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Red dirt, wild skies, and magic carved into ancient stone — WA’s North West is anything but ordinary.
Vast, untamed, and utterly captivating — Western Australia’s North West is where ancient landscapes and raw beauty collide in the most spectacular way. It’s a region that invites exploration beyond the everyday, where red dirt roads lead to gorges carved over millennia, and remote coastlines glow under moonlit skies.
From culture-rich communities to luxurious outback retreats, it’s a playground for adventurers, dreamers, and seekers of the extraordinary. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, cruising ancient rivers, or stargazing under Kimberley skies, these unforgettable experiences will have you packing your bags before you’ve even finished reading.
Witness the ‘Staircase to the Moon’
Imagine a lunar illusion so dreamlike it stops locals and travellers alike in their tracks. The ‘Staircase to the Moon’ appears when a full moon rises over exposed tidal flats along the Kimberley and Pilbara coast, casting the dazzling illusion of golden stairs climbing into the sky. Roebuck Bay in Broome is the iconic viewing point, but quieter spots like Cossack, Onslow, Hearsons Cove and Point Samson offer equally mesmerising views. With market food, live music and nature’s theatre on full display, it’s a soul-stirring spectacle. Mark your 2025 calendar — this is pure WA magic.
Drive the Iconic Gibb River Road
If the outback has a soul, it’s along the Gibb. This 660-kilometre four-wheel-drive track between Derby and Kununurra is the ultimate pilgrimage through ancient country. You’ll cross creek beds, rumble past red ranges, and stop at hidden gorges like Manning and Bell. Camp beneath galaxies of stars or opt for a luxe stay at working cattle stations.
The Gibb isn’t for the faint-hearted, but those who do it never forget it. Think red dirt, wild swims, and freedom at full throttle.
Start planning your road trip here
Stay in Luxury at El Questro
Spanning 700,000 wild acres, El Questro is where raw wilderness meets refined luxury. Stay at the Homestead — an adults-only retreat perched above the Chamberlain River — or opt for rustic beauty at The Station or Emma Gorge’s safari-style tents. Soak in thermal springs surrounded by rainforest palms, hike dramatic ridgelines, or swim beneath waterfalls.
This isn’t just accommodation — it’s immersion into one of Australia’s last great frontiers. You’ll leave dust-covered, awe-struck, and already dreaming of your return.
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Cruise with Kimberley Spirit Tours
Some of WA’s most breathtaking secrets can only be discovered by water. Towering red cliffs, waterfalls that plunge into glassy rivers, and ancient Indigenous rock art etched into stone — this is the Kimberley from a rare and privileged perspective. Step aboard Nyawoorn, a luxury houseboat named for “large gathering” in the local Kija language, and drift through this remote wilderness in style. With just six guests, you’ll kayak secluded creeks, feast on gourmet meals, and sleep beneath a galaxy of stars. It’s a journey shaped by water, time, and wonder.
Discover Ancient Rock Art at Murujuga National Park
Step back tens of thousands of years at Murujuga, home to one of the world’s most extensive collections of ancient petroglyphs. Located on the Burrup Peninsula, this sacred land is steeped in stories carved in stone by the Ngarluma-Yaburara people. The landscape’s raw geology complements these millennia-old engravings, inviting quiet reflection on culture, history, and our place in time. Soon to be UNESCO World Heritage-listed, Murujuga is a profound reminder of Australia’s deep Indigenous heritage — humbling, powerful, unforgettable.
Jet Ski with Lethal Adventures
For those who crave speed and splash, Lethal Adventures offers jet ski tours across the stunning Dampier Archipelago. Departing from Dampier Foreshore near Karratha, these tours are tailored for both thrill-seekers and nature lovers. Glide alongside dolphins, spot turtles, and soak in coastal vistas that feel untouched by time.
With no skipper’s ticket required, all you need is a sense of adventure and a thirst for the wild ocean spray. It’s a refreshing way to discover the Pilbara’s aquatic wonders.
Explore the Dampier Peninsula’s Hidden Beaches
Venture beyond the tourist trail to the Dampier Peninsula, where wild beaches and crystal waters stretch as far as the eye can see. Remote and rarely crowded, these shores are perfect for swimming, fishing, or simply soaking in silence. Explore the vivid red cliffs of Cape Leveque, the calm turquoise waters at Kooljaman, the secluded beauty of Middle Lagoon, or the sweeping sands of James Price Point.
Experience Indigenous Culture with Bungle Bungle Tours
Unlock the secrets of the Bungle Bungle Range through the eyes of its traditional custodians. Indigenous-led tours weave stories of the land, its creation, and survival, turning every rocky outcrop into a living history lesson. Walk ancient paths, hear Dreamtime legends, and taste bush foods prepared with care. It will connect you to the natural world in a way few get to experience.
Swim with Whale Sharks at Ningaloo Reef
There’s nothing quite like locking eyes with the ocean’s largest fish. From March to August, gentle whale sharks glide through the warm, turquoise waters of Ningaloo Reef — and swimming beside them is as humbling as it is unforgettable. Tours from Exmouth and Coral Bay often include close encounters with manta rays and vibrant reef snorkelling, making for a full immersion into this underwater wonderland. With soft white sand, kaleidoscopic coral, and a wild, unspoiled vibe, Ningaloo is a marine dream unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Take a Scenic Flight over Horizontal Falls
See the wildest tides in the world from the sky — the Horizontal Falls in Talbot Bay are a natural adrenaline rush like no other. These rare sideways waterfalls, powered by immense Kimberley tides, create a spectacular whitewater surge best admired from a scenic flight soaring over the rugged Buccaneer Archipelago.
Feeling braver? Land and take a high-speed boat ride through the churning gorge for an up-close, pulse-racing experience. Either way, this is nature’s raw power on full, breathtaking display.
Look Forward to the 2027 Luxury Eco-Lodge at Purnululu
Set your sights on the near future with the upcoming Abercrombie & Kent eco-lodge at Purnululu National Park, home to the iconic Bungle Bungle Range. Opening in 2027, this lodge promises a blend of sustainability, cultural respect, and luxury in one of the world’s most pristine wildernesses. Developed in collaboration with the Billingjul Aboriginal Corporation, it will offer visitors a rare opportunity to connect deeply with this ancient landscape, where spectacular geology and Indigenous heritage harmoniously and respectfully coexist.
WA’s North West isn’t just a destination — it’s an invitation to experience the wild, the beautiful, and the timeless. From ancient landscapes to unforgettable encounters, every moment here leaves a mark. So ready your spirit of adventure and dive into a world like no other. And when you’re ready to go further? Explore these remote island escapes and off-season gems.
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