Lillimooloora
Windjana Gorge National Park, Broome, Western Australia, 6728
Located within Windjana Gorge National Park, these ruins built from local limestone in 1884 are all that is left of the Lillimooloora homestead and police station—the site of the historic clash between the region’s Aboriginal residents and settlers. Today, only the ruined sandstone walls of the police station remain—sitting on a plane with cliffs rising behind them, they seem out of place in the wild surroundings.
The basics
The ruins lie in remote Bandilngan (Windjana Gorge) National Park in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. While the park is popular with campers and hikers, it's open only during the dry season, usually from May to November. Visiting requires some planning. Some 4WD and multi-day camping tours visit the park, but only sometimes stop at the ruins. The best way to see them is to take your 4WD along Leopold Downs Road.
Things to know before you go
The ruins are a must-visit for travelers interested in Australian Aboriginal history.
Camping and parking are available at the Bandilngan (Windjana Gorge) National Park campsite along the Lennard River.
The campground is the only place to stay in the park, and has bathrooms with showers.
Entering and camping in the park require fees.
Keep an eye out for crocodiles.
Leopold Downs Road Is unpaved. While 2WD vehicles are technically allowed, 4WD vehicles are recommended.
How to get there
The national park is about 70 miles (113 kilometers) from Fitzroy Crossing on Leopold Downs Road, accessed from National Highway 1. The best way to reach it is with your own 4WD or on tours from Broome. There's also an airfield for travelers who can arrange private flights.
When to get there
Bandilngan (Windjana Gorge) National Park is open during the Australian dry season, usually from May to November. The Lennard River running through the gorge overflows during the wet season, when the roads become inaccessible. Generally, the dry season is also the best time to visit the Kimberley region, as the temperatures become relatively mild and the dry weather kicks off the wildflower season.
Visiting Tunnel Creek National Park
The homestead ruins are close to Tunnel Creek National Park, which can be seen on the same trip; travelers typically camp at Windjana and spend a day or two exploring the area. About 19 miles (30 kilometers) southeast of Windjana, Tunnel Creek is known for housing one of the oldest cave systems in Western Australia: a 2,500-foot (750-meter) tunnel cutting through the limestone Napier range and an ancient reef system. The cave is accessible, but dark in places—bring a flashlight.
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