Mitchell Falls and the Mitchell Plateau

The Mitchell Falls is a magnificent chain of four waterfalls that form the main natural attraction of the Mitchell Plateau region.

For outback surroundings and Aboriginal culture, Mitchell River National Park in the rugged Kimberley region, is among the best destinations in Australia.

Here you can see astonishing landscapes including the Mitchell Plateau and the spectacular and brilliant Mitchell Falls.

In full flood, the Falls are a staggering sight. As big as Niagara falls or the Victoria falls in South Africa? No, but every bit as beautiful.

A track through the bush leads to the falls where you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the water.
Take a plane or chopper ride over the falls and you’ll feel all of their imposing power.

The Mitchell Plateau abounds in wildlife and plants. There’s rain forest, open woodlands of gum trees, and watercourses lined by Pandanus palms and paperbark trees.

Mitchell Plateau harbours a huge assortment of wildlife including mammals and an abundance of birds, saltwater crocodiles and snakes.

Part of Mitchell Plateau

You will be able to observe,Brolgas, Sea-Eagles, Kites, Herons, Pittas and some Rainbow Bee-eaters and other birds often seen here.

The Mitchell River National Park is also home to more beautiful terrain including Merton Falls, Surveyors Pool, the Mitchell and King Edward Rivers. The area is home to many of the earliest rock art sites, most of which have remained untouched for thousands of years.

There are basic camping facilities throughout the park.

Access is by four wheel drive only from the Gibb River Road between Derby and Wyndham and may be limited or closed during the wet season.

Mitchell River National Park is one of the Kimberley's "hottest" and loveliest of all the Western Australian national parks.

The park of 115,300 hectares, 288,250 acres, lies in an out-of-the-way part of the Kimberley and contains some of the region's most scenic jewels. The Mitchell River, flowing northwards, emptiesinto Walmsley Bay and the Admiralty Gulf whilst carving gorges and waterfalls into the originalsandstone, particularly along the boundaries of the Mitchell Plateau, hence the name Mitchell Falls.

The fan palm is a prominent feature of the vegetation of some parts of the plateau, an elevated laterite-capped plain. This is one of the few places in Western Australia where this type of palm is, such a prevailing feature.

Another part of the Mitchell plateau

Mitchell Falls and Surveyors Pool are the park's two main attractions. The track to Mitchell Falls ends at Mertens Creek. From here a walk of about one hour (round trip) takes you to Little Merten Falls and allows time to see the sights and swim. Allow four to six hours round trip to Mitchell Falls so that time can be spent at the Falls.

The walk to the falls is over rough country. The track is marked with stone cairns, but if in doubt walk in close to the banks of the creek. Take care near the many cliffs.

The park lies in some of the most out-of-the-way and difficult to get to country in Australia.

Access is via the 4WD only, Mitchell Plateau Track from Kalumburu Road, 172 km north of the Gibb River Road junction. The track is maintained on an irregular basis only and may have wash-outs and corrugations.

Drive with extreme care. Tracks north of the Mitchell Plateau airfield are rough while the tracks north of Surveyors Pool are very rough and may be treacherous. Tracks and roads may be closed during the wet season.

King Edward River in the Mitchell River National Park

16 hours drive from Kununurra (allow two days).What to do:Camping, bushwalking, sightseeing, photography, scenic aerial flights, swimming.

Ungolan Wilderness Lodge is just what the doctor ordered, the perfect place from which to experience the wild gorgeousness of the Mitchell Plateau. It's truly an experience you won't forget.

Ungolan Wilderness Lodge is a classic example of a 'touch of luxury' in the true wilderness. All tented cabins feature private ensuites, fresh linen and solar powered hot water.

At the only permanent accommodation on Mitchell Plateau, you'll enjoy a complimentary glass of wine with dinner and are invited to bring other alcoholic beverages. (alcohol cannot be purchased from lodge.

Leave Mitchell Falls, go to home page