Photo: Peter James McNally / CC BY-SA 4.0
Thundering over twin sandstone cliffs into the tidal waters of the King George River, King George Falls is one of the Kimberley’s most spectacular natural wonders. Accessible only by boat, scenic flight, or guided tour, this remote cascade plunges more than 80 metres and is at its most dramatic during the wet season (November to March). The sheer red cliffs, ancient rock formations and the raw power of the falls make this a bucket-list destination for adventurers and nature lovers exploring Australia’s last frontier.
Highlights & What to See
- King George Falls: The twin falls are the star attraction – best viewed from a cruise or helicopter for a jaw-dropping perspective of the water colliding with the gorge below.
- King George River Cruise: A boat journey through the tidal river and deep gorge reveals dramatic cliff faces, birdlife and crocodiles sunning on the banks.
- Scenic Flights: From Kununurra or Wyndham, light aircraft and helicopter tours fly over the falls and the vast, untouched Kimberley landscape.
- Rock Art Sites: The area holds ancient Aboriginal rock art, with Wandjina spirit figures and other motifs painted on sheltered overhangs near the river.
- Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for saltwater crocodiles, ospreys, and the occasional freshwater turtle along the riverbanks.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors experience King George Falls as part of a day trip from Kunurra or Wyndham – a scenic flight takes around 2–3 hours including time over the falls, while a boat cruise typically runs 4–6 hours. If you’re on a longer Kimberley expedition (such as a 4WD or houseboat trip), consider combining the falls with a multi-day journey along the Ord River or into the Cambridge Gulf. Allocate at least half a day for a focused visit; for a deeper experience, overnight camping near the river mouth is possible with a guided tour.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Kununurra – the gateway town to the Kimberley, with Lake Kununurra, the Ord River irrigation area, and the famous Kelly’s Knob lookout.
- Wyndham – historic port town with a gritty frontier feel, the Five Rivers Lookout, and the nearby Parry Lagoons Nature Reserve.
- El Questro Wilderness Park – a vast cattle station turned eco-resort offering hot springs, gorges, and 4WD tracks, about two hours’ drive from Kununurra.
- The Bungle Bungle Range (Purnululu National Park) – the iconic beehive-shaped domes are a must-see, accessible by 4WD or scenic flight from Kununurra.
- Lake Argyle – Australia’s largest freshwater lake, famous for freshwater crocodiles, birdlife, and stunning sunset cruises.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Kununurra — User:Hamiltonstone / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Wyndham — Djambalawa / CC BY-SA 3.0
- El Questro Wilderness Park — Neil / CC BY 2.0
- Purnululu National Park (The Bungle Bungles) — Graeme Churchard from Bristol (51.4414, -2.5242), UK / CC BY 2.0
- Lake Argyle — NASA / Public domain
- Ord River — Whinging Pom from Everywhere, Australia / CC BY-SA 2.0