King Leopold Ranges

Stretching across the rugged heart of the Kimberley, the King Leopold Ranges (also known as the Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges) offer a raw, ancient landscape of sandstone escarpments, deep gorges, and seasonal waterfalls. This is the real Outback — remote, dramatic, and utterly captivating. For travellers on a self-drive adventure along the Gibb River Road, the ranges are an essential detour, providing some of the region's most spectacular walks and swims.

Highlights & What to See

• Bell Gorge — A stunning multi-tiered waterfall cascading into a deep, emerald pool. The short walk to the gorge is moderately challenging, but the reward is a refreshing swim with panoramic views of the surrounding ranges.
• Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges Lookout — Just off the Gibb River Road, this lookout offers sweeping views over the folded, ochre-coloured ranges. It's a prime spot for sunset photography.
• Lennard River Gorge — A narrow, sheer-sided gorge with a permanent pool. The walk in is rough but leads to a wild swimming spot that feels a world away from civilisation.
• Galvans Gorge — A more accessible gorge featuring a picturesque waterfall, a deep pool, and ancient Aboriginal rock art. A short boardwalk makes it family-friendly.
• Wunaamin Conservation Park — The protected area encompassing much of the ranges, offering opportunities for bushwalking, birdwatching, and spotting wildlife like wallaroos and echidnas.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers spend 2 to 3 days exploring the King Leopold Ranges as part of a longer Gibb River Road itinerary. A full day allows you to tackle a couple of the longer walks and enjoy a swim at Bell Gorge. If you're short on time, a half-day stop at the lookout and Galvans Gorge is worthwhile. Many visitors camp at Silent Grove or Bell Creek campgrounds to immerse themselves in the outback atmosphere.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Gibb River Road — The legendary Outback route that links Derby to Kununurra, with the King Leopold Ranges forming its western gateway.
• Tunnel Creek National Park — A fascinating cave system where you can wade through an underground creek, about 2 hours west.
• Windjana Gorge National Park — Famous for its freshwater crocodiles and towering limestone walls, easily combined with Tunnel Creek.
• Derby — The nearest town, known for its massive boab tree and the start of the Gibb River Road, ideal for resupplying.
• Fitzroy Crossing — Gateway to Geikie Gorge and the stunning sandstone formations of the Napier Range, about 3 hours south.

Please check official sources for current details.