About this park
Imagine a place in Western Australia where lush tropical palms dominate the landscape. Imagine spell-binding gorges and huge waterfalls etched into the blocky, layered sandstone. Now stop imagining because this place exists and it’s Mitchell River National Park.
The striking landscape may have you believing you’ve landed in Jurassic Park. It’s one of the special places on earth. Luckily no dinosaurs roam Mitchell River National Park, well none that have been discovered yet!
The elevated rock plain of the plateau is exceptionally scenic. It's also one of the most biologically important areas of the State. Fan palms dominate the landscape, a rare sight anywhere in Western Australia. They're truly eye-catching. The vegetation is impressive and so is the wildlife. Up to 50 mammal species, 220 bird species and 86 kinds of reptiles and amphibians may live in the area. Saltwater crocodiles do roam here, but no dinosaurs!
The park has lots to explore. There are fabulous examples of Aboriginal rock art to discover. Mitchell Falls must be the natural highlight. The track to Mitchell Falls starts at Mertens Creek and the adjacent Mitchell Falls Campground. From here you can walk to Little Mertens Falls, Mertens Gorge and Mitchell Falls. Alternatively take a scenic flight to these attractions from the campground. It’s all picturesque and marvellous.
Such a remote and stunning place wouldn’t be what it is if it was easy to get to. It’s not, but that’s all part of the adventure! You’ll need a fully equipped four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle and be confident in off-road driving to get there.
There’s no doubt that Mitchell River National Park is a magnificent part of Australia. Let the Park’s natural magic cast an unforgettable spell on you. You won’t want to leave!
Information about Wunambal Gaambera people and visiting Wunambal Gaambera Country is available at wunambalgaambera.org.au
You must buy an Uunguu Visitor Pass online at wunambalgaambera.org.au before arriving as there is no public internet/phone access on Wunambal Gaambera Country.
Review – Mitchell Falls - So wonderful
Go there! It’s absolutely worth it! Walk in to the falls and get the chopper ride back to camp. Stunning! Jbull418 – Trip Advisor
Safety information
Plan when to visit. Read this safety information about bushwalking and swimming . Consider travelling with a personal location beacon (PLB). In the event you need to be rescued it could save your life!
When you are entering the Kimberley or Pilbara regions, you are entering crocodile country. Two species of crocodile occur in Western Australia: the estuarine (or saltwater) crocodile and the freshwater crocodile. The estuarine crocodile is the largest living reptile and is considered to be a dangerous predator. Freshwater crocodiles are smaller and not as aggressive.
Crocs are common, crocs move around and crocs are deadly so Be Crocwise.
- Download the Crocodiles information guide.
- Pay attention to all warning signs, however just because a sign isn’t there doesn’t mean crocodiles aren’t present.
- If you are unsure don't swim, canoe or use small boats in estuaries, tidal rivers or pools and contact the nearest Parks and Wildlife office.
- If you see a crocodile showing signs of aggressive behaviour, OR is in the Kununurra Crocodile Control Zone, please contact the Parks and Wildlife Service office in Kununurra on (08) 9168 4200.
Gallery
Activities
Bushwalking
Swimming
Plants, wildlife and fungi
Visit the Atlas of Living Australia for a list of species recorded in Mitchell River National Park.
Traditional Owners
We recognise and acknowledge Wunambal Gaambera people as the Traditional Owners of Mitchell River National Park.
