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Stretching from the Northern Territory border in the east, across to the coast in the west and south to the Great Sandy Desert, the wild and remote spectacular area known as the Kimberley is one of the countries last great frontiers, with its increasing popularity for the seeker of Outback Adventure, the region offers one of the most spectacularly rugged coast line in the world. A place of soaring red cliffs and cascading waterfalls, tidal rivers lined with dense Rainforest, sprawling mangroves, and all are teeming with wild life.
The region was named in 1880 after the Earl of Kimberley, the then British Secretary of State. At 300,000 square kilometres, over three times the size of England, its ancient and complex geology presents a landscape of spectacular gorges, waterfalls and the intriguing famous Bungle Bungles.
The region's flora, including eucalyptus, acacia, grevillea and pandanus species is typical of Australia's Tropical Savannahs but it’s outstanding flora are the Mitchell Plateau's vast stands of fan palms and the magnificent boab trees which are unique to the region.
Fauna of the region is again typical of the north's Tropical Savannahs. Wildlife is not conspicuous in this landscape mainly due to its rugged form and the fact that most rest in the shade during the hot days. Nevertheless, the region is home to Freshwater and Saltwater crocodiles, while mammals are most frequently represented by Agile Wallabies and Wallaroos. Birds are abundant with the rare and endangered Purple-crowned Fairy-wren one of its prizes.
The Kimberley's post contact history is centred on gold and cattle with agriculture, other mining (zinc and diamonds) and tourism adding to its contemporary economy. Along with an increasing tourism industry, the region boasts Argyle Diamond Mine, the world's largest diamond mine and the enormous man-made Lake Argyle which feeds the impressive Ord Irrigation Area near Kununurra.
The area still remains virtually unspoilt, and for the very simple reason, it’s remote.
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