Exploring the Untamed Beauty of The Kimberley with Friends

Echoes of the Past: A Day Among Giants

Today was a day of profound connection with the land and its stories, a journey into the heart of The Kimberley's ancient soul. Leaving behind the comforts of our campsite, we ventured into Mitchell River National Park and sought out the enigmatic Bradshaw Rock Art, eager to understand the whispers of the past.


Discover Mitchell River National Park: Australia's untouched wilderness, rich in biodiversity and adventure, perfect for nature lovers and thrill-seekers.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at the Kimberley Croc Motel. I must admit, the name itself was enough to pique our interest. Fuelled up, we set off towards Mitchell River National Park, a place I had read about extensively but was still unprepared for its raw, untamed beauty. The drive itself was an experience, the landscape transforming with every kilometer, the red earth contrasting against the vibrant green of the vegetation. It reminded me of the landscapes back home in Mali, though on a much grander scale.

The park is immense, covering over 1,150 square kilometers on the Mitchell Plateau. As we drove, I couldn’t help but reflect on the sheer scale of this country. It’s humbling, really. Back in Montreal, I often get caught up in the hustle and bustle of city life, the endless stream of emails and deadlines. Here, surrounded by ancient rock formations and vast open spaces, those concerns seemed to fade into insignificance. This part of Australia is the only part of the mainland where no native species extinctions have occurred.

Our first stop was Mitchell Falls. The four-tiered Mitchell Falls is an iconic Kimberley attraction, and one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Australia. I was mesmerized by the cascading waters and the vibrant green foliage clinging to the rocks. The falls are sacred to the local Wunambal people. Taking photos barely felt adequate; I wanted to capture the spirit of the place, the feeling of being dwarfed by something so powerful and ancient. I thought of Aminata and Ibrahim, my children, and how their eyes would widen at such a sight. I made a mental note to find a way to bring them here someday, to share this experience with them.

The land speaks in whispers, and the art is its voice, telling tales of survival, adaptation, and a deep connection to the natural world.

After spending a good part of the morning at the falls, we grabbed a quick lunch at Ivanhoe Cafe. I had a simple sandwich, but the view made it a feast. Refreshed, we turned our attention to the Bradshaw Rock Art. These paintings, also known as Gwion Gwion art, are scattered throughout the Kimberley region, hidden in rock shelters and under overhangs. Finding them felt like uncovering a secret, a privilege granted to those who seek it.


Explore the enchanting Bradshaw Rock Art in Mitchell Plateau, a captivating testament to Australia's ancient Indigenous culture and stunning natural beauty.

The Bradshaw art is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. These paintings depict human figures adorned with elaborate decorations, often characterized by graceful movements and dynamic silhouettes. Some estimate they could date back as far as 60,000 years. What struck me most was the artistry, the delicate lines and intricate details that have survived for millennia. It’s hard to fathom the skill and dedication it must have taken to create these works, using only natural pigments and rudimentary tools. The figures are ornamented with accessories such as bags, tassels and headdresses.

As I stood there, gazing at the ancient art, I felt a profound sense of connection to the artists who created them. Who were these people? What were their lives like? What stories did they want to tell? The paintings offer a glimpse into their world, their beliefs, their way of life. They show human figures with new technologies such as spear-throwers.

It's believed that the Kimberley region is host to Australia's oldest known rock paintings, at least 17,300 years old. The paintings are found predominantly in the sandstone regions of the west and central Kimberley, particularly in the Mitchell Plateau and Gibb River sections.

Later, we stopped by Penney's Prints, a local photography and printing service. I picked up a few prints of the rock art to take back home, a tangible reminder of this incredible experience. I know Fatoumata will appreciate them; she has always been fascinated by ancient cultures and art.


Immerse yourself in local art at Penney's Prints, where stunning photography meets unique boutique shopping in the heart of Kununurra.

For dinner, we decided to treat ourselves at the Kimberley Hotel. Over a delicious meal, we recounted the day’s adventures, sharing our impressions and insights. My friends were just as awestruck as I was by the beauty and history of The Kimberley. We spoke about the resilience of the human spirit, the importance of preserving our cultural heritage, and the need to protect these precious sites for future generations.


Discover comfort and local flavor at the Kimberley Hotel in Halls Creek, your gateway to Western Australia's stunning landscapes.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the landscape, I felt a sense of gratitude for this incredible journey. The Kimberley has a way of getting under your skin, of awakening something deep within. It’s a place that challenges you, inspires you, and leaves you forever changed. I am so glad I got to share this with my friends.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore Bandilngan (Windjana Gorge) National Park and the Devonian Reef [Bandilngan (Windjana Gorge) National Park 1507907]. I’m excited to see what other wonders await us in this remarkable corner of the world. But for now, I’ll rest my head under the vast Kimberley sky, dreaming of ancient artists and the stories they left behind.

I am starting to think about what I forgot to pack. A portable phone charger and a first aid kit would have been useful.

The Kimberley Grande Sports Bar & Restaurant sounds like a good place to relax tomorrow night.