Mitchell Plateau – Ngauwudu

The Wunambal Gaambera People traditionally know it as Ngauwudu but this beautiful and isolated area, located within the deep north Kimberley, is also known as Mitchell Plateau. Road access to Mitchell Plateau is by rugged 4WD adventure via the Gibb River Road on the unsealed remote Kalumburu Road and the Mitchell Plateau Track. The roads are not well maintained and the drive in is very rough. Most cruises that visit this area will offer the opportunity to take a helicopter flight over the fall so you can truly experience the Mitchell Plateau has to offer, it’s a unique experience that can’t be missed!

Waterfalls and gorges have been carved into the sandstone of the Mitchell Plateau – with Mitchell Falls (Punamii-unpuu) being one of the most famous attractions of this spectacular region. Other ‘must see’ attractions include: the Bradshaw rock paintings, Little Mertens Falls where you will also see indigenous rock art beneath the falls, Big Mertens Falls (also known as Mertens Gorge), stunning scenery and abundant wildlife.

The Mitchell Plateau landscape is something to behold. You will see a wide variety of vegetation including rainforests, Livistona is otherwise known as fan palms and eucalypts. The region also has an abundance of mammals, reptiles, and birds. If you are lucky enough, you may catch a glimpse of one of the Mitchell Plateau local reptiles – the salt water crocodile. Just take care that you swim in one of the many safe pools of water that are not inhabited by the local crocs. Swimming below Mitchell Falls, for this reason, is not permitted.