Drysdale1
EXPERIENCES / KIMBERLEY
Drysdale River National Park No. 1
Overview
- The largest and least accessible park in the Kimberley.
- The best way in is by using an amphibious aircraft.
- We do two loops from where we land so we only need to carry a week's food at a time.
The area through which we will be walking contains one of the highest concentrations of Aboriginal rock art in the Kimberley. The fishing is excellent. Beautiful waterfalls and inviting pools next to every campsite. There will be a number of day walks where we don't need to carry full packs. What more could you ask?
KIMBERLEY
June 15-29 2025
We board our aircraft in Kununurra and land on the Drysdale River not far above Solea Falls. We stash our food for the second week near the landing and begin the first walk.
With so many things to see off the main river, we spend a substantial part of the first week exploring with daypacks.
The Drysdale itself is wide and open, but some of the smaller creeks take us into dense patches of monsoon forest, a very different environment to the main river.
Those who enjoy fishing should consider bringing a collapsible rod or hand line. There are barramundi below Solea Falls and a variety of other fish above.
We retrieve our food drop at the end of the first week and continue up the Drysdale River to Planigale Creek, follow it upstream for some days, then turn back north and return to the pool where we began.
Planigale is a lovely little creek, pool after pool, art site after art site, with the occasional waterfall along the way.
On one trip, a family of brolgas put on quite a show, allowing us to get quite close before they moved on. Brolgas or no, as with all our trips, there will be time to enjoy the wildlife, the flowers and all nature around us.
All too soon, our time is up.
The pick up aircraft flies in and collects us. Two hours later, we're back in civilisation once more.
The pick up aircraft flies in and collects us. Two hours later, we're back in civilisation once more.
Details
DATES
June 15-29
PRICES
Full price: A$TBA
When we went to get a transport quote for 2025, we were told,
“We are currently in the process of reviewing our seaplane costs and operations for next year, and so are unable to book any seaplane charters at this time.”
Until we know the transport cost, we can't put a price on this trip.
We can say that, if we have the bookings to run two consecutive Drysdale trips 4 months prior to departure, we'll take $500 off the list price. Or do both and save even more.
GROUP SIZE
4 - 12 guests
CAMP SITES
Mix of sand and rock ledges. The one at the top of Solea Falls offers spectacular views.You are unlikely to see anyone else anywhere along the route.
ART
We visit a large variety of art sites
SWIMMING
Excellent. Except for a few places below Solea Falls, there are no large crocs to discourage us from long swims.
WILDLIFE
Birds are always present. You are unlikely to see many large animals but, for those who look, there are a variety of small ones.
CLIMATE
Average daytime max 30-31ºC (86-88ºF), average nighttime min 12-15ºC (62-68ºF) – averages hide the extremes, it can get close to freezing. Generally low humidity. Rain very unlikely but possible.
COOKING
Firewood is abundant so we will have campfires every night. No need to carry stoves and gas canisters.
WALK RATING - HARD
Terrain
The start of the walk is relatively flat and easy but there are some longish stretches of soft sand. As we continue toward Solea Falls, the terrain becomes more difficult with lots of rock hopping and some scrambling over large boulders. Above the falls, the terrain gets easier once more.
Vegetation
Most of the vegetation should be fairly open but it is likely that there will be some thick scrub to push through. It is not likely that there will be much. Scrub conditions vary dramatically from year to year so we can't say how much you will encounter.
Distance
Generally 4-6 hours. On some days, you need carry your pack for only a couple of hours after which you can rest or explore without packs.
Pack Weight
You need to carry 7-8 days of food.
Itinerary
*This itinerary is subject to change
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