Planning a trip to the Kimberley soon? As the wet season looms, it’s crucial to be aware of seasonal closures that could derail your adventure. The Kimberley’s rugged beauty is unmatched, but it comes with its own set of challenges—especially once the rains start rolling in. Parks and Wildlife has announced several key closures, and understanding how these will affect your trip is essential.
Key Parks Closing Soon
If you’re eyeing some of the Kimberley’s iconic spots, like Walarra Mindi (Mt Hart) or the famed Purnululu Visitor Centre, you’ll need to move quickly. Walarra Mindi is set to close on the 22nd September 2024, and the Purnululu Visitor Centre shuts its doors on the 25th—although Purnululu National Park itself remains open. It’s the small details like this that can make or break a trip. You don’t want to show up ready to explore, only to find the visitor centre closed, leaving you scrambling for info.
Mitchell River National Park, another crown jewel of the Kimberley, is slated to close by the 3rd of October. This early closure is a clear indicator that the season is shifting, and access could get tricky sooner rather than later.
So, what’s the advice here? Get in quick. If you’re planning on visiting these parks, now is the time to finalise your itinerary. The shoulder season still offers incredible experiences with fewer crowds, but your window is closing fast.
Wet Season Takes Over: December Closures
From the 1st of December, several major parks in the Kimberley will close their gates entirely. Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek, two iconic destinations for any Kimberley trip, will be off-limits unless the weather gods decide otherwise. Even then, it’s a gamble.
Other parks following suit include Wunaamin Conservation Park (home to Bell Gorge), Lennard Gorge, and Purnululu National Park itself. If you had these spots on your bucket list for a wet season trek—think again. These places will be as inaccessible as they are stunning.
One park worth noting is Dan͟g͟gu (Geikie Gorge) National Park. Access here will be dicey at best, totally dependent on road conditions. The Shire of Derby/West Kimberley will keep you updated, but it’s not something you can count on.
Kimberley in the Wet: What You’re Really Up Against
For those unfamiliar with the Kimberley’s wet season, the region experiences some of the most intense rainfall in Australia. When the skies open up, roads quickly become impassable. It’s not just a bit of mud—it’s entire tracks washed away, river crossings swelling to impassable levels, and, occasionally, being stranded. If you’re lucky, you might get stuck in a remote spot with jaw-dropping views. If you’re unlucky, you’re left battling rising floodwaters and sketchy road conditions.
That’s why planning ahead is everything. Regular weather updates and road closure reports should become part of your daily routine. Before heading out, always check:
- Emergency WA (www.emergency.wa.gov.au)
- Main Roads WA for up-to-the-minute road conditions
- Local shire websites, which often provide the most specific and accurate details for travellers in remote regions.
Practical Advice for Kimberley Travellers
If you’re still determined to tackle the Kimberley during this unpredictable time, here are some tips to make the most of your trip:
- Be Flexible with Your Plans: With closures popping up and roads shutting down at a moment’s notice, flexibility is key. Always have a backup route or destination in mind. A well-planned detour can save your holiday.
- Go Prepared for Self-Sufficiency: Don’t count on finding a nearby town or station when things go sideways. Pack enough supplies for extra days in the bush in case you’re stuck waiting for floodwaters to recede. Make sure your 4X4 is kitted out with recovery gear, a satellite phone, and detailed maps (digital and paper).
- Embrace the Adventure: The wet season brings a different side to the Kimberley. Rivers swell, waterfalls become torrents, and the landscape shifts into something almost otherworldly. If you can navigate it, you’ll witness a part of Australia most will never experience—but it’s not for the faint of heart.
Looking Ahead: Park Reopenings in 2025
The good news is these closures aren’t forever. Once the wet season wraps up and conditions improve, these parks will reopen in 2025, offering a fresh opportunity to explore when the Kimberley is once again accessible. Keep your eye on DBCA Alerts for updates on when each park will be back in action.
In the meantime, it’s all about timing your visit right, making sure you’re well-prepared, and embracing the unpredictability that Kimberley travel offers during the wet season. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or new to the 4X4 scene, there’s nothing quite like the wild beauty of Kimberley in full swing—just make sure you’re ready for the ride.
