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Donkey Pools, Charnley Station, Kimberley Donkey Pools, Charnley Station, Kimberley

Bush Walk  in North West

  • Less than 1 hour
  • 0.6 km
    • Bush Walk Class 3

      Moderate trail that may have short steep hills, rough surface, many steps or some rock hopping. Directional signage. Some bushwalking experience and moderate fitness required.

The Donkey Pool trailhead is a 9km 4WD drive from the Charnley River Wilderness Camp. There are actually three separate but very pretty pools in a watercourse that is a rushing torrent in the wet season. The furthest pool is a 630metre one-way hike. To get to all three pools requires quite a bit of rock scrambling.

There are 3 pools to explore
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The Donkey Pool trailhead is a 9km 4WD drive from the Charnley River Wilderness Camp. There are actually three separate but very pretty pools in a watercourse that is a rushing torrent in the wet season. The first couple of pools are small, but come with beautiful water lily’s. There is a lot of birdlife to observe if you stay still enough. Reptiles are also prevalent including water goannas and the occasional snake. 

The furthest pool is a 630metre one-way hike. To get to all three pools requires quite a bit of rock scrambling. The last pool is considered the best, as it is big enough for a cooling swim. Like a lizard, you can lay in the early morning sun on the water-smoothed rocky banks. It is a stunningly beautiful spot and worth lingering for a couple hours and enjoy lunch. The trail is very clearly marked. 

Australian Wildlife Conservancy

(08) 9191 4646

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Be trail ready for Donkey Pools, Charnley Station, Kimberley

Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.

Time / Duration

Under 10 minutes walk each way

Length

1.2km return

Trail Start

9km from the camp at Charnley station, 300km east of Derby, Derby is 2400km north of Perth

Get directions

Trail End

Bush Walk

Class 3

Moderate trail that may have short steep hills, rough surface, many steps or some rock hopping. Directional signage. Some bushwalking experience and moderate fitness required.

Visit Trail Tips for further information.

Additional information

Rock hopping

What To Pack

Facilities

A mud map is available from the Station
  • Camping
  • Car Park

Best time of year

May to October. The dry season in the Kimberley

Fees

Entry and camping fees apply

Trail Access

Air, Drive or Bus to Broome 2200km north of Perth, 4WD to Station

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