Having travelled well over 1000 kilometres since we left Broome, we arrive at our final destination of our whistle stop tour of the Kimberley towns. We roll into Western Australia’s most northerly town, Wyndham.
Established in 1886 as a result of the Halls Creek gold rush, Wyndham nowadays has a population of just 900. This small and largely undiscovered town is regarded as mysterious in the same way many people regard the Kimberley region itself.
Back in 1913 the construction of the Wyndham meatworks serviced the cattle industries of this pioneer town. Nowadays it is the tourism industry that uses the busy port to offer access to the coastline to locals and visitors. The town is rich in Aboriginal history and introduces any visitor to some amazing examples of their culture through rock art, significant sites and indigenous tourism experiences. Make sure you see the indigenous statues that stand proud in the town.
Wyndham is without doubt an outback destination. Surrounded by wetlands, vast meandering rivers and spectacular land formations, the area offers some of the best four wheel driving and exploring. The landscape along the 100km drive from Kununurra is as beautiful as it is barren. Dwarfed by the Cockburn Ranges, the road winds along littered with boab trees, termite mounds and spinifex. Sunset over these ranges is a sight to behold for any traveller.
You can take the turn off for the Gibb River Road and head inland towards El Questro and the Pentecost River for a spot of Barra fishing. Sat along the banks of the river, with no other person around for miles, with just the sound of the birds singing, the trees rustling in the gentle breeze and the occasional ripple on the water surface, it is hard to imagine a more perfect paradise….
For more adventure, take the turn off for a visit to The Grotto. A breath taking waterfall in the Wet Season or an awesome area to explore in the Dry.
Just before you hit the town of Wyndham, take The Bastion turn off and climb to the Fiver Rivers Lookout. You will then see how Wyndham lies on the Cambridge Gulf where the Durack, Pentecost, King, Forest and Ord Rivers meet – a truly amazing photo opportunity.
You know you have reached the town site when you see the welcoming jaws of Crocodylus Porosus or Saltie to you and I. The iconic figure is a gentle reminder that you are in the heart of Saltwater Crocodile country, oh, and not to forget to visit the Croc Park in Wyndham, you can even sample some local fare. If the idea of a croc sandwich does not appeal, head to the Wyndham Hotel for a coldie and Barra Burger!!
Thanks for joining me on the tour, I hope you have enjoyed it and are inspired to experience this unique part of the world. After all that driving i think we deserve that beer!!
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