Wyndham

Discover Wyndham

Western Australia's northernmost township, cradled by towering ranges, vast wetlands and epic river systems, Wyndham is a magnet for travellers seeking raw outback beauty and unforgettable adventure. 

Perched on the edge of the Cambridge Gulf, where the King, Pentecost, Durack, Forest and Ord Rivers meet, Wyndham is a dreamscape for artists, photographers and anyone captivated by dramatic natural scenery. Every direction reveals rugged landscapes, sweeping vistas and rick cultural stories waiting to be explored.

Just 106 kilometres from Kununurra, this historic port town was founded in 1886 by government resident Charles Danvers Price and soon became the lifeblood of East Kimberley Trade. Today, Wyndham is home to around 800 residents who welcome visitors with genuine country hospitality and passion for the their remarkable region.

Whether you are chasing history, wildlife encounters, extraordinary lookouts, or simply the charm of a remote Kimberley community, Wyndham invites you to slow down, look closer and discover a place like no other.

The Story of Wyndham

Step back in time and uncover the fascinating story of the the Port of Wyndham, once the lifeline of the Kimberley and a pace where adventure, ambition and outback grit shaped a region.

Established in 1886, the port sprang to life during the Halls Creek gold rush, when thousands of hopeful prospectors passed through its docks in search of fortune. Although the gold rush was short-lived, Wyndham quicky evolved into a vital hub for the booming cattle industry, receiving supplies and exporting cattle across the seas. 

A new chapter began in 1913 with the construction of the Wyndham Meatworks. Opening its doors in 1919, it became the beating heat of the community for decades, exporting Kimberley beef to Britain and providing steady employment until its closure in 1985. Its historic footprint still echoes the town's pioneering spirit.

Communication also changed dramatically with the arrival of the overland telegraph. By 1889, Wyndham was connected to Perth, bridging vast distances. The Wyndham Wireless Station, built in 1914 at the top of Telegraph Hill in Parry Creek Nature Reserve, served ships navigating the gulf and played a role in World War I before closing in 1921.

Wyndham has even found itself in the national spotlight. In the 1930s, it became the Australian landing point for daring aviators chasing new solo flight record between England and Australia. Just a few years later, in 1935, the town became home to the first Australian Inland Mission Aerial Medical Service, today celebrated as the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Wyndham's strategic importance made it a target during World War II. On 3 March 1942, the town was bombed, focusing the attack on the Wyndham Aerodrome and the Meatworks in effect to disrupt operations and supply routes. The event left a deep make on the community, and today it stands as a powerful reminder of the region's resilience and the role Wyndham played during wartime Australia.

Fast forward to today, and Wyndham remains a proud working port. It continues to support the cattle export trade, the mining and tourism industries, and the expansive Ord River Project, standing strong as a gateway to the East Kimberley's past, present and future.

For more local insights and personalised advice for your Wyndham experience, contact the friendly, local team at Kununurra Visitor Centre on 08 9168 1177 or email [email protected].