Mitchell River National Park

Western Australia's Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) describes the Mitchell Plateau's elevated rock plain as exceptionally scenic and one of the most biologically important areas in the state. Fan palms dominate the landscape, which DBCA notes is a rare sight anywhere in WA. Up to 50 mammal species, 220 bird species and 86 kinds of reptiles and amphibians may live in the area, including saltwater crocodiles. The park also has notable Aboriginal rock art.

DBCA recognises the Wunambal Gaambera people as the Traditional Owners. Mitchell Falls, or Punamii-unpuu, is a place of cultural and spiritual significance for the Wunambal people.

The Uunguu Visitor Pass

An Uunguu Visitor Pass is required to enter the park, and other permits may apply for some activities and types of transport. You must buy it online at wunambalgaambera.org.au before you arrive, because there is no public internet or phone access on Wunambal Gaambera Country. DBCA no longer charges a national park entry fee here, but its camping fees still apply.

Walks and sights

All the main walks start at Mitchell Falls Campground, beside Mertens Creek.

• Little Mertens Falls. 1.6 km return (Class 3). DBCA's figures vary between 30 minutes and an hour, so allow the hour if you want time to swim and explore. The falls form a curtain of water over sandstone walls around a pool, with rock ledges, rapids, natural spas and a fern-lined cave. You can swim above and below the falls. Take care near the edge, and respect the site's spiritual importance to Wunambal people.
• Big Mertens Falls (Mertens Gorge). On the way to Mitchell Falls, about 2.5 km from the campground, large falls plunge into a narrow chasm. Take care near the cliffs.
• Punamii-unpuu/Mitchell Falls walk. 8.6 km return, Class 5, requiring a high level of fitness; allow 4–6 hours, or about 2.5 hours each way. The marked track crosses rough country, with uneven ground, water crossings and rock scrambling. If in doubt, stay close to the creek. Swimming is not permitted below Mitchell Falls because saltwater crocodiles may be present.
• River View walk. 2 km return, Class 4; allow 1.5 hours. It crosses some steep, difficult ground to a lookout over the Mitchell River.
• Aunauyu (Surveyors Pool). A moderate 2 km return walk (allow an hour) to a pool and falls surrounded by thick layers of King Leopold sandstone. DBCA says the car park is about 32 km from the Mitchell Plateau airstrip, with the turnoff about 20 km along Port Warrender Road. The access road is not marked accurately on any current map.

Scenic flights

DBCA says there is a helipad and booking office at the campground. HeliSpirit runs scenic flights under licence, and bookings are essential. Many visitors walk to Mitchell Falls and fly back, or fly in and walk out. The Mitchell Plateau airstrip is about 17 km from the campground.

Camping

Mitchell Falls Campground is large and non-bookable, with separate generator and non-generator areas near Mertens Creek. DBCA camping fees apply.

• Fires. Some sites have fire rings. Collect firewood before you enter the park, at signposted areas along Port Warrender Road, or preferably use a gas or fuel stove.
• Water. Boil or otherwise treat water before drinking.
• Swimming. There is a swimming area downstream of the start of the walk trail. Soaps and detergents are not permitted in creeks and rivers.
• Pets. No dogs or other pets.

Getting there and safety

DBCA says the park is remote and hard to reach. You'll need a fully equipped 4WD and confidence in off-road driving. For wider trip planning, see our Gibb River Road and Kimberley road trip guides.

DBCA's safety advice:

• Plan your timing. Check when to visit before you go.
• Carry a beacon. A personal locator beacon (PLB) could save your life if you need rescue.
• Be Crocwise. Saltwater crocodiles live in the park. If you're unsure, don't swim, canoe or use small boats. A missing warning sign doesn't mean crocodiles aren't present. See our crocodile safety guide.
• Report problems. Contact the Kununurra Parks and Wildlife office on (08) 9168 4200 about aggressive crocodiles and for park information.

Toilets are not provided at Mitchell Falls, Little Mertens Falls or Surveyors Pool, so follow Leave No Trace principles. For more Kimberley parks, see Purnululu and Mirima, near Kununurra.