11 experiences to help you explore Australia’s final frontier

Much of what makes Australia unique remains preserved in the North West, a bountiful clash of cultures that’s evolved with modern times without losing its distinct character.

Australia’s North West is unequivocally an explorer’s goldmine. Spanning nearly 948,764 square kilometres, there’s not enough time on this planet to see every waterfall, gorge and beach it has to offer. There are, however, shortcuts travellers can take to cover as much ground as possible.

From the colours to the culture, there’s so much to love.

Broome and the Kimberley are essential stops, as each region offers an additional and unique insight into this part of the world. Consisting of modest coastal towns, unfathomably ancient landscapes and rigorously protected national parks, exploring will bring travellers that much closer to understanding what separates the North West from the rest.

With a range of experiences showcasing the food, culture and sights, very little will compare to a journey through what many consider to be Australia’s final frontier.

Explore Australia’s final frontier.

Culture tours in Australia’s North West

As there’s much to take in, there’s an abundance of tours to make sightseeing more efficient – and there’s something for all.

Jarndu Ngaank Tours offers both an in-depth look at Australia’s North West and a safe space to explore with its Reddell Beach women-only guided walk. Elder Pat Torres shares stories of women past and present while taking guests through the Welcome to Country and Smoking and Water Ceremonies. The moving two-hour excursion also includes beach exploration, a sampling of bush tucker and an insightful question-and-answer session.

Join Elder Pat Torres of Jarndu Ngaank Tours. (Image: C J Maddock)

While in Dampier Peninsula, join Oolin Sunday Island Cultural Tours. Jawi woman Rosanna Angus guides travellers by boat through the Middle Passage, a series of tidal waters, eddies and whirlpools between Jooloom and Jayirri that’s been expertly navigated for thousands of years, all while sharing stories of how the tidal currents were used by the Jawi people.

Mabu Buru Tours offers something a little different – a glimpse into a traditional wakaj, meaning ‘the coming together of family’, which celebrates local Karajarri culture through performances led by The Pintirri Dancers. Sip on billy-brewed tea or coffee while absorbing the spiritual stories told throughout the night.

Get a glimpse into a traditional wakaj with Mabu Buru Tours.

A taste of Australia’s North West

Hidden in the heart of Kununurra is a culinary adventure vastly different to any dinner that’s come before it. The Gourmet Camp Oven Experience takes the concept of fine dining and injects authentic outback elements into each of its four courses. Once seated at the truly magical campground, guests devour a meal including perfectly cooked pork belly; as the sun goes down it sets the scenic red rock backdrop alight, before being replaced by twinkling fairy lights and stars.

For a seaside bite, the Sunset Long Table Dinner is the ultimate communal feast. The annual event attracts people from all walks of life to Cable Beach, where travellers indulge in locally sourced dishes while musicians and performers keep the crowd transfixed throughout the evening.

Sit down to the Sunset Long Table Dinner.

Traditional fishing practices

Birchy’s Fishing Tours takes you on an immersive expedition through Balanggarra country, venturing to the most remote areas of the Kimberley to source sustenance from the sea. While learning to fish is the heart of the tour, make sure to pack a waterproof camera in anticipation of the stunning waterfalls and gorges that make numerous appearances throughout the trip.

For the hands-on traveller, Dampier Peninsula is the place to go for all things spear-fishing. Join a tour with Bundy, Djarindjin Campground’s resident fisherman and Traditional Owner, to receive a first-class fishing lesson using one of the oldest documented hunting tools.

Learn how to fish using traditional methods.

Australia’s North West art galleries

To say Australia’s North West is a cultural destination is the understatement of the century. There is an overwhelming number of community art centres, galleries and rock art sites to explore here.

Aboriginal-owned Yarliyil Art Centre in Halls Creek showcases a range of art from over 100 artists. Kununurra’s regional Artopia Gallery is dedicated to exhibiting local Kimberley artists working in fine art, photography, sculpture and giftware.

Wander through Artopia Gallery.

In Broome, Short St Gallery displays works from remote Indigenous communities throughout the region, while Black Stump Gallery focuses on contemporary artworks inspired by Broome and the Kimberley.

If you’d rather see artwork in nature, you can choose from a variety of guided tours to remote rock art locations. Guides help visitors appreciate the historical significance of art found around Mitchell Plateau, Kimberley Coast and Gibb River Road.

See contemporary artworks inspired by Australia’s North West at Black Stump. (Image: C J Maddock)

Annual festivals around Australia’s North West

Held in Broome over August and September since its inauguration in 1970, Shinju Matsuri emerged from the area’s unique pearling history. The festival maintains the power to educate, entertain and celebrate
its attendees every year, sharing Broome’s multicultural history with the wider community.

Complete with an opening ceremony and a grandiose ball to mark the beginning of the festival, as well as the Sunset Long Table Dinner, Shinju Matsuri pulls out all the stops to make it one of Western Australia’s most unmissable events.

Further north, Kununurra hosts the equally lauded Ord Valley Muster in May. Watch in awe as performers pay tribute to the land, or get lost in a revolving roster of feverish parties, lively gigs, art shows and local food stalls dedicated to refuelling famished attendees.

Watch in awe at Ord Valley Muster. (Image: C J Maddock)

To start planning your next adventure, visit australiasnorthwest.com.