What the track involves

The Mitchell Plateau Track is the Port Warrender Road. It leaves the Kalumburu Road about 160 km north of the Gibb River Road and runs about 85 km to Mitchell Falls Campground in Mitchell River National Park. The track is narrow, winding and at times extremely rough, with washouts and corrugations, and the park is open to 4WD vehicles only. Drysdale River Station, 59 km up the Kalumburu Road, is the last fuel on the way in. From the campground, the walk to Mitchell Falls is 8.6 km return and takes four to six hours.

What permitted means for your hire

Permitted means the conditions of hire allow the camper on the Mitchell Plateau Track, and the standard insurance applies while you are there. It does not reserve a vehicle or a date, and not every camper permitted on the Gibb River Road is permitted here, so check the camper you book. Check the equipment list on each camper for the second spare wheel, the compressor and the UHF radio. You add the Uunguu Visitor Pass, the fuel range and the road report on the day you leave.

Questions about the Mitchell Plateau Track

Do I need a permit to visit the Mitchell Plateau?

Yes. Every visitor needs an Uunguu Visitor Pass from the Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation; travelers by 4WD need the Ngauwudu Road Zone pass, which includes the Mitchell Falls walk. Buy it online before you set off, because there is no public internet or phone access on Wunambal Gaambera Country.

When can I drive to the Mitchell Plateau?

Only in the dry season. There are no fixed dates; the Kalumburu Road and the Port Warrender Road open when the rivers allow. The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley publishes the road reports for both.

Where do I camp?

At Mitchell Falls Campground, at the start of the falls walk, or at Munurru on the King Edward River. Both charge camping fees and have basic toilets. Mitchell Falls Campground cannot be booked and works on a first come, first served basis.

Is Mitchell Falls worth the detour on a short trip?

Only if you have the days to spare. From the Gibb River Road the detour is about 250 km each way on slow, rough roads, plus a four to six hour walk at the end. If your itinerary is already tight, we recommend leaving Mitchell Falls out and spending that time at the gorges and campsites along the Gibb River Road itself.