Explore Kimberley
WA's first gold rush started here in 1885. Remote outback with ancient gorges, boab trees, and rich alluvial deposits along creek systems.
About Kimberley
The Kimberley is where Western Australia's gold story began. In 1885, prospectors struck gold at Halls Creek, triggering the state's first genuine gold rush. Thousands made the brutal journey north, and while many left empty-handed, the region's gold deposits proved real and persistent. Today the Kimberley offers some of the most adventurous prospecting in Australia. The landscape is dramatic - ancient red gorges carved over billions of years, dry creek beds lined with river gums, and the iconic boab trees scattered across vast savanna plains. Gold occurs in alluvial deposits along creek systems, in quartz veins cutting through ancient greenstone, and as coarse nuggets in eluvial material washed down from nearby reefs. This is serious outback country. You need solid preparation, reliable transport, and plenty of water. But for prospectors willing to put in the effort, the Kimberley rewards with both gold and an experience unlike anything else in WA.
Best Prospecting Areas
The top locations to find gold in the Kimberley region.
Halls Creek
Site of WA's first gold rush (1885). Alluvial gold in creek beds and surrounding areas. Historic workings still produce finds.
Lamboo
Rich alluvial deposits along ancient drainage systems. Coarse gold found in creek gravels and exposed bedrock traps.
Ruby Plains
Remote pastoral country with scattered gold occurrences. Requires permission from station owners and serious preparation.
Key Facts
- Site of WA's first gold rush in 1885
- Some of Australia's oldest exposed rock (3.5 billion years)
- Dry season access only - roads close in the wet
- Satellite phone and serious preparation required
- Rich alluvial gold along ancient creek systems
Practical Information
What to know before heading to Kimberley.
Terrain
Red rock gorges, savanna grasslands, boab woodland, dry creek beds. Rugged and remote with limited tracks.
Best Season
May to September (dry season only)
Water Availability
Very limited. Carry all water. Some permanent pools in gorges.
Phone Signal
Very limited. Satellite phone recommended.
Nearest Town
Halls Creek or Kununurra
Detector Recommendation
Minelab GPX 6000 for depth in mineralised ground. PI detectors essential for the hot rocks.
Gold Types Found Here
Historical Notes
"The Halls Creek gold rush of 1885 was WA's first major gold discovery. Prospectors Charles Hall and Jack Slattery found alluvial gold, sparking a rush that drew thousands to some of Australia's most remote and unforgiving country."
Recommended Equipment for Kimberley
Minelab GPX 6000 for depth in mineralised ground. PI detectors essential for the hot rocks.
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