Mitchell Falls WA

We left King Edward camp at 9 am and stopped to have a look at the an aboriginal burial site.

We then rattled along possibly the worst road we have ever driven on for the next 79km. 2 hours later we arrived at the Mitchell Falls Campground, located in Mitchell Falls National Park. It is the home to majestic waterfalls, gorges, Aboriginal rock art and a number of sites of cultural significance to the Wunambal Gaambera people. The four-tiered Mitchell Falls is an iconic Kimberley attraction, and one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Australia. Also known as Punamii-Uunpuu to the Wunambal people, the falls were carved through sandstone by the waters of the Mitchell River, producing layers of mesmerising emerald water pools from which the waters tumble from one to the next. 

We paid our camp fees for the night $17pp and then enquired about Helicopter flights to the falls.

After settling in camp we walked to the Little Mertens Falls 800 metres from the camp ground. We explored the lower part of the falls and then enjoyed a dip in the water holes above the falls. 

Just after 8am the next morning we flew up to the falls via helicopter ($199pp). It was amazing to see the falls from above and sit in a helicopter without doors! 

We landed 6mins later and made our way down to the top of the falls where we needed to cross the river to get to the lookout. Wow! 

On our return to the river crossing we took a dip in the refreshing water. No crocodiles here, only salties in the lower pool. 

We left the river just after 10am to walk the 3.6km back to camp. About 17mins later we came upon Mertens Gorge with its dramatic waterfall.

The trail is a moderate to difficult requiring some rock hopping and with some areas with little shade. We made it back to Buster in 1:15mins and found the walk relatively easy. 

We hopped into Buster and started the journey back along the very bumpy road. Once again it took us 2 hours/79km to King Edward Crossing. 

We had a quick pit stop and Mark did some adjustments to the gas bottle straps. 

We made it across the deep river with no issues this time after engaging 4wd before entering the water. 

Then we kept going 113km for another 2 hours to Drysdale Station.

 We arrived at 4:30pm, paid our overnight camp fee of $40, had a lovely hot shower and then went to the Homestead for dinner. Burgers and a couple of drinks, then called it a night!

187km and 5hrs later