The Kimberleys: Things to do.
This is a remote area with rugged gorges and sweeping plains which is gaining a reputation as a destination for the adventurous. In late August each year, Broome holds the Shinju Matsuri or Festival of the Pearl. Highlights of the week include the Japanese ball, a race of pearl luggers, the Carnival of Nations and an auction of quality pearls. Derby, more than 2,300 km from Perth by road, is the nearest town to some of the most spectacular gorge country in the world. Windjana Gorge has well-preserved fossil reefs and Tunnel Creek is a natural tunnel gouged through limestone. There are many sights to take in, including a hollow boab which is more than 1,000 years old. Measuring 14 m in diameter, it was once used to hold Abori ginal prisoners in temporary detention. Then there are two lakes - Lake Kununurra and the massive Lake Argyle, measuring nine times the size of Sydney Harbour. Water sports are popular all ye ar round, as are scenic cruises on both lakes. Diamond deposits were discovered in the hills south-west of Lake Argyle in 1981, which resulted in the creation of the world's biggest diamond mine. Fast becoming one of Australia's major tourist attractions is the Bungle Bungle massif - the ancient range of beehive-shaped domes that have attracted wo rld interest since its "discovery" in the last decade.
Accommodation The Kimberleys
There are many and numerous places to see in the North of Western Australia here are some of the more popular places to stay.
DenHam Villas, Shark Bay, 61 99 48 1264
Nanga Bay Resort, Nanga Station, 61 99 48 3392
Beadon Motel Hotel, Onslow, 61 91 84 6002
Ningaloo Reef Resort, Coral Bay, 61 99 42 5934
MonnLight Bay, Broome, 61 91 93 7888
Transportation to The Kimberleys
The Northern part of Westren Australia is dry and rugged and often hard to access during certain times of the year. The recomended form of transport is 4WD as often many of the roads are of the old dirt variety. There are numerous touurs available for the less adventurous and some of the contact details are listedbelow.
Western Autralia Tours, Shark Bay, 61 99 48 7324
Aussie Tour Guides, Perth, 619 264 3987
