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The Mitchell Plateau was only made a National park in 2000. Prior to that the area had been explored to determine if any deposits suitable for mining could be found.
Located 350 kilometres north east of Derby this park is very remote. It encompasses an area of 115,325 Ha. Access is from the
Gibb River Road, Kalumburu Road and the Mitchell Plateau Track and is 4wd only.
Mitchell Falls and Surveyor's Pool are the two main reasons people visit the park.
Drysdale Homestead is the location for supplies of food and fuel and is the last place to supply yourself on the way to the plateau.
There is a camp ground at Merton Creek and from there is is a 2.5km walk to Mitchell Falls. Surveyor's Pool is further north. An alternative is to fly by helicopter but this isn't a cheap option.
If you walk to the falls you need to be fit, wear appropriate clothing and footwear and take water and some food. Generators are allowed in one section of the campsite.
Off-road camper trailers can enter the National Park but caravans are not allowed due to road conditions. Access varies depending on the weather and roads can still be closed as late in the season as July.
It is always best to check first before heading for this area.
The area is rich in Aboriginal art and is the cultural home of the Wunambal people.
Just south of the Mitchell River National Park is Prince Regent Nature Reserve. Other parks and reserves in this area include Lawley River (17,572 Ha), Camp Creek (1,267 Ha)
and Laterite Conservation Park (12,191 Ha).
This park is difficult to access so many people choose to see it from the air by chartering a small plane or helicopter from Derby.
Surveyor's Pool (C) Agnes Milowka
Crocodiles inhabit waterways in the Kimberley and care should be taken in any waterway below the ranges.
(C) Tom Pearce YouTube channel.
(C) Misadventure 4WD YouTube channel.
NPW Website for more information
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