Overview

162 kilometres up the Kalumburu Road is the turn off to the Mitchell Plateau, renown for its ancient landscape, exotic plant life and plentiful wildlife. The rugged and often steep, washed out road continues for 112 kilometres until it reaches the coastal mangroves. However, there are many side roads and camping areas along the way, the most popular turning off to Mitchell Falls. From the camping area, it’s a half hour hike to the beautiful tiered pools of Mitchell Falls. The upper pools are popular swimming holes, but beware of flood conditions when the normally peaceful flow can become a raging torrent. Do not swim in the lowest pools below the falls as they are accessible to saltwater crocodiles.

Mitchell Plateau turn off From Kalumburu Road.

It is a little over 60 kms further on from here to the Mitchell Falls turn off and the road can be quiet rough so allow at least two hours. The 12 kms into the car park and camping area is slow going and be sure to bring your own fire wood as it is scarce. From here it is a 3-4 kilometre walk via Mertens Falls to reach the Magnificent Mitchell Falls. You will need to cross the river and walk around the cliffs on the far side to really appreciate their grandeur. Helicopters are based at the car park and can be used for transport to and/or from the falls or you can take one of the many scenic options to see some of the country further a field.
Surveyors Pool is another place to visit whilst on the Plateau and its turn off is 20 kms further on from the Mitchell Falls turn off. The main track on the Plateau will eventually take you to the coast at Port Warrender (another 25 kms) which is an excellent fishing spot but the track becomes almost impassable after each wet season. East Kimberley Tours offers tented accommodation a few kms before you reach the Mitchell Falls turn off.