We worked our way south from Kununurra through a string of swimming holes, talked our way into a hidden waterfall behind a locked gate, and spent a humbling morning on country with a Gija traditional owner at Violet Valley.

When you think Pilbara, you think red dirt, spinifex, heat haze stretching to the horizon. You don't think paper barks, crystal clear water, rope swings. But that's exactly what we found, four times back to back. From a hidden waterway off Skull Springs Road to a gorge wall that has to be seen to be believed, these Pilbara free camps were some of the best free camping we've ever done.