The Kimberley coastal area of the north of Western Australia is one of the least explored areas on the planet.
The Prince Regent River Biosphere Reserve has been classed as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, under its Man and the Biosphere programme. The park encompasses over 600,000 hectares of wilderness in an area that is one of Australia’s most remote places, 230 kilometres north east of Derby. The area also receives the highest rainfall in Western Australia.
Highlights of the reserve include King's Cascade, Mount Trafalgar, Python Cliffs, Pitta Gorge, as well as the rainforest environment. The Prince Regent River runs a uniquely straight course along a fault line for most of its length.
The reserve supports more than half of the mammal and bird species found in the Kimberley region and is home to more than 500 species of plants. The landscape is unique as it has withstood the impact of the arrival of European settlers and to this day remains an area of immense biological importance and diversity.
It is a region of immense cultural and spiritual significance to Aboriginal people. Their occupation of the area has extended over thousands of years. The area is rich with historic art and artefacts, including the infamous and ancient Gwion rock art.
Access to the reserve is only via air or boat. There are no roads into the area and a permit is required from the Department of Environment and Conservation before entering.
Tours to the region depart from Broome, Derby or Kununurra.
Australia’s North West