The North West of the State is a vast wilderness area waiting to be explored.

The spectacular Kimberley region was recently announced as one of a handful of Australian regions to be included in Tourism Australia’s National Landscapes Program and will feature prominently within Australia’s future international tourism marketing. The Kimberley is Western Australia’s first region in the National Landscapes Program which highlights iconic destinations across Australia.

As you explore the Kimberley it’s easy to believe you’re the first person to ever visit the area - that is until you stumble across ancient rock art. In the late 1890’s, a collection of Australian Aboriginal rock art featuring distinctive stick like figures was seen by European eyes for the first time. Archeological dating has placed the Bradshaw paintings, or Gwion Gwion, near the Gibb River Road back to the last ice age.

Gibb River Road - Australia’s most unique 4WD experience with more natural attractions than any other unsealed journey in the nation. The scenery along the drive is spectacular, red rugged ranges, gorgeous gorges, mystical boab trees and blue sky as far as the eye can see. At night rest at one of the stations or camp under the stars.

The Kimberley region and its coastline is breathtaking. With 22 kilometres of white sand, kissed by warm, crystal waters, is justifiably world famous. Regarded as one of the world’s ‘last true wilderness areas’ - more than 20 million years in the making.  A luxury cruise is a great way to explore the Kimberley coast, rivers and gorges. Make sure you include the Buccaneer Archipelago on your itinerary. The fishing is amazing!

There is so much more to see and experience:

Karijini National Park - located near Tom Price in the Pilbara region, and is home to some of the oldest rock formations in the world, dating back two billion years. It is one of Australia’s largest and most spectacular national parks featuring dramatic gorges and amazing waterfalls, which are easily accessible. For an indigenous perspective on the area, stop by the Interpretive Centre as you enter the park.

Dampier Archipelago and Burrup Peninsula - one of the richest sites in the world for prehistoric rock engravings, with more than 10,000 Aboriginal engravings in more than 500 recorded sites, dating back 30,000 years. View some of the rock art on The Jaburara Heritage Trail, near the coastal town of Karratha. A 3.5 kilometre (2.2 mile) walk, the trail provides a fascinating insight into the traditional inhabitants of WA’s West Pilbara Coast, the Jaburara people.

Cable Beach - located in Broome in the North West of Western Australia, is the only place in the world where you can take a sunset camel ride on 22 kilometres (14 miles) of pristine white beach sands that fringe the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

Bungle Bungle range in the World Heritage Listed Purnululu National Park - the most unique range in the world, 350-million-years in the making. The Bungle Bungle range is perhaps the oldest 'artwork' and by far the most outstanding example of cone karst in sandstones anywhere in the world! Mother Nature spent 20 million years eroding these huge orange and black ‘beehives’ into a state of perfection. Flying over or camping in the range is an exhilarating experience.

The North West of Western Australia is the only place in the world where you can see the Staircase to the Moon. Occurring across the coastline at Onslow, Dampier, Point Samson Peninsula, Port Hedland and Broome, this natural phenomenon occurs when the full moon rises over the exposed mudflats at extremely low tide from March to October, creating the optical illusion of a staircase reaching for the moon. Staircase to the Moon is often complemented by local night markets – sample local fare, purchase crafts and delight in talented local entertainers.

Cruise on Lake Argyle, the largest freshwater lake in the Southern Hemisphere and more than 20 times the size of Sydney Harbour.

Horizontal Waterfall spectacular - a large tidal movement has created one of the world’s most unique attractions. This is the only place in the world it can be found. Get up close by taking a boat ride through the falls.

The epic landscapes of the Kimberley region were made world famous in 2008 as one of the stars of Baz Luhrmann’s movie, Australia.

For more information, visit http://www.australiasnorthwest.com/en/Pages/Home.aspx

All images copyright Tourism Western Australia.