Drysdale River National Park
Park Remote Kimberley park protecting rivers and gorges
Remote Kimberley park centred on the Drysdale River with sandstone gorges, waterfalls and a braided river system; accessed by 4WD or charter, it draws boaters, anglers and wilderness trekkers and contains Aboriginal rock art.
Drysdale River National Park is a large, remote protected area in the Kimberley region of northern Western Australia. It conserves the Drysdale River catchment and surrounding rugged sandstone country.
The area was set aside for conservation to protect the Drysdale River system and the region’s Aboriginal cultural sites; management focuses on preserving natural values and limiting visitor impacts. Traditional owners maintain connections to the land, and some areas require permits for access.
Located in the Kimberley of northern Western Australia, the park lies inland from the northern coastline; the nearest sizable service towns are many hundreds of kilometers away, making it one of the more isolated national parks in the state.
- Access: The park is remote and lies in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, with access typically by four-wheel-drive track, river boat, or air charter depending on season and area visited.
How to Get to Drysdale River National Park #
Access is typically by small aircraft to nearby airstrips (chartered from Broome or Derby) or via extensive 4WD tracks during the dry season. Arrange visits through licensed Kimberley operators or the Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions for current access advice.
Tips for Visiting Drysdale River National Park #
- Book a flight or arrange a charter boat with local Kimberley operators well in advance; infrastructure is minimal and seasonal.
- Bring insect repellent and expect rough, remote conditions; river crossings and tidal estuaries require local knowledge.
Best Time to Visit Drysdale River National Park #
Best visited in the Kimberley dry season (May-October) when tracks, rivers and airstrips are passable.
Weather & Climate near Drysdale River National Park #
Drysdale River National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with very hot summers (peaking in November) and warm winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 13°C to 37°C. Abundant rainfall (1082 mm/year), wettest in February with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is hot with highs of 34°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (259 mm).
Comfort
Weather
February
February is hot with highs of 34°C and lows of 23°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (273 mm).
Comfort
Weather
March
March is hot with highs of 34°C and lows of 23°C. Significant rainfall (180 mm).
Comfort
Weather
April
April is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm).
Comfort
Weather
May
May is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 2 mm.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is mild with highs of 32°C and lows of 13°C. Almost no rain.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is mild with highs of 33°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 2 mm.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is warm with highs of 36°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is hot with highs of 37°C and lows of 22°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is the hottest month with highs of 37°C and lows of 23°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).
Comfort
Weather
December
December is hot with highs of 35°C and lows of 24°C. Significant rainfall (187 mm).
