King Leopold Ranges

Rising abruptly from the plains of the Kimberley, the King Leopold Ranges form a dramatic sandstone escarpment that cuts a rugged swathe through Western Australia's remote north. Named by explorer Alexander Forrest in 1879, these ancient ranges are a mosaic of plunging gorges, seasonal waterfalls, and spinifex-clad slopes. For travellers on the Gibb River Road, the King Leopold Ranges offer a breathtaking introduction to the Kimberley’s raw beauty, with lookout points that stretch across layered ridges fading into the horizon.

Highlights & What to See

• Bell Gorge: A stunning cascade plunges into a deep pool surrounded by sheer cliffs – one of the Kimberley’s most photogenic swimming holes. The walk down is steep but rewarding.
• Winnama Gorge: A quieter alternative with a walking trail that leads through pandanus palms to a tranquil waterhole, perfect for a peaceful soak.
• Silent Grove Campground: Set among boab trees and river gums, this is the ideal base for exploring the ranges. Listen for the call of the great bowerbird at dawn.
• Lennard River Gorge: A narrow, sheer-sided chasm where the river has carved a deep cleft through the sandstone – best viewed from the lookout.
• Galvans Gorge: A short walk leads to a permanent pool shaded by Livistona palms, with Aboriginal rock art adorning the overhang.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allocate two to three days to properly experience the King Leopold Ranges. This gives you time to tackle the walks to Bell Gorge (half-day) and explore the quieter gorges like Winnama and Galvans. If you’re self-driving the Gibb River Road, a stop of two nights at Silent Grove Campground allows a relaxed pace – one full day for the main gorges and a morning for a scenic flight or a longer hike. The ranges are best visited during the dry season (May to October); in the wet, many access roads are impassable.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Windjana Gorge National Park: A dramatic gorge carved by the Lennard River, home to freshwater crocodiles and fossilised Devonian reef – about 1.5 hours east.
• Tunnel Creek National Park: Explore a 750-metre-long cave system with an underground creek – a unique adventure just beyond Windjana.
• Derby: The historic gateway town to the Kimberley, known for its boab tree prison and massive tides – a good resupply point.
• Fitzroy Crossing: A hub for exploring Geikie Gorge and the ancient landscapes of the southern Kimberley.
• Broome: The pearling capital with Cable Beach’s red sunsets, about 4–5 hours west by road.

Please check official sources for current details.