UNIQUE EXPERIENCES WYNDHAM

Wyndham Zoological Gardens and Crocodile Park is situated in the historical Port section of Wyndham, where two hectares of landscape gardens surround the crocodile ponds. Browse through the gift shop and then relax on the cool shady verandahs of the reception building.

Alligator Hole is a salt water crocodile habitat where you can see the mighty 'Salty' at home in the wild. Witness these fascinating prehistoric creatures basking in the sun along the sand banks or lazing in the cool waters with their head just visible on the water's surface. It was officially named back in the early days when the crocodiles in the area were mistaken for alligators. These days the billabong is more commonly known as Crocodile Hole. Whilst the water may look enticing, swimming is strongly discouraged. The track to get out to Alligator Hole takes you along the Old Halls Creek Gold Rush Track. Originally built by prisoners, this track was used by gold miners in the late 1800s to push their carts to the goldfields. Alligator Hole one hour drive from Kununurra or a 30 minute drive southeast of Wyndham. Flights from Perth to Kununurra take three hours.

See where five mighty Kimberley Rivers meet and flow into the ocean at Five Rivers Lookout in Wyndham. There are spectacular views across the Ord, Forest, King, Durack and Pentecost Rivers. You can also see where the rivers enter the Cambridge Gulf and surrounding mangrove swamps, mudflats and hills. The Five Rivers Lookout sits on Wyndham's Bastion Range at its highest point of 360 metres above the township. The best views are early in the morning or dusk as the sun sinks over the gulf lighting up the water in a blaze of colour. Pack a picnic and enjoy the view. When wind conditions are good, the Bastion Range is also the launch site for hang gliders. The Five Rivers Lookout is a few minutes drive from the centre of Wyndham.

Bird watchers will delight in the abundance of wild bird species to be found at the Marglu Billabong in the Parry Lagoons Nature Reserve near Wyndham. Visit at dusk or dawn to best appreciate the myriad of activity and enjoy the cacophony of bird song. View the vast array of wetland birds all year round, with 20,000 birds found in the area even in the dry season. Look out for magpie geese, swamp hens, cranes, dab chicks, pelicans, brolga, jabiru, black swans and 17 different varieties of ducks. It is worth taking the short walk up the small hill to the south, where you can enjoy the spectacular view from the old telegraph receiving station. Marglu Billabong is situated about 15 kilometres from Wyndham, which is a one hour drive west of Kununurra.

Telegraph Hill offers uninterrupted panoramic views of the dramatic and rugged landscape on the outskirts of Wyndham. You can see all the way out to the Cambridge Gulf and ocean on a clear day. Explore the site where the telegraph station used to stand during World War I and II. Appreciate the view the naval officers would have had from the station during World War II, which helped sink the German ship, Emden. All that remains on the top of the basalt hill now are some of the ruins from the house that used to stand on the site. It was carefully dismantled and rebuilt next to the visitors centre in the town of Wyndham. Telegraph Hill lies within Parry Lagoons Nature Reserve where the birdlife is plentiful. Look down at the Marglu Billabong, which is a bird sanctuary for over 20,000 birds. At dawn and dusk you may be able to hear the harmonious sounds of birdcalls from the top of the hill. Telegraph Hill is a 15 minute drive from Wyndham and a one hour drive from Kununurra. Visitors can take a three hour flight from Perth to Kununurra.

For one of the best bird watching sites in Western Australia head to Parry Lagoons Nature Reserve near the Kimberley town of Wyndham. This is where waders from as far afield as Siberia come to rest and feed. The lagoons and billabongs of this nature reserve teem with wildlife, especially during the wet season. You can see hundreds of birds from specially built bird-hides which allow you to get up close without disturbing them. All manner of water birds exist here including egrets, ibises, magpie geese, herons, cranes, dab chicks, pelicans, brolga, 17 species of duck and the beautiful and elusive Jabiru. You might also spot a freshwater and saltwater crocodile. Parry Lagoons Nature Reserve was declared a protected bird sanctuary in the early 1970s in recognition of its major importance in water bird breeding. You can access the reserve by driving around 20 minutes south of Wyndham - public access areas are clearly marked from the road.

The Grotto is a magnificent gorge that provides a picturesque and safe swimming spot. The 120 metre cliff face drops into the water and becomes a spectacular waterfall during the wet season. Swim in the still refreshing waters of this natural chasm and watch as the daring local children swing from the Tarzan rope across the water. The sound of laughter, splashing water and the occasional birdcall is all that can be heard at this secluded tranquil location. Capture the impressive view down into the gorge on camera before climbing carefully down the 140 steps that lead into the Grotto. Whilst the descent looks steep, the placement of the stairs has made the walk fairly easy. The Grotto is a popular picnic spot. With the lush surrounding greenery, towering cliff face and the sparkling clear water, it is a picturesque location worthy of spending a full day. The Grotto is a short 20 minute drive from the historic port town of Wyndham and just under an hour from Kununurra. Visitors can take a three hour flight from Perth to Kununurra.

If you like 'big' town entry statements, you will love the giant Crocodile Statue in Wyndham. As you drive into the historic port town, you cannot miss the welcoming smile from the side of the road at the town's entrance. The 20 metre long and three metre high concrete statue of a saltwater crocodile provides a novel photo opportunity. Visitors are known to climb the large sculpture for some entertaining photos. The statue was designed using a photograph of a crocodile and computer technology that plotted the crocodile's shape. It was built with the help of students from Halls Creek Technology of Advanced Further Education (TAFE). Whilst its size has been over accentuated, it acts as a great deterrent to anyone considering swimming in the crocodile infested waters surrounding Wyndham. The historic port town of Wyndham was established during the Halls Creek gold rush in 1885. Wyndham is a one hour drive from Kununurra which is a three hour flight from Perth.

You can see the majestic orange cliffs of Cockburn Range in the East Kimberley on a four wheel driving trip along the Gibb River Road. Imposing and spectacular views are also on offer from the highway into Wyndham. The Cockburn Range is shaped like a vast round fortress and rises more than 600 metres above the plains. From a distance, there's no hint of the deep gorges and permanent pools which lie hidden within. Cockburn Range sits entirely on land owned by El Questro Wilderness Park. El Questro offers trips to the range, or there are other private bushwalking tours available. A scenic flight affords another amazing view. Cockburn Range is about a two hour drive from Kununurra in the East Kimberley.

Three Mile Valley sits at the bottom of the Bastion Range which can be easily accessed via several walk trails. Walk along a flowing creek which leads to several pretty waterfalls which are most dramatic during the wet season. If you prefer a more strenuous walk, hike up the Bastion Range for spectacular panoramic views across the Cambridge Gulf. Capture the stark contrast of the Kimberley landscape on camera and keep an eye out for the prolific display of colour from the wildflowers in season. The car park at Three Mile Valley provides barbeque and picnic facilities to enjoy a leisurely lunch before heading back to Wyndham. Three Mile Valley is a short five minute drive from the centre of the historic port town of Wyndham. Wyndham is a one hour drive north of Kununurra in the far Northeast corner of Western Australia.

The Pentecost River in the East Kimberley region is famed as one of the best spots in the area to go barramundi fishing. The epic four wheel drive track, the Gibb River Road, crosses over the Pentecost River and this crossing is the ideal place to throw in a fishing line. Head along a track on the north eastern side of the crossing for the best fishing spot. Experience the thrill of catching that big barramundi! But keep an eye out for saltwater crocodiles which inhabit the area - and don't go swimming. The Pentecost River passes through El Questro Wilderness Park and makes an ideal place for camping. At El Questro's Station Township it's safe to go swimming in the Pentecost River. The Pentecost is one of the five rivers that meet at Wyndham and flow into the Cambridge Gulf. The Five Rivers Lookout offers an excellent view.

Moochalabra Dam, near Wyndham, is a lovely spot for a picnic under the huge Boab tree. It is a great base from which to explore the nearby Aboriginal cave paintings or to watch the local wildlife. Moochalabra Creek crossing appears just before the dam turn-off where you will see lush green growth shaded by large paper bark trees. Be sure to travel on and observe the myriad of bird life around the waterholes on the King River, 20 kilometres past the turnoff to the dam. The dam features a unique construction, designed to allow overflow to pass through the rock on the crest of the hill. As it is used for the town's water supply fishing, camping and swimming is unfortunately prohibited. Wyndham is a one hour drive west of Kununurra and the plethora of waterways including the nearby Marglu Billabong makes Wyndham an especially attractive destination for bird watching.

The beautiful terraced waterfall of the King Cascade is located on the Prince Regent River in the East Kimberley region. Take a boat cruise to this unusual waterfall and you'll see water cascading over terraced rock formations. Go swimming and take a refreshing shower under the falls. Cruises operate along the river giving you the chance to get up close to this beautiful work of nature. You can also take a walk around the Kings Cascades and take in the amazing scenery. The best way to access the Kings Cascades is to join a cruise which can be booked in Broome or Kununurra.