Mitchell Falls (Punamii-Uunpuu)

Mitchell Falls sits on the Mitchell Plateau in the northern Kimberley, where the river drops in four broad tiers into a series of plunge pools stacked below one another. Reaching it is most of the experience: a long rough track off the Gibb River Road, then a walk of about three and a half kilometres each way across sandstone country, past Little Mertens and Big Mertens falls and under overhangs holding Wandjina and Gwion Gwion rock art. The falls themselves are seen from the far side of the gorge, since the plateau above them is closed to walkers, and many people walk in and take a helicopter back out. This is Wunambal Gaambera country, and access is managed under a visitor pass.

The landscape

• The four tiers - the falls seen across the gorge, strongest early in the dry season.
• Little and Big Mertens Falls - two smaller falls passed on the walk in.
• Rock art shelters - Wandjina and Gwion Gwion figures under sandstone overhangs along the track.
• The helicopter return - the short flight back that shows the whole plateau and gorge system.

When to go

Dry season only, roughly May to September. The tracks are closed in the wet and for weeks after it ends, so check opening dates before committing to the drive. Early in the dry the falls carry the most water; by late in the season the flow thins. Walk in the early morning, as shade is scarce.

Things to know

The access track is one of the roughest regularly driven routes in the country, hard on tyres and suspension, and a single puncture far from help is a real problem. The walk is exposed and hot, the falls cannot be viewed from above, and swimming is restricted, with crocodile warnings in the river system. The helicopter shortcut is short and not cheap.

Nearby

The Gibb River Road, the Mitchell Plateau and the campgrounds at Drysdale River Station form the wider route.