About Mirima
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) says the park's highlight is its spectacular natural rock formations. The colourful, layered rocks are mesmerising as the light changes through the day.
How the rocks formed. Over 300 million years ago, this area was under water, part of a prehistoric sea. The rocks you see today are layers of sandstone, formed from sediment deposited by creeks and from windblown sand.
Why they survive. Sandstone is fragile, so why hasn't it washed away in the tropical rains? A thin layer of black-green algae and lichens protects the sandstone from weathering. If that layer is damaged, the sandstone erodes quickly. So stay on the trails and don't climb on or touch the formations.
Miriwoong Country
DBCA recognises the Miriwoong and Gajerrong people as the Traditional Owners of Mirima National Park.
Mirima is a culturally significant place for the Miriwoong people:
- Long history. Aboriginal people have been coming here for thousands of years.
- Shelter and resources. They sheltered in the rocks and used the area's animals and plants for food, medicine and tools.
- Ceremony today. Aboriginal people still hold ceremonies in special places in the park.
On the Yoorrnging Geranyem Banan (Painting on Rocks) trail, Trails WA says signage and audio interpret Miriwoong Gajerrong history, culture and connection to Country. The trail passes art sites and places of significance.
Hidden Valley
The main access is via Hidden Valley. DBCA describes steep, broken rock walls that come alive as they reflect the changing light. From here, the short Looking at Plants trail explains how the Miriwoong people use the park's plants.
Walk trails
The DBCA park page lists the trails below. Distances vary between sections of DBCA's own page, so both figures are shown where they differ.
| Trail | Distance | Class | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banan Derdbe-Gerring Gooleng Theniyinhang (Looking at Plants) | 400–500 m loop | 2 | Easy walk with a wheelchair-friendly boardwalk and cultural signage |
| Demboong Banan | About 500–800 m return | 3 | A short, sharp walk of about 20 minutes, through a gap in the range to a lookout over Kununurra |
| Derdbe-gerring Banan | 0.8–1.2 km return | 4 | Climbs to lookouts over Kununurra and intricate rock formations |
| Gerliwany-gerring Banan | 2.2 km return | 3 | Savanna woodland, good for spotting wildlife |
| Yoorrnging Geranyem Banan (Painting on Rocks) | 3.5 km loop | 5 (Trails WA) | Difficult: a ladder in the first 500 m, stairs, uneven rock, short climbs and some rock hopping or scrambling |
DBCA's advice for walking here:
- Avoid the heat of the day. The Kimberley is famous for being hot.
- Time it for the light. Sunrise and sunset light makes the sandstone seem to come alive, and it's the best time for photos.
- Carry plenty of water. DBCA recommends enough to drink 1 litre per person per hour.
- Consider a PLB. A personal locator beacon could save your life if you need rescue.
Wildlife
The rocky terrain and vegetation attract plenty of wildlife:
- Mammals. Look for wallabies and dingoes.
- Birds. Birdwatchers should look out for crimson and double-barred finches and white-quilled rock pigeons, so bring binoculars.
DBCA's Twitchers Route guide covers birdwatching across Kimberley parks. The Atlas of Living Australia keeps a species list for the park.
Crocodile safety
When you enter the Kimberley, DBCA reminds visitors, you're entering crocodile country. Two species occur in WA:
- the estuarine (saltwater) crocodile, the largest living reptile and a dangerous predator
- the smaller, less aggressive freshwater crocodile.
Pay attention to warning signs, but remember that no sign doesn't mean no crocodiles. Kununurra has a Crocodile Control Zone. If you see a crocodile behaving aggressively, or one inside that zone, call the Kununurra Parks and Wildlife office on (08) 9168 4200.
Fees and rules
Entry fees (DBCA standard fees):
- standard vehicle (12 or fewer occupants): $17, or $10 concession
- large vehicle: $8 per person, or $3.50 concession
- motorcycle: $10.
A valid WA park pass covers entry fees.
No dogs or other pets are allowed in the park.
Getting there
DBCA says Mirima is 2 km north of Kununurra, with signposted access via Barrington Avenue and Hidden Valley. It has year-round appeal, and because it's so close to town it's easy to fit in an early morning or late afternoon walk.
Nearby:
- Keep River National Park, just across the NT border, with similar formations
- Purnululu (Bungle Bungle Range)
- Lake Argyle
- Wyndham
- our Kimberley road trip.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the mini Bungle Bungles?
The name is often used for Mirima National Park, 2 km north of Kununurra in WA's east Kimberley. Its layered sandstone formations resemble a small version of Purnululu's Bungle Bungle Range. Keep River National Park, just across the NT border, has similar formations.
What are some popular activities and attractions in Mirima National Park?
DBCA says the park is popular for bushwalking, photography, nature watching, birdwatching and picnicking. The highlight is Hidden Valley, where steep, broken rock walls glow in the changing light. Short walk trails lead to lookouts over Kununurra and to Miriwoong art sites.
What are the walk trails in Mirima National Park?
DBCA lists the Looking at Plants trail (a 400–500 m loop with a wheelchair-friendly boardwalk), Demboong Banan (about 500–800 m return to a lookout over Kununurra), Derdbe-gerring Banan (0.8–1.2 km return to lookouts) and Gerliwany-gerring Banan (2.2 km return through savanna woodland). Yoorrnging Geranyem Banan is a difficult 3.5 km loop past art sites.
Is there an entry fee for Mirima National Park?
Yes. DBCA lists standard WA park entry fees: $17 per standard vehicle (12 or fewer occupants), or $10 with a concession. Large vehicles are $8 per person ($3.50 concession), and motorcycles are $10. A valid WA park pass covers entry.
Are dogs allowed in Mirima National Park?
No. DBCA says no dogs or other pets are allowed in the park.
Sources and further reading
Facts on this page were checked against these primary and official sources. Conditions change — confirm before you travel or buy.
- Mirima National Park — Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions WA
- Yoorrnging Geranyem Banan Trail, Mirima NP — Trails WA
