Punamii Uunpuu (Mitchell Falls): How to Get There and Where to Stay in 2025
Visiting Punamii Uunpuu (Mitchell Falls) is an adventure like no other, combining challenging terrain with a breathtaking landscape. This iconic natural wonder, is tucked deep in the remote Kimberley region, is as demanding as it is unforgettable. My journey involves navigating dusty roads, rugged river crossings, and unpredictable conditions—especially if you’re like me and get caught in an off-season storm event!
Every corrugation, washout, and twist in the road tested my vehicle and my resolve, but each challenge brought me closer to the prize, Mitchell Falls. Proper preparation is essential, and a little ingenuity—think duct tape and cable ties for on-the-spot repairs—goes a long way.
This guide will help you plan your trip, from tackling the roads to finding the best places to stay, ensuring you’re ready to experience this remarkable destination in 2025.
The Road Trip to the Punamii Uunpuu (Mitchell Falls)
My journey began with the legendary Gibb River Road. This 660-kilometer stretch leds you 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. Check out my post on Discovering the Highlights of the Gibb River Road, WA to help plan your trip. 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. Complete a 4×4 Course before heading the road.
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.
King Edward River Crossing
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’re traveling with a caravan, you can stay at Drysdale River Station along the Gibb River Road or at the Munurru Campground on the Mitchell Plateau. Keep in mind that this road is strictly 4×4 territory for caravans. For those seeking a touch more comfort, take a look at my guide to Luxury Stays on the Gibb River Road 2025. These options offer a more relaxed and convenient way to reach Punamii Uunpuu (Mitchell Falls), combining adventure with ease.
Munurru Campground located at the turnoff to Punamii Uunpuu (Mitchell Falls)
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 a pass 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.
So, whether it’s chasing waterfalls, soaking in the camping vibes, or enjoying some outback hospitality, Drysdale Station is your spot on the Gibb River Road. It’s like your adventure pit stop where comfort and old-fashioned hospitality meet.
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.
Arriving early in the afternoon, I set up camp and then made my way to the Punamii Uunpuu (Mitchell Falls) Helicopter Transfer to book a flight for the following day. Ideally, I would have preferred to hike up and fly down, but without booking in advance, my options were limited. Traveling solo also meant I needed to fit into an available slot, but I was grateful to secure the flight nonetheless. I do sometimes prefer not to book in advance because I don’t want to feel tied down to a schedule. This gives me the freedom to stay longer in places that resonate with me or leave sooner if I feel ready to move on. While it offers flexibility and spontaneity, which I love, it can sometimes lead to challenges or even missing out, but for me, the freedom to explore at my own pace is worth it.
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 journey was all about embracing the unknown and facing challenges, both external and internal, head-on. I won’t sugarcoat it—there were moments when pushing forward wasn’t easy. But it’s precisely that effort that makes this one of my Top 10 Road Trips in Western Australia. It was truly an unforgettable experience.
As you shake off the dust and settle into your campsite at the end of the day, remember this: the challenges are what make this adventure so rewarding, and every step of the journey is part of the charm.
Travel Well!