Nodes in The Kimberley

For a map of the Kimberley region showing the pastoral lease boundaries and names and their tenure, check here: https://researchlibrary.agric.wa.gov.au/gis_maps/6/

As for most of northern Australia, this region is mostly pastoral leases (cattle stations) or Aboriginal freehold. Many pastoral lessees are already diversifying into tourism activities or are interested to do so, including obtaining as required an ILUA or the like. See also https://www.pc.gov.au/research/completed/pastoral-leases, etc.

Climbing thus may well be a sustainable and economically positive tourism activity which, in ILUA-suitable locations, could be not only acceptable to but even appealing to pastoral lessees.

Given that pastoral leases cover around 44% of Australia it would be good to see some headway on access for sustainable and respectful recreational tourism uses such as climbing.

As for most of northern Australia, this region is mostly pastoral leases (cattle stations) or Aboriginal freehold. Many pastoral lessees are already diversifying into tourism activities or are interested to do so, including obtaining as required an ILUA or the like. See also https://www.pc.gov.au/research/completed/pastoral-leases, etc.

Climbing thus may well be a sustainable and economically positive tourism activity which, in ILUA-suitable locations, could be not only acceptable to but even appealing to pastoral lessees.

Given that pastoral leases cover around 44% of Australia it would be good to see some headway on access for sustainable and respectful recreational tourism uses such as climbing.

As for most of northern Australia, this region is mostly pastoral leases (cattle stations) or Aboriginal freehold. Many pastoral lessees are already diversifying into tourism activities or are interested to do so, including obtaining as required an ILUA or the like. See also https://www.pc.gov.au/research/completed/pastoral-leases, etc.

Climbing thus may well be a sustainable and economically positive tourism activity which, in ILUA-suitable locations, could be not only acceptable to but even appealing to pastoral lessees.

Given that pastoral leases cover around 44% of Australia it would be good to see some headway on access for sustainable and respectful recreational tourism uses such as climbing.

As for most of northern Australia, this region is mostly pastoral leases (cattle stations) or Aboriginal freehold. Many pastoral lessees are already diversifying into tourism activities or are interested to do so, including obtaining as required an ILUA or the like. See also https://www.pc.gov.au/research/completed/pastoral-leases, etc.

Climbing thus may well be a sustainable and economically positive tourism activity which, in ILUA-suitable locations, could be not only acceptable to but even appealing to pastoral lessees.

Given that pastoral leases cover around 44% of Australia it would be good to see some headway on access for sustainable and respectful recreational tourism uses such as climbing.

As for most of northern Australia, this region is mostly pastoral leases (cattle stations) or Aboriginal freehold. Many pastoral lessees are already diversifying into tourism activities or are interested to do so, including obtaining as required an ILUA or the like. See also https://www.pc.gov.au/research/completed/pastoral-leases, etc.

Climbing thus may well be a sustainable and economically positive tourism activity which, in ILUA-suitable locations, could be not only acceptable to but even appealing to pastoral lessees.

Given that pastoral leases cover around 44% of Australia it would be good to see some headway on access for sustainable and respectful recreational tourism uses such as climbing.

As for most of northern Australia, this region is mostly pastoral leases (cattle stations) or Aboriginal freehold. Many pastoral lessees are already diversifying into tourism activities or are interested to do so, including obtaining as required an ILUA or the like. See also https://www.pc.gov.au/research/completed/pastoral-leases, etc.

Climbing thus may well be a sustainable and economically positive tourism activity which, in ILUA-suitable locations, could be not only acceptable to but even appealing to pastoral lessees.

Given that pastoral leases cover around 44% of Australia it would be good to see some headway on access for sustainable and respectful recreational tourism uses such as climbing.

As for most of northern Australia, this region is mostly pastoral leases (cattle stations) or Aboriginal freehold. Many pastoral lessees are already diversifying into tourism activities or are interested to do so, including obtaining as required an ILUA or the like. See also https://www.pc.gov.au/research/completed/pastoral-leases, etc.

Climbing thus may well be a sustainable and economically positive tourism activity which, in ILUA-suitable locations, could be not only acceptable to but even appealing to pastoral lessees.

Given that pastoral leases cover around 44% of Australia it would be good to see some headway on access for sustainable and respectful recreational tourism uses such as climbing.

As for most of northern Australia, this region is mostly pastoral leases (cattle stations) or Aboriginal freehold. Many pastoral lessees are already diversifying into tourism activities or are interested to do so, including obtaining as required an ILUA or the like. See also https://www.pc.gov.au/research/completed/pastoral-leases, etc.

Climbing thus may well be a sustainable and economically positive tourism activity which, in ILUA-suitable locations, could be not only acceptable to but even appealing to pastoral lessees.

Given that pastoral leases cover around 44% of Australia it would be good to see some headway on access for sustainable and respectful recreational tourism uses such as climbing.

As for most of northern Australia, this region is mostly pastoral leases (cattle stations) or Aboriginal freehold. Many pastoral lessees are already diversifying into tourism activities or are interested to do so, including obtaining as required an ILUA or the like. See also https://www.pc.gov.au/research/completed/pastoral-leases, etc.

Climbing thus may well be a sustainable and economically positive tourism activity which, in ILUA-suitable locations, could be not only acceptable to but even appealing to pastoral lessees.

Given that pastoral leases cover around 44% of Australia it would be good to see some headway on access for sustainable and respectful recreational tourism uses such as climbing.

As for most of northern Australia, this region is mostly pastoral leases (cattle stations) or Aboriginal freehold. Many pastoral lessees are already diversifying into tourism activities or are interested to do so, including obtaining as required an ILUA or the like. See also https://www.pc.gov.au/research/completed/pastoral-leases, etc.

Climbing thus may well be a sustainable and economically positive tourism activity which, in ILUA-suitable locations, could be not only acceptable to but even appealing to pastoral lessees.

Given that pastoral leases cover around 44% of Australia it would be good to see some headway on access for sustainable and respectful recreational tourism uses such as climbing.

As for most of northern Australia, this region is mostly pastoral leases (cattle stations) or Aboriginal freehold. Many pastoral lessees are already diversifying into tourism activities or are interested to do so, including obtaining as required an ILUA or the like. See also https://www.pc.gov.au/research/completed/pastoral-leases, etc.

Climbing thus may well be a sustainable and economically positive tourism activity which, in ILUA-suitable locations, could be not only acceptable to but even appealing to pastoral lessees.

Given that pastoral leases cover around 44% of Australia it would be good to see some headway on access for sustainable and respectful recreational tourism uses such as climbing.

As for most of northern Australia, this region is mostly pastoral leases (cattle stations) or Aboriginal freehold. Many pastoral lessees are already diversifying into tourism activities or are interested to do so, including obtaining as required an ILUA or the like. See also https://www.pc.gov.au/research/completed/pastoral-leases, etc.

Climbing thus may well be a sustainable and economically positive tourism activity which, in ILUA-suitable locations, could be not only acceptable to but even appealing to pastoral lessees.

Given that pastoral leases cover around 44% of Australia it would be good to see some headway on access for sustainable and respectful recreational tourism uses such as climbing.

As for most of northern Australia, this region is mostly pastoral leases (cattle stations) or Aboriginal freehold. Many pastoral lessees are already diversifying into tourism activities or are interested to do so, including obtaining as required an ILUA or the like. See also https://www.pc.gov.au/research/completed/pastoral-leases, etc.

Climbing thus may well be a sustainable and economically positive tourism activity which, in ILUA-suitable locations, could be not only acceptable to but even appealing to pastoral lessees.

Given that pastoral leases cover around 44% of Australia it would be good to see some headway on access for sustainable and respectful recreational tourism uses such as climbing.

The unlocated climbs may be on Kelly's Knob - the sunset lookout in Kununurra. It is after all super conveniently located and has lots of small 10-15m high rock faces. On the other hand it definitely does not have any 80m+ high sections so the longer routes must be elsewhere. Update this site if you learn more.

Hidden Valley itself (Mirima National Park) almost certainly does not permit climbing. However if you stay at Hidden Valley Caravan Park the rock formations on the property would offer some fun bouldering and/or short TRS problems. Bring red (not white) chalk.

Also known as Elephant Rock, this thin ridgeline is several hundred metres long, and up to 200m high. From a distance, this cliff looks a bit like Arapiles. But on closer inspection, it really is 300ft of muck!

Cross fence and walk down sandy horse track for roughly 300m, as you near the cliff again, look for a large scree slope covered in spinifex, with some 'steeper' lines on it's lower, RHS. The climb takes the large diagonal line, that looks more obvious from a distance and entirely unappealing close up!

1. 45m, 14. Climb slab, to overhang/bulge then up on the RHS into the 'crack'. Follow this for another 25m or so until a good stance.

2. 15m, 10. Continue up past (or next to) some very large and loose blocks and up nose, then into wide left leaning crack to a belay ledge.

3. 15m, 12. Up the line, aiming for a large hanging tree and tricky finish.

4. 15m Scramble to top.

A house sized boulder at the base of Kelly’s Knob, visible from Ironwood road with a cool looking roof. The rock is quite nice, but the broken glass to land on leaves a bit to be desired. Some of the problems will get pretty high.

Left of "The Great Northern". Start with the same hand holds but move left. Up the wall left of the flake.

Start left around the corner from Easy Street. Start with a crimp and a crimpy side pull. Make your way up on the right side of the flake to a jug and traverse to the right. Top out is possible.

The easiest line in the vicinity of the roof, start on the lefthand side and top out over the roof

Climbers R side edge of the overhang. Sit start off the high R jug and lower L.

There is a lot more potential on this boulder, although some clean up may be required beforehand. I hope to get back there again, but it won't be for a while

Sit start below and right from ‘Bottle of Duncan Dust’. Left hand on thin sloper and right on decent side pull. Move directly up, always right of ‘monkey’, to the same top-out. Right hand slopers and left hand crimps.

Not known to author whether climbing is permitted. Don’t climb without confirming. However the local tour company offers a 75m abseil tour here so it’s prob worth investigating. The waterfall is bone dry by May so the main drop would be climbable after that. The black rock of the water course looks really solid and is an impressive wall. Trad gear might be sparse - would need RPs. The wall left of the falls gets smaller but is still 40m+, with some nice compact orange sections but also sections with more detached blocks, and heaps of snake skins along the base.

28km east of Kununurra, near Four Mile Rd. Lots of small outcrops and boulder fields within 20-200m of highway on both sides, some apparently even within the road easement. Not known to author whether access is allowed or climbing is permitted, don’t climb without confirming. But heaps of convenient bouldering potential if so.

As for most of northern Australia, this region is mostly pastoral leases (cattle stations) or Aboriginal freehold. Many pastoral lessees are already diversifying into tourism activities or are interested to do so, including obtaining as required an ILUA or the like. See also https://www.pc.gov.au/research/completed/pastoral-leases, etc.

Climbing thus may well be a sustainable and economically positive tourism activity which, in ILUA-suitable locations, could be not only acceptable to but even appealing to pastoral lessees.

Given that pastoral leases cover around 44% of Australia it would be good to see some headway on access for sustainable and respectful recreational tourism uses such as climbing.

As for most of northern Australia, this region is mostly pastoral leases (cattle stations) or Aboriginal freehold. Many pastoral lessees are already diversifying into tourism activities or are interested to do so, including obtaining as required an ILUA or the like. See also https://www.pc.gov.au/research/completed/pastoral-leases, etc.

Climbing thus may well be a sustainable and economically positive tourism activity which, in ILUA-suitable locations, could be not only acceptable to but even appealing to pastoral lessees.

Given that pastoral leases cover around 44% of Australia it would be good to see some headway on access for sustainable and respectful recreational tourism uses such as climbing.

As for most of northern Australia, this region is mostly pastoral leases (cattle stations) or Aboriginal freehold. Many pastoral lessees are already diversifying into tourism activities or are interested to do so, including obtaining as required an ILUA or the like. See also https://www.pc.gov.au/research/completed/pastoral-leases, etc.

Climbing thus may well be a sustainable and economically positive tourism activity which, in ILUA-suitable locations, could be not only acceptable to but even appealing to pastoral lessees.

Given that pastoral leases cover around 44% of Australia it would be good to see some headway on access for sustainable and respectful recreational tourism uses such as climbing.

well, a little bit weird movements through the crag. Excellent stone, but definitely not limestone.

This area is on the way in to the Mirima NP, across the cemetery. There are some boulders and some higher walls which might be good for climbing.

Location -15.773000,128.747000. Sit start, with the hands on the big ledge and a heel hock with the right foot. A very reachy move up to crack under the roof. Move along this crack to the final hold.

The amount of climbing and First Ascenting possibilities are currently near limitless on the Ord River. Get it while the gettings good.

The first developed cliff you will find paddling down the river from the dam is on the left of the river and is a series of tiered cliffs between 10 and 20m tall. Afternoon shade.

Please stay out of caves people - don't mess with (or climb on) and cultural sites

Please stay out of caves people - don't mess with (or climb on) and cultural sites

Please stay out of caves people - don't mess with (or climb on) and cultural sites

Please stay out of caves people - don't mess with (or climb on) and cultural sites

Please stay out of caves people - don't mess with (or climb on) and cultural sites

Please stay out of caves people - don't mess with (or climb on) and cultural sites

Please stay out of caves people - don't mess with (or climb on) and cultural sites

Left hand side of bootshaped flake in Carlton Gorge

Please stay out of caves people - don't mess with (or climb on) and cultural sites

Please stay out of caves people - don't mess with (or climb on) and cultural sites

Please stay out of caves people - don't mess with (or climb on) and cultural sites

The best single pitch on the Ord - on borderline Arapilesean rock. Up twin cracks on slightly overhung rock, scramble out R for last 10m

The left most of the three diagonals rewards you with a fun offwidth and some steep climbing after a low crux. 1) 35m 19 Tricky reachy move at 8m when crack seams up leads to delightful jamming. Then #6 offwidth to bodychimney, belay in alcove. 2) 35m 15 Navigate steep twin crack from belay stance, then easy ramble to top.

Please stay out of caves people - don't mess with (or climb on) and cultural sites

Please stay out of caves people - don't mess with (or climb on) and cultural sites

Please stay out of caves people - don't mess with (or climb on) and cultural sites

Please stay out of caves people - don't mess with (or climb on) and cultural sites

Please stay out of caves people - don't mess with (or climb on) and cultural sites

20m to the right of detached pinnacle and left of the Dog Leg Gully there are two cracks-one wide, jagged and nasty on the left and one thin on the right. 1) 25m 15 Starting up the wide jagged crack to bulge leading fist crack, belay at stance. 2) 40m 13 Continue climbing the plumb line up crack, leading to beautiful face climbing on solid rock. *alternative first pitch up the right hand crack looks much better

Please stay out of caves people - don't mess with (or climb on) and cultural sites

Please stay out of caves people - don't mess with (or climb on) and cultural sites

Please stay out of caves people - don't mess with (or climb on) and cultural sites

Please stay out of caves people - don't mess with (or climb on) and cultural sites

Please stay out of caves people - don't mess with (or climb on) and cultural sites

Please stay out of caves people - don't mess with (or climb on) and cultural sites

The prominent corner visible from the river will not disappoint and will look even more imposing from the base-very zionesque. It is well worth the walk into the Badlands. 1) 28m Climb the smooth quarzite wall of the LH of chimney which lead into a #6 crack. Belay at the small ledge at the base of the corner proper. 2) 32m (13) The pitch you scrub bashed for! Initial squeeze is followed by glorious jamming of all sizes and chimneying.

Please stay out of caves people - don't mess with (or climb on) and cultural sites

Please stay out of caves people - don't mess with (or climb on) and cultural sites

Please stay out of caves people - don't mess with (or climb on) and cultural sites

Please stay out of caves people - don't mess with (or climb on) and cultural sites

Please stay out of caves people - don't mess with (or climb on) and cultural sites

Please stay out of caves people - don't mess with (or climb on) and cultural sites

80m upstream from RM there is an obvious chimney the middle of smooth white quartzite face, this climbs starts directly below this. 1) 35m (20) From base of cliffs avoid obvious corner* that leads to the chimney instead solo up slightly left to reach base of the of the vertical wall with thin crack. Climb thin crack with difficulty until it widens and becomes sandy, escap right via airy traverse to belay in corner at base of chimney. 2) 40m Up corner to headwall chimney with glorious rock. *alternative first pitch up corner would make the entire climb go at grade 12, and would likely still be a worthwhile outing.

Please stay out of caves people - don't mess with (or climb on) and cultural sites

Please stay out of caves people - don't mess with (or climb on) and cultural sites

Please stay out of caves people - don't mess with (or climb on) and cultural sites

Please stay out of caves people - don't mess with (or climb on) and cultural sites

Please stay out of caves people - don't mess with (or climb on) and cultural sites

Please stay out of caves people - don't mess with (or climb on) and cultural sites

Please stay out of caves people - don't mess with (or climb on) and cultural sites

Just downstream from the ord dam, and an easy walk from the Caravan Park.

Most climbs not described, but summary descriptions for the DWS found on this worthwhile canoe trip.

The following routes are at "Jump Rock", about 31km Downstream.

Climbs the 'side face' of Jump Rock.

Front face on thin edges.

Face and Steep arete L of jump rock. Good climbing.

Overlaps / overhangs L of the Arete. Grade unsure.

As for most of northern Australia, this region is mostly pastoral leases (cattle stations) or Aboriginal freehold. Many pastoral lessees are already diversifying into tourism activities or are interested to do so, including obtaining as required an ILUA or the like. See also https://www.pc.gov.au/research/completed/pastoral-leases, etc.

Climbing thus may well be a sustainable and economically positive tourism activity which, in ILUA-suitable locations, could be not only acceptable to but even appealing to pastoral lessees.

Given that pastoral leases cover around 44% of Australia it would be good to see some headway on access for sustainable and respectful recreational tourism uses such as climbing.

Upstream to waterfalls in King George River

As for most of northern Australia, this region is mostly pastoral leases (cattle stations) or Aboriginal freehold. Many pastoral lessees are already diversifying into tourism activities or are interested to do so, including obtaining as required an ILUA or the like. See also https://www.pc.gov.au/research/completed/pastoral-leases, etc.

Climbing thus may well be a sustainable and economically positive tourism activity which, in ILUA-suitable locations, could be not only acceptable to but even appealing to pastoral lessees.

Given that pastoral leases cover around 44% of Australia it would be good to see some headway on access for sustainable and respectful recreational tourism uses such as climbing.

As for most of northern Australia, this region is mostly pastoral leases (cattle stations) or Aboriginal freehold. Many pastoral lessees are already diversifying into tourism activities or are interested to do so, including obtaining as required an ILUA or the like. See also https://www.pc.gov.au/research/completed/pastoral-leases, etc.

Climbing thus may well be a sustainable and economically positive tourism activity which, in ILUA-suitable locations, could be not only acceptable to but even appealing to pastoral lessees.

Given that pastoral leases cover around 44% of Australia it would be good to see some headway on access for sustainable and respectful recreational tourism uses such as climbing.

As for most of northern Australia, this region is mostly pastoral leases (cattle stations) or Aboriginal freehold. Many pastoral lessees are already diversifying into tourism activities or are interested to do so, including obtaining as required an ILUA or the like. See also https://www.pc.gov.au/research/completed/pastoral-leases, etc.

Climbing thus may well be a sustainable and economically positive tourism activity which, in ILUA-suitable locations, could be not only acceptable to but even appealing to pastoral lessees.

Given that pastoral leases cover around 44% of Australia it would be good to see some headway on access for sustainable and respectful recreational tourism uses such as climbing.

As for most of northern Australia, this region is mostly pastoral leases (cattle stations) or Aboriginal freehold. Many pastoral lessees are already diversifying into tourism activities or are interested to do so, including obtaining as required an ILUA or the like. See also https://www.pc.gov.au/research/completed/pastoral-leases, etc.

Climbing thus may well be a sustainable and economically positive tourism activity which, in ILUA-suitable locations, could be not only acceptable to but even appealing to pastoral lessees.

Given that pastoral leases cover around 44% of Australia it would be good to see some headway on access for sustainable and respectful recreational tourism uses such as climbing.

The eastern end of the Gibb River Rd - east of the Pentecost - which generally overlaps the El Questro lease. You don't necessarily need 4WD if you're coming from Kununurra and not crossing the Pentecost River (whether on the GRR, or to get into the El Questro station proper).

At present there's "only" a bit of DWS possible here, of the wet-DWS style, swim over and pull on, then jump back in.

Some very interesting walls up and down the gorge however.

The following climbs are at Mac Minking Pool (El-Questro). Lovely walk to a DWS surprise right at the top pool. Avoid busy times, if that is possible. NB: No other DWS at other gorges: eg Amalia or Chamberlain.

Tricky (wet) boulder problem R from the water fall leads to easier climbing straight up... then it get's a bit dirty and blanks out at about 10m, but there might be a way through if you can brave it. Super fun considering the location.

Wet-DWS problem starting in the water up the juggy arete a few metres R of the waterfall.