Kimberley and Bungle Bungle flights

The Kimberley, in Western Australia's far north, is one of the world's great wilderness regions: an area larger than many countries, with few roads, rugged ranges, deep gorges, huge tidal rivers and an ancient Aboriginal cultural landscape. Many of its most famous sights are remote and hard to reach by road, which is why scenic flights are such a popular way to see it.

This guide covers the main sights from the air, where flights leave from, helicopter and fixed-wing options, when to go and practical tips.

The Bungle Bungle Range

Purnululu National Park, in the East Kimberley, protects the Bungle Bungle Range, a maze of beehive-shaped sandstone domes striped in orange and grey bands. The stripes come from differences in the layers of sandstone: some hold more moisture and support dark cyanobacteria, while others are coloured by iron and manganese. Narrow gorges, palm-filled chasms and huge amphitheatres such as Cathedral Gorge lie within the range.

Although Aboriginal people have known and cared for this country for tens of thousands of years, the range became widely known to the rest of Australia only in the 1980s, after aerial footage brought it to public attention. The park was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2003.

Seeing it from the air. Helicopter flights operate from within the park during the dry season, giving close views of the domes and gorges. Fixed-wing flights from Kununurra and nearby areas cover the range together with Lake Argyle, the Argyle region and the Ord River. Some packages fly you into the park for a guided walk and fly you out again.

The Horizontal Falls

In Talbot Bay, in the Buccaneer Archipelago on the Kimberley coast, the region's huge tides push water through two narrow gaps in the cliffs. Water piles up on one side faster than it can flow through, creating a waterfall effect that runs sideways, and the direction reverses as the tide turns. The falls are usually seen on scenic flights from Broome and Derby, and some tours combine a flight with a boat ride through the gaps.

Lake Argyle and the Ord River

Lake Argyle, near Kununurra, is one of Australia's largest artificial lakes, created by damming the Ord River. From the air, its islands, inlets and surrounding ranges are striking. The Ord River and its irrigation area are often included in flights from Kununurra.

The coast and gorges

Longer flights from Broome, Derby and Kununurra explore the remote Kimberley coast, with its islands, cliffs and tidal rivers, and inland gorges and waterfalls such as those on the Mitchell Plateau. Some tours fly to remote lodges or combine flights with cruises.

Where flights leave from

• Kununurra: the main base for East Kimberley flights over the Bungle Bungles, Lake Argyle and surrounding country.
• Purnululu National Park: helicopter flights operate from within the park in the dry season.
• Broome and Derby: bases for Horizontal Falls and West Kimberley coast flights.
• Remote lodges and stations: some offer flights to nearby sights.

When to go

The Kimberley has two main seasons.

• Dry season (about April or May to October): clear skies, warm days and cool nights. Purnululu is open, and most tours operate. This is peak season, so book ahead.
• Wet season (about November to March or April): heat, humidity, storms and cyclones. Many roads and parks close, but some flights from Kununurra and Broome operate when conditions allow, showing waterfalls at their most powerful.

Check the Bureau of Meteorology for weather and cyclone warnings.

Practical tips

• Book early in the dry season, especially for flights in Purnululu and Horizontal Falls tours.
• Check whether national park passes are needed for flights within Purnululu.
• Morning flights often have smoother air and better light.
• Bring a hat, water and sun protection for ground stops.
• Check baggage limits if flying to a remote lodge.

Common mistakes

• Planning to visit Purnululu in the wet season, when the park is closed.
• Leaving bookings until the last minute in peak season.
• Not checking whether a flight includes landing or ground time.

Fly-in tours

Some Kimberley tours fly you to a remote location for a guided walk, a meal or a boat trip, then fly you back. In Purnululu, for example, tours combine a flight with a guided walk into Cathedral Gorge or Echidna Chasm. Fly-in tours save days of driving on rough roads and are a good option if you don't have a suitable four-wheel drive.

Aboriginal culture

The Kimberley has a rich Aboriginal cultural heritage, including some of the world's most significant rock art. Purnululu is the country of the Kija and Jaru peoples. Aboriginal-led tours offer insights into culture and country. Respect signs at culturally significant sites.

What to wear and bring

Wear light, breathable clothing, a hat and sunscreen, with enclosed shoes for walks on the ground. Bring water, and a light jacket for early morning flights in the dry season, when mornings can be cool.

Combining flights with a road trip

If you're driving the Kimberley, you can combine a road trip with flights. For example, drive to Kununurra and take a scenic flight over the Bungle Bungles and Lake Argyle, or fly from Broome or Derby to see the Horizontal Falls.

Planning for heat

The Kimberley is hot for much of the year. Bring water, a hat and sunscreen, and plan outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day.

Seasons

Most scenic flights in the Kimberley operate during the dry season. During the wet season, heavy rain, storms and flooding can close roads and limit flights, though some operators fly year-round and the waterfalls are at their most powerful. Check with operators before planning a wet-season trip.

Key points

The Kimberley's remote wonders, including the Bungle Bungle Range and the Horizontal Falls, are best seen from the air. Fly in the dry season, book early, check what's included and allow time for weather.