One of Australia's Last Great Wildlife Frontiers

The Kimberley is home to an astonishing diversity of wildlife, much of which remains poorly understood by science. Spanning tropical savanna, rugged gorge country, mangrove coastlines, and the open Indian Ocean, the region supports species found nowhere else on Earth. For wildlife lovers, it's a bucket-list destination on par with the Galápagos or the Serengeti.

Reptiles

Saltwater Crocodiles

The Kimberley coast and tidal river systems are home to healthy populations of Crocodylus porosus — the world's largest living reptile. These animals are genuinely dangerous and should always be treated with extreme caution. Observe from a safe distance, never approach nesting sites, and always heed signage at swimming areas and boat ramps.

Freshwater Crocodiles

Crocodylus johnstoni are much smaller than salties and generally non-aggressive to humans. They're a common sight basking in gorges and along inland waterways. Windjana Gorge, Manning Gorge, and the Fitzroy River are excellent spotting locations.

Monitor Lizards (Goannas)

Several goanna species inhabit the Kimberley, including the large Argus monitor and the perentie — Australia's biggest lizard, which can reach 2.5 metres in length. You'll frequently encounter them around campgrounds and station homesteads.

Marine Life

Whale Sharks

Ningaloo Reef (a day's drive south of Broome) hosts the world's largest whale shark aggregation between March and July. Swimming alongside these gentle giants — the world's largest fish — is one of Australia's most extraordinary wildlife experiences. Several operators run licensed swim-with-whale-shark tours.

Humpback Whales

From June through November, humpback whales migrate through the waters off the Kimberley coast. Broome and the Dampier Peninsula are excellent viewing points, and several boat tour operators offer whale watching excursions.

Flatback and Loggerhead Sea Turtles

The Kimberley coast hosts important nesting beaches for several turtle species. Eco Beach, south of Broome, is a well-known nesting site. Guided nighttime turtle nesting tours operate during the season (November–March).

Birds

With over 370 recorded species, the Kimberley is a world-class birding destination. Key species to watch for include:

  • Black-necked stork (jabiru) — Australia's only stork, commonly seen in wetlands.
  • Gouldian finch — one of Australia's most colourful and endangered birds, found in the east Kimberley.
  • Brolga — the iconic dancing crane of tropical Australia.
  • Red-tailed black cockatoo — a stunning and vocal species of savanna woodlands.
  • Rainbow bee-eater — brilliantly coloured and common throughout the dry season.

Mammals

The Kimberley supports a range of native mammals including several wallaby species, echidnas, bats (including the spectacular flying foxes), and the endangered northern quoll. The Purnululu National Park and Mitchell Plateau areas offer the best opportunities for mammal spotting, particularly at dawn and dusk.

The Iconic Boab Tree

While not an animal, no Kimberley wildlife guide would be complete without the Adansonia gregorii — the boab. Found only in the Kimberley and a small area of the Northern Territory, these extraordinary trees store water in their swollen trunks and can live for thousands of years. Ancient boabs served as landmarks, shelter, and food sources for Aboriginal peoples for millennia. The Prison Tree near Derby is among the most visited natural landmarks in the region.

Wildlife Viewing Ethics

  • Never feed wildlife — it disrupts natural behaviour and can be fatal for animals.
  • Observe crocodiles from a minimum distance and never approach them on land or in water.
  • Stay on marked trails to avoid disturbing nesting birds and sensitive vegetation.
  • Use a telephoto lens for wildlife photography rather than approaching animals closely.