Gibb River Road from El Questro to Derby
Kimberley rivers:
Western Australia�s Kimberley region has approximately 30 major
rivers and many more tributaries and tidal creeks. Kimberley rivers
are unique because of their relatively pristine nature. Unlike rivers
in many other parts of Australia and the world, most Kimberley rivers
are free flowing, their riverside vegetation is relatively intact,
and water is not highly extracted or contaminated. In a few cases
entire river catchments remain in an almost natural condition, free
from significant human disturbance. Many Kimberley rivers are unique
and represent important examples of some of Australia�s, and the world�s,
last remaining natural river systems.
The Pentecost River and Cockburn Range in the Kimberley Australia
The Pentecost River appears to be a tidal river (in the wet with
high tides) in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. The Pentecost
rises in the Durack Range and flows north through El Questro Station
Tributaries of the Pentecost include the Chamberlain River, Salmond
River, Gap Creek and Five Mile Creek. The Chamberlain and Salmond
are both longer than the Pentecost.
Facts at a glance Length 275 km (Pentecost � Chamberlain mainstream)
Catchment area 8 940 km Mouth West estuary of the Cambridge Gulf,
Wyndham Average annual rainfall 700 mm Annual rainfall range 600
� 750 mm Notable features Salmond and Chamberlain Rivers, Pentecost
River crossing, Chamberlain Gorge, Emma Gorge, El Questro Wilderness
Park
The Pentecost River flows into the west arm of the Cambridge Gulf.
Although the Chamberlain and Salmond rivers are tributaries of the
Pentecost River, both are longer than the Pentecost. Other major rivers
adjacent to the Pentecost are the Durack, King and Ord. The Durack
and King rivers join the Pentecost in the west arm of the Cambridge
Gulf and when the sea level was lower they would have been part of
the same river system. Visitors can easily reach sections of the Pentecost
and Chamberlain rivers from El Questro Wilderness Park.
In its upper reaches the Pentecost River drains the ridges and hills
of the Durack Range. The undulating terrain and confined valley give
way to an open, broad valley in the middle reaches of the river, before
ranges again confine it. The Pentecost River flows through a narrow
gorge for approximately 10 kilometres just upstream of its junction
with the Chamberlain River. In its lower reaches, below the junction
with the Chamberlain River, the Pentecost River has steep cliffs and
permanent pools. Its tidal reaches are in more open alluvial country,
but it is somewhat confined by the Cockburn Range to the north and
hills to the south.
The
Chamberlain River is one of the most geologically impressive
rivers in the Kimberley, running along a deep, steep-sided valley
between the Durack Range and Elgee Cliffs for almost its entire 220
kilometres. Where the valley floor is wide enough, the channel meanders
from valley wall to valley wall, but usually it is fairly straight
as it has no room to move. The valley is asymmetrical due to its geology:
its western side is almost vertical but its eastern side slopes at
45 degrees and is drained by scores of parallel tributaries � each
only about 2 kilometres long. Numerous pools punctuate a fairly rocky
channel bed. This catchment is extremely narrow.
Mitchell River
Facts at a glance Length 117 km Catchment area 2 970 km Mouth Walmsley Bay Average annual rainfall 1400 mm Annual rainfall
range 1300 � 1450 mm Notable features Mitchell Falls, Little Mertens
Falls, Big Mertens Falls, Surveyors Pool
The Mitchell River is one of the Kimberley�s best-known rivers and
is often visited by tourists.
The spectacular
Mitchell Falls are a rewarding sight after
the long drive or helicopter flight needed to reach this remote and
awe-inspiring area.
Other major rivers nearby are the Prince Regent, Hunter, Scott and
Lawley rivers.
The Mitchell River flows north from its headwaters on the Mitchell
Plateau into Walmsley Bay and Admiralty Gulf. Its main channel roughly
follows the western edge of the junction between the sandstone and
overlying volcanic rocks that form the Mitchell Plateau.
The upper reaches of the Mitchell River that drain the rounded volcanic
hills of the Mitchell Plateau have a finger-like or �branching� drainage
pattern, whereas those draining flattish sandstone country lower down
have a more blocky, rectangular pattern due to the weathering of geological
fractures.
The middle reaches of the Mitchell River are rocky and little sediment
is present in the channel. Long, deep pools are thickly vegetated.
Over time the river has cut into ancient sandstone rock, carving
gorges and waterfalls. The largest of these are the Mitchell Falls
with their spectacular bare rock walls, The Mitchell Falls are a series
of falls 80 metres high with three main sheer steps. Below the falls
the Mitchell River is controlled by a geological fracture that runs
north�south and forms a narrow estuary over 30 kilometres long.
Durack River
Facts at a glance Length 306 km Catchment area 14 200 km Mouth
West estuary of the Cambridge Gulf, Wyndham Average annual rainfall
800 mm Annual rainfall range 630 � 900 mm Notable features Durack
Falls, Jacks Waterhole, Scotty Salmond Gorge, Durack, Ellenbrae and
Karunjie.
The river was named after Michael �Stumpy� Durack, the first white
man to cross the river in 1882.
The Durack River is the fifth longest river in the Kimberley. Despite
its length and the familiar name, little is known about it. It discharges
into the west arm of the Cambridge Gulf, fed by tributaries such as
the Chapman River and Wood, Blackfellow, Campbell and Ellenbrae creeks,
which begin in the same ranges as the headwaters of the Fitzroy and
Drysdale rivers. The Gibb River Road crosses many of the Durack River�s
tributaries.
Little about the Durack River�s ecology is documented. Paperbarks
(Melaleuca leucodendra), pandanus and eucalypts are common along banks.
. The Durack River is known to host significant but isolated populations
of the vulnerable Purple crowned fairy wren (Malurus coronatus).
The Durack River is accessible via the Gibb River road and there
are a number of Aboriginal communities located near this river, some
active living areas.
The Durack flows through several operating pastoral stations including
Home Valley, Ellenbrae, Durack River, El Questro and Pentecost Downs.
Fitzroy River
Facts at a glance Length 624 km Catchment area2 92 000 km Mouth Opening Bay in King Sound Average annual rainfall 500 mm Annual rainfall range 400 � 900 mm Notable features Geikie Gorge,
Dimond Gorge, Sir John Gorge, Margaret River pool, Fitzroy Crossing
(site of the original crossing), Camballin Irrigation Area and Willare
crossing.
By far the mightiest river in the region is the Fitzroy River in
the central and western Kimberley. Although other rivers in Western
Australia are longer or have larger drainage areas, the Fitzroy River
has, on average, the greatest volume of annual flow and the largest
floods. The Fitzroy River is also well known for its high cultural
and ecological values, with a number of significant species found
there. The Margaret, Leopold, Mary, Hann, Adcock and O�Donnell rivers,
and Christmas and Geegully creeks, all flow into the Fitzroy River.
Ord River
Facts at a glance Length 588 km (130 km downstream of main dam)
Catchment area 53 900 km (main dam 45 200 km2) Mouth Cambridge
Gulf Average annual rainfall 560 mm Annual rainfall range 450
� 820 mm Notable features Lake Argyle and the Ord River dam, Lake
Kununurra, Carlton Gorge, Tarrara Bar, Ivanhoe Crossing
The Ord River is the most regulated river in the Kimberley: the
Kununurra Diversion Dam traps water to form Lake Kununurra and the
Ord River dam traps water to form Lake Argyle. Water from the Ord
River is used for agriculture and hydroelectricity. The major tributaries
of the Ord River upstream of Lake Argyle are the Elvire, Panton, Nicholson,
Negri, Wilson/Bow and Behn rivers. The Dunham River is the largest
tributary downstream of Lake Kununurra. There are no major tributaries
between Lake Argyle and Lake Kununurra. The Ord River drains into
the west arm of the Cambridge Gulf. Nearby rivers include the Keep
and King.
The upper catchment of the Ord River straddles the Halls Creek fault
and is composed of basalt, sandstone, mudstone and limestone. The
main channel meanders through broad, open valleys and is somewhat
confined by bedrock outcrops. It varies from a channel with wide sand
and gravel bars that are very lightly vegetated to a channel filled
by narrow, wellvegetated bars. The Ord River dam is in a natural gorge
in the Carr Boyd Ranges. Below the dam, steepsided tablelands and
rocky hills border wide plains of deep, cracking clay soils. Downstream
of Kununurra the channel is characterised by lateral bar forms, occasional
rock outcrops (such as Tarrara Bar) and heavy growths of algae and
larger aquatic plants. The latter is a result of the changed flow
regime and nutrient levels since the dams were built. In its estuarine
reaches the Ord River large quantities of sediment have accumulated
at regular intervals between bends. Gully erosion is common along
the flat flanks of the river.
Since the Ord River was dammed, new ecosystems have evolved due
to the changes in channel form, water balance and resultant vegetation.
The lower Ord River�s floodplain and lakes Argyle and Kununurra have
been declared internationally important wetlands under the Ramsar
Convention as a result of the post-dam ecology. The Ord River has
been recognised as a nationally important wetland due to its significance
as a habitat for more than 75 bird species, including significant
breeding and migrant populations.
Lennard River near Derby
Facts at a glance Length 240 km Catchment area 12 300 km �Mouth
Stokes Bay Average annual rainfall 700 mm Annual rainfall range
600 � 900 mm Notable features Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek, Lennard
River Gorge, Wombrella Gap, Barker Gorge, Richenda Gorge
�The Lennard River basin lies north and east of Derby in the west
Kimberley. The river runs through the pastoral leases Napier Downs,
Kimberley Downs, Meda, Leopold Downs and Fairfield, as well as Mount
Hart station, which is located in the King Leopold nature reserve.
Its major tributaries are the Barker and Richenda rivers.
Isdell River
Facts at a glance Length 206 km Catchment area 5 540 km Mouth
Walcott Inlet Average annual rainfall 850 mm Annual rainfall range
700 � 950 mm Notable features Bell Gorge, Galvins Gorge, Silent
Grove
The Isdell River flows over relatively high country around Mount
House, Mount Elizabeth and Mount Hart stations in the west Kimberley,
draining into Walcott Inlet. Its main tributaries are the Greytal
and Springy rivers, and Plain and Bell creeks.
The Isdell River flows over relatively high country around Mount
House, Mount Elizabeth and Mount Hart stations in the west Kimberley,
draining into Walcott Inlet. Its main tributaries are the Greytal
and Springy rivers, and Plain and Bell creeks.
King Edward River
Facts at a glance Length 221 km Catchment area 8 400 km Mouth
South Napier Broome Bay, Kalumburu Average annual rainfall 1120
mm Annual rainfall range 1000 � 1300 mm Notable features Carson
and Morgan Rivers, Carson Escarpment, Morgan Falls, Worriga Gorge,
Moongiyarrie Falls
King Edward, Carson and Morgan rivers located up on the coast. The
King Edward River lies in the far north Kimberley and is recognised
as a wild river. It flows northward for approximately 120 kilometres
from its source before turning east. It then turns north again for
100 kilometres to flow into Napier Broome Bay, just downstream of
Kalumburu. The Carson River is a major tributary of the King Edward
River. It joins the King Edward River just 25 kilometres upstream
of Napier Broome Bay. Other waterways near the King Edward River include
Wade Creek and the Lawley River, which are also nationally recognised
wild rivers.
Drysdale River
Facts at a glance Length 432 km Catchment area 15 690 km Mouth
Napier Broome Bay Average annual rainfall 1000 mm Annual rainfall
range 900 � 1300 mm Notable features Solea Falls, Miners Pool, Carson
Escarpment, Theda homestead, Drysdale River National Park
The Drysdale River drains the heart of the north Kimberley. It is
the third longest river in the Kimberley and its catchment includes
many types of landscape. The main tributaries of the Drysdale River
are the Gibb and Woodhouse rivers and Crossland and Banjo creeks.
Major rivers nearby are the King George and Berkeley rivers.
The middle reaches lie in the Drysdale River National Park. The
country is hilly in the park�s southernmost section, but further north
it flattens out to broad valleys and shallow gorges. The channel here
is approximately 150 metres wide and meanders across the landscape.
Large sandbars and long broad pools are evidence of the power of the
river in flood. Floodways extend up to 500 metres from the river channel.
Near the northern border of the national park, the Drysdale River
descends from the sandstone plateau through a gorge in the Carson
Escarpment via small falls and rapids. The Solea Falls or Horseshoe
Falls are the best-known waterfalls in the area.
Below the plateau the country begins to open out and the river flows
over a low plain. The channel is broad and sandy, braided in places,
with numerous long pools. Just upstream of its mouth, the river is
confined by the Barton River fault to a very straight and narrow course
for over 20 kilometres, before finally emptying into Napier Broome
Bay over a series of stepped rapids.
Berkeley River
Facts at a glance Length 180 km Catchment area 4 740 km Mouth
Joseph Bonaparte Gulf Average annual rainfall 850 mm Annual rainfall
range 800 � 900 mm Notable features The sand bar at the river�s
mouth, Casuarina Creek falls, Mount Casuarina
The Berkeley River flows across the north-east Kimberley into the
broad Joseph Bonaparte Gulf. Its catchment is one of the largest under
Indigenous management: run by the Oombulgarri community of the Forrest
River Reserve. Tour boats and fishing enthusiasts visit its estuaries.
It has one major tributary, the De Lancourt River, which is 57 kilometres
long.
Major rivers of the north Kimberley include the Prince
Regent, Mitchell, King Edward, Drysdale, King George and Berkeley
rivers. These rivers are remote, have rugged, rocky catchments and,
until recently, were difficult to access. National parks and reserves
have been created in some areas in recognition of the ecology and
the beauty of these rivers.
Prince Regent River
Facts at a glance Length 104 km Catchment area 3 160 km Mouth
St George Basin Average annual rainfall 1400 mm Annual rainfall
range 1150 � 1420 mm Notable features King�s Cascades, Mount Trafalgar,
Python Cliffs, Pitta Creek, and Gun Springs
The Prince Regent River drains into St George Basin and then into
Brunswick Bay. It has nine major, but short, tributaries originating
within 10 to 30 kilometres of the main channel. To the south of the
Prince Regent River, the Sale, Gibson and Glenelg rivers drain into
Doubtful Bay. To the north, the Roe and Moran rivers drain into Prince
Frederick Harbour.
Reference: https://www.water.wa.gov.au