Punamii Uunpuu (Mitchell Falls): How to Get There and Where to Stay

One of my most challenging journeys was the road trip to the iconic Punamii Uunpuu (Mitchell Falls). The journey was a blend of dusty roads and river crossings, all wrapped in the remote charm of the Kimberleys. The road to this natural wonder tested both my vehicle and my resilience. Yet, every corrugation, washout, and unexpected dip in the road reminded me that the most rewarding destinations often require a bit of planning, grit, and determination. Duct tape and cable ties are also helpful for quick repairs:).

The Road Trip to the Punamii Uunpuu (Mitchell Falls)

My journey began with the legendary Gibb River Road. This 660-kilometer stretch meanders through some of the most rugged landscapes in Western Australia’s top end. I started at El Questro and soon learned it is a challenging drive that demands respect and preparation. This isn’t your typical Sunday drive; real adventurers are made here. You will need a sturdy 4×4 vehicle, and the driver must be capable of handling dirt roads and river crossings. Read 10 Road Trip Basics for Outback Australia to prepare for any Outback adventure.

The road to Punamii Uunpuu (Mitchell Falls) is up the Gibb River Road heading North. You will then head onto the 4WD-only Kalumburu Road and turn left to navigate the Warrender Road to the Mitchell Falls camping ground. This is NOT a gazetted road. So, if you have a hire car, check your insurance! This road is tough. The distance is around 80 km from the turnoff to Punamii Uunpuu (Mitchell Falls), but it can take 2.5 to 4 hours. It is an experience you will remember. Take your time, as the goal is to get there.

The King Edward River crossing is definitely trippy. I arrived in July 2023 after a huge weather cell had hit the North, and the river level was up. The Mitchell Plateau does not drain fast, so be prepared. This crossing demands respect and confidence.

If you have a caravan, you can stay at the Drysdale River Station, down the Gibb River Rd, or on the Mitchell Plateau at Munurru Campground. If you venture on this road with a caravan, it would only be a 4×4.

Munurru Campground

Munurru Campground provides a base for exploration and discovery and is close to the Falls if you want to make a day trip. The campground offers a peaceful haven for campers. The red earth under the expansive sky sets the stage for an unforgettable camping experience. Facilities at Munurru Campground are designed to cater to the needs of those embracing the wilderness. Basic amenities such as well-maintained campsites, fire pits, and rudimentary sanitation facilities allow visitors to connect with nature while still enjoying comfort. If you are coming here, remember to bring your firewood.

This would be a wonderful opportunity to support and engage with the local Indigenous community while experiencing the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Kimberleys. Traditional Owners manage the camping ground and offer guided tours to experience the Wanjina and Gwion rock art.

You cannot bring your pets here and must purchase a Uunguu Visitor Pass, which you can do online before you arrive. There is no internet or phone coverage up there. You can also buy from Drysdale River Station.

Drysdale Station

Drysdale Station on the Gibb River Road is your gateway to hassle-free Punamii Uunpuu (Mitchell Falls) fun. Leave your caravan behind and start early to do a day trip to soak in the falls’ breathtaking beauty. Some people I met while crossing the King Edward River were doing just that. At the river crossings, you chat with some interesting folk. I would not recommend this one as it is a very big and busy day but if you only have one spare day than definitely go for it.

Drysdale Station can also organize scenic flights over the falls with Shoal Air. There are options, including plain flyovers or Trek Mitchell Falls (day Tour), which fly you up to the Plateau, 4WD transfer you to the track, and then you hike up to the Falls, have lunch, and then helicopter down. That’s the one I would take. But if you are looking at something a wee bit more luxurious, an overnight glamping version is on offer.

When it comes to camping, Drysdale Station’s got your back. The facilities are excellent, but for me, the special part of this place was that when hunger hits after a dusty day on the roads, their on-site restaurant dishes out some seriously great food. Nothing beats a hearty meal after a dusty day of Kimberley exploration and an ice-cold beer. I don’t usually drink alcohol when I travel alone, but I had a celebratory one after completing the Mitchell Falls Road. I stayed here on the way back.

The Mitchell Plateau Campground

After a dusty but exhilarating drive, I arrived at the Mitchell Plateau Campground. This campground serves as the ultimate base camp for your exploration. I arrived early in the afternoon and set up camp. I first headed to the Punamii Uunpuu (Mitchell Falls) Helicopter Transfer and booked a flight for the next day up to the falls. I would have preferred to hike up and fly down, but as I didn’t book in advance, I did not have a choice, and since I was traveling alone, I had to slot in. Not a big deal, honestly. I do not always book in advance because I don’t want to be a slave to a booking. I sometimes get a vibe to stay longer somewhere and shorter somewhere else. I like my freedom when exploring.

The facilities available here are the essentials for camping. Well-maintained campsites and reliable amenities are all you need for comfort amidst the wilderness.

If you are hanging around on the first day, walk up the track to Bunjani (Little Mertens Falls) and clear that bulldust from your pores. This is a lovely wee spot for a dip. The campground strategically situates you at the starting point of this trek.

Verdict

Whether you’re gearing up for the hike, marveling at the falls from a helicopter, or simply enjoying the serenity of your campsite, this campground is your oasis amid nature’s grand spectacle. 

Well, buckle up, intrepid traveler. The Punamii Uunpuu (Mitchell Falls) Road Trip is no walk in the park—it’s a dusty, challenging adventure that separates the wanderers from the rest.

This odyssey is about embracing the grit, feeling the crunch of the dirt beneath your boots, and conquering the challenges that come your way.

So, when you finally shake off the dust and settle by your humble campsite, keep this in mind: this is a place where the challenge is the charm, and the adventure is the reward.

Travel Well!