Best time to travel to Western Australia

Mitchell Falls in Western Australia

This sight is the highlight of the Kimberly National Park. A true oasis in a deserted savannah

Best time: March–October

Mitchell Falls
Mitchell Falls
Mitchell Falls
Mitchell Falls

Mitchell Falls is a marvelous four-tiered waterfall, located on the remote Mitchell Plateau in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. The Wunambal people call it Punamii-unpuu. These four streams create series of huge pools, which flow one into another. The height of the Mitchell Falls is 80 m and it is mainly filled with the rains during the wet season.

The whole plateau is known for its unique landscape and spectacular views. It is probably one of a few places on earth that has remained unchanged for tens of thousands of years. It is home to endemic fan palms, which can grow for centuries, as well as rare species of birds and animals. Here you can also find a 40,000-year-old Indigenous rock art. A combination of scenic oasis among the rugged red rock and cloudless sky creates an amazing picturesque landscape.

You can walk to the waterfall or choose a scenic helicopter flight. Helicopter flights operate year round, but are mainly popular during wet season, from February and March, when the water capacity in the falls is in its peak. Walking tours aren't an easy activity even during the dry season, but it's really worth it. As you walk you can marvel lots of beautiful sights that can't be seen from the air. But from November till March most of the walking treks are closed. Some people combine two activities by walking to the spot and then flying back or vice versa.

Practical info

When is the best time to visit Mitchell Falls?

The falls water capacity is at its peak between March and October, which makes it the best time to visit Mitchell Falls. Walking tours are available year-round. However, it can be challenging to navigate during the wet season, and most walking treks are closed from November to March. Helicopter flights operate throughout the year. Show more

What are the unique flora species found in Mitchell Plateau?

Endemic fan palms grow for centuries in Mitchell Plateau, amongst other unique flora species. The plateau also houses rare bird and animal species that can't be found anywhere else in the world. The surrounding views are known for their combination of scenic oasis and rugged red rock, creating striking landscapes that are a picture-perfect postcard of Australia. Show more

How high is the Mitchell Falls?

Mitchell Falls is approximately 80 m tall, a remarkable height that secures its place among the world's most spectacular waterfalls. The falls consist of four-tiered waterfalls and numerous enormous pools that flow into each other. While the wet season offers a mostly filled waterfall, the dry season is ideal for walking tours and offers better access to the area. Show more

Where can you experience Indigenous rock art in the Mitchell Plateau?

In Mitchell Plateau, the Indigenous rock art is some of the oldest and most culturally significant art in Australia, with some pieces dating back 40,000 years. You can explore the rock art at your own pace along the walking trails. It's essential to be respectful of the area, take care not to touch or harm any of the rock art, and enjoy the experience fully. Show more

How difficult is the walking tour to Mitchell Falls during the dry season?

The walking tour in the dry season can be quite challenging because of the rugged terrain and intense heat. The tour is usually mostly flat, covers an 8km distance, and can last up to four hours. The tour, however, presents the ideal opportunity to explore the stunning scenery and vegetation that is not visible from the air, and to spot interesting wildlife along the way. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin