Mitchell Plateau

Mitchell Falls, a spectacular series of 4 waterfalls, is the main natural attraction of the Mitchell Plateau region. It is accessed via the Mitchell Plateau Road that heads in a westerly direction off Kalumburu Road in the northern Kimberley. The main walk to the head of the Mitchell Falls is 5km one way, taking about 1½ hrs from the campground. The walk is not difficult, but quite long given that once you've made it there you have to turn around and come back. Along the walk, you can stop to swim in Little Mertens Falls (now renamed to Mertens Falls), Big Mertens Falls (now renamed to Mertens Gorge) and other rockpools.

The alternative is to walk one way, and take a helicopter flight the other (bookings are required and can be made at the campground). Although there are no permanent buildings or infrastructure, the level of tourism is so high that during the 4 month peak season a heli-flight service operates from a temporary base, giving 4WDrivers the opportunity to get up above the trees and escarpment to view this incredible area from the sky. No trip to the Kimberley should be done without getting up in the air, whether by plane or helicopter. The unique aspect of this particular heli-flight however, is that it is a "no-door chopper", giving unobstructed views and an exhilarating 'wild thrill’. Flights by plane are also available from Kununurra and Drysdale River Station Homestead.

Permits are only required if you want to visit the Aboriginal town of Kalumburu. The CALM managed camping ground at Mitchell Falls is a large, well spaced out area with plenty of decent camps with large shady trees and a few long-drop ‘Eco-Toilets’. The campground backs onto the main walk to the falls near a shallow, quiet section of creek where fresh drinking water is currently available for collection and swimming is allowed. Please note that dogs are not allowed.

Road conditions are not mentioned as these vary greatly and are very subjective. Generally, the track is heavily corrugated with washouts and sudden obstacles. Please read for detailed reports and submit feedback.

Other things to see and do are: Mitchell Falls, Mertens Falls, Mertens Gorge, Miners Pool, Surveyors Pool, Crystal Creek, scenic flights over region and unique tourist-friendly cattle station at Drysdale offering full facilities and tours.

King Edward River

The CALM managed camping ground at the King Edward River has been reported to be equally, pleasurable, although it is almost a 2hr drive back from the Mitchell Falls car park.

It's quite an effort to get to the Mitchell Falls so plan to stay 2 nights if you can. You should also have a contingency plan if you encounter vehicle problems and are stuck making repairs. Unfortunately, this is quite common. The most common problem tends to occur to shock absorbers on the vehicle - there are no facilities here so take at least 2 spares. (Drysdale Station advise us that they do attempt to stock and fit common shocks). Shocks are a very important spare to take on any 4WD trip, but particularly through the Kimberley.

All travellers should read the 4WDriving Topic for related articles and checklists for vehicle setup and driver awareness. In regards to remote travelling, we advise that you refer to the our Communications and Navigation articles for safety tips.

The Mitchell River is a massive channel of water that flows through an ancient gorge from the Admiralty Gulf and there are a number of good waterfalls that can only be accessed on foot or by air.

The plateau is rugged with slopes, escarpments and eroded joints that have created narrow and deep gorges containing waterfalls and permanent pools. The most striking living feature on the rugged sandstone and volcanic plateau is the Livistona Palm, evidence of a past rainforest period. From the air, you can see the varied terrain of the Mitchell Plateau as it changes from dense valleys, 200 metre-high escarpments, narrow gorges, rivers and falls and slopes that run out to tidal mudflats along the coast.

From the ground, the sandstone plateau and tropical climate makes vehicle access challenging and seasonal in a remote and rugged area with little facilities. It's important to note that firewood is not to be collected within the boundaries of the national park reserve. Signs indicate where firewood can be collected on the way in and there's plenty of it! Bring an axe.