to the Mitchell Plateau. It is possible to fly one-way and walk back (or vice versa). Tourists are advised to check for alerts and road/park closures before commencing their travel on www.emergency.wa.gov.au and https://alerts.dbca.wa.gov.au.

Mitchell Plateau

The Mitchell Plateau is a true wilderness adventure with jaw-dropping panoramas of wild escarpments, tropical rainforests and the thundering four-tiered falls known as Mitchell Falls - reached via the Mitchell Plateau and a 6-kilometre hike from the camping ground. Extend your adventure, following the trail to Little Mertens Falls and Big Mertens Falls. If you’re seeking a four-wheel drive (4WD) challenge, take a detour off the Gibb River Road on Kalumburu Road heading north to Drysdale River Station and the Mitchell Plateau (dry season only). Guided 4WD tours are also available, or for a quicker and easier route, take a scenic flight from Kununurra, Broome or the Mitchell Falls Campground. Scenic flights run year-round and often touch down, allowing you to hike the trail, enjoy a refreshing swim and explore the forests that support an incredible variety of mammal, bird and reptile species. On guided tours see the Gyorn Gyorn Paintings (also known as the Bradshaws). Believed to be 60,000 years old – among the earliest figurative paintings ever made. Wunambal Gaambera people are the Traditional Owners of the Ngauwudu (Mitchell Plateau) and surrounding country over which they have Exclusive Possession Native Title.

From the air with HeliSpirit

HeliSpirit offers a variety of unforgettable helicopter adventures across the Kimberley and Top End. Australia's Kimberley region is like no other place on earth - she is rugged, romantic, breathtakingly beautiful and hides her secrets well until you take to the air. From short scenic flights to longer itineraries including landings and accommodation, HeliSpririt offers helicopter adventures for everyone. Flights depart from Kununurra, Lake Argyle, Bungle Bungles, Mitchell Falls, Warmun, El Questro and Katherine Gorge. HeliSpirit's award-winning Bungle Bungle helicopter flights depart from the airfield in Purnululu National Park or the Warmun Roadhouse on the Great Northern Highway. They provide the most flight time over the Bungle Bungles. Some helicopter flights from Kununurra or Lake Argyle include landings to view the sun setting over the vast red cliffs of the Ord River, fishing in a wild river or swimming in secret springs. At the Mitchell Falls, fly in one way and walk back with the Falls Transfer flight or choose a longer flight out over the Kimberley Coast.

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