Mitchell Falls, Mitchell River National Park, WA
Average Winter Temp: 30°C
Average Summer Temp: 33°C
Traditionally inhabited by: Wunambal Gambera and Wilinggin people
Widely photographed and a favourite among hikers and campers, the falls make for a spectacular culmination to a trail that offers extraordinary snippets of the natural and cultural treasures of the Kimberley.
The Mitchel Falls experience isn’t biased towards a particular type of traveller. If you’re short of time, a helicopter from Drysdale Station can take you straight to the falls. And if you have a few days to spare, you can go for the scenic route (literally). The drive or walking trail to the falls offers unmatched views of the Mitchell Plateau, punctuated by natural rock formations, ancient Bradshaw paintings (Aboriginal rock art), numerous natural spas, gorges and creeks, and chances of sighting the region’s exotic species of birds, wildlife and 300-year-old palms!
A camping trip to the Mitchell Falls also gives you a rare insight into the history and cultural traditions of the Wunambal people, who have inhabited the region for thousands of years. This, in addition to the natural beauty of the Mitchell River National Park, will ensure that you take home a lifetime of memories.
Attractions & Activities:
- Hiking Trails
- Scenic Flights
- Bushwalking
- Swimming
- Bird Watching
- Natural Spas
- Little Mertens Falls
- Mertens Creek
- Mertens Gorge
- Surveyor’s Pool
- Livistona Palms
- Bradshaw Paintings
Accommodation:
The Mitchell River National Park is only accessible by four-wheel drives. The difficult terrain and infrequently maintained road leading to the park make caravans unsuitable for the trip. However, there are adequate facilities for parking your 4WD vehicle before heading out to the Mitchell Falls.
Mitchell Falls Camping Ground
Mitchell River National Park, WA
This large campground is the most popular budget camping option in the Mitchell River National Park. Located at one end of the Mitchell Falls track, right next to Mertens Creek, the camping ground is has tailored facilities for every variety of traveller. These include separate generator and non-generator areas, fire rings and hybrid toilets. Campers can pick up wood from a dedicated wood collection area (since collecting wood from the national park itself is illegal). As an added bonus, scenic flights to the Mitchell Falls can also be booked from the campground!
$10/night per adult
$6.60/night per adult (concession card holder)
$2.20/night per child
King Edward River Campground
Mitchell Plateau Road, WA
Once a free camping option, this site has recently started charging travellers a small fee for pitching camp. Offering basic facilities including hybrid toilets and double disability access structures, the campground occupies a shady area near the river, allowing patrons to take a refreshing swim after a long, dusty drive. Carrying your own stove and drinking water is preferable.
$10/night per adult
Drysdale River Station
Kununurra, WA
The Drysdale River Station has a lot in store for travellers driving up to the Mitchell Falls. The last refuelling stop before you hit the wilderness, this station offers a rich mix of amenities, ranging from clean, comfortable rooms, to good food and beer, to 2 large camping grounds with log fires, to a convenience store where you can stock up on everything from groceries to ULP. Drysdale Station also takes bookings for scenic flights to the Mitchell Falls.
$16/night per adult, Homestead Campground; $6 per child (5 to 15 years)
$12/night per adult, Miner’s Pool Campground; children – no charge
$150/night for 2 persons, hotel rooms; rates subject to seasonal fluctuations
Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge
Mitchell River National Park, WA
For campers on the lookout for a luxury stay, the well-appointed Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge has some great self-driving stay options. Park your vehicle on the property and relax in style in one of the lodge’s 24 tented cabins, each equipped with plush furniture and attached bathrooms with running hot water. What’s more, staying at the lodge also opens up an exciting world of gastronomic delights, including buffet breakfasts and three-course dinners that are included in the tariffs, and optional lunches.
$590/night for 2 persons, tented cabins (minimum stay of 1 day)
$472/night for 2 persons, tented cabins (minimum stay of 2 days)
$413/night for 2 persons, tented cabins (minimum stay of 3 days)
Free Camping / Low Cost Camping:
Free camping options can be found along the Gibb River Road, though camping outside of these authorised campgrounds is no longer permitted. For most travellers, the Mitchell Falls Camping Ground and the King Edward River Campground serve as good budget stay options.
DISCLAIMER* Please note, this advice is general in nature and we strongly recommend consulting the product manual and where relevant, a professional installer.
