Drysdale River

The Drysdale River is one of the great wilderness rivers of the Kimberley. Flowing for more than 400 kilometres through remote country in Western Australia, it eventually reaches the tidal waters of Napier Broome Bay on the north Kimberley coast.

For travellers on a Kimberley cruise, exploring the lower reaches of the Drysdale River offers a chance to experience a quieter side of the Kimberley, away from the better-known attractions. Here, mangrove-lined channels, sandstone cliffs, tidal rapids and wildlife create an unforgettable expedition experience.

Where is the Drysdale River?

The Drysdale River lies in the remote north Kimberley, flowing north towards Napier Broome Bay and passing through the vast Drysdale River National Park.

The national park is one of the Kimberley’s most isolated wilderness areas, with no vehicle access into the park itself. This remoteness makes the river particularly well suited to exploration by boat, with Kimberley cruise ships able to approach from the coast before transferring passengers into smaller expedition boats.

As you enter the river system, the landscape changes from the open Kimberley coast to winding waterways bordered by mangroves, paperbarks and sandstone. Small boats can navigate the narrower channels and tidal waterways that are inaccessible to larger vessels. Further upstream, the river becomes increasingly rugged, with sandstone gorges, rapids, pools and waterfalls creating spectacular scenery.

Wildlife on the Drysdale River

The Drysdale River and its wetlands support a huge variety of Kimberley birds and other animals including saltwater crocodiles. Historical biological surveys record 129 species of birds, 26 native mammal species, 47 reptile species, 13 frog species and 26 species of freshwater fish. Birds recorded in the park include the Gouldian finch, purple-crowned fairy-wren, grey falcon and peregrine falcon.

The park’s vegetation is equally diverse. Open savannah woodland dominates much of the landscape, while the riverbanks support denser riverine vegetation including paperbarks, figs, pandanus and other species. Small pockets of rainforest are also found within the park.

Ancient Aboriginal culture

Aboriginal people have lived in and travelled through the north Kimberley for thousands of years, and the region contains numerous significant cultural sites. Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) figures can be found in sheltered sandstone gorge overhangs along the course of the Drysdale. These distinctive paintings are an important part of the cultural landscape of the Kimberley and are connected to the continuing relationship between Traditional Owners and Country.

Parks and Wildlife recognises the Balanggarra and Wilinggin people as Traditional Owners of Drysdale River National Park.

Discover the Drysdale River on a Kimberley cruise

For travellers looking for the wilder side of a Kimberley cruise, the Drysdale River is an extraordinary place to explore. At Kimberley Cruise Centre, our family specialises in cruising this remote coastline that we call home (and have for over 25 years!) and we can help you find an itinerary that includes the destinations and experiences you want to see along the Kimberley coast. Email or call us today!