New ABC documentary showcases rare wildlife and landscapes
By Ashmeeta Subra 22 May 2025
“The Kimberley” wildlife series features rare animal behaviours and breathtaking landscapes from Australia's untamed Kimberley region, unveiling stunning footage of endangered species and wilderness.
ABC’s new three-part wildlife documentary, The Kimberley, showcases the untouched beauty and rare wildlife of one of the world’s most extraordinary ecosystems. Located in the remote north-western part of Australia and covering more than 400,000 square kilometres (around 30 times the size of the Serengeti), the region remains largely unknown to much of the world despite its vast size and ecological richness.
Hosted by Nyikina actor Mark Coles Smith, the series delves into the region’s ecosystems, from the flooding rains of Wilakarra to the vibrant landscapes of Koolawa and the return of humpback whales during Barrkana. Spaning a full year, the series takes viewers through the six seasons of the Kimberley, starting in Lalin, where wallabies face the threat of crocodiles while searching for water in the harsh dry season.
Viewers will witness never-before-seen animal behaviours in places that have only been visited by the land’s Traditional Owners. Using cinema-grade cameras, the crew worked with Indigenous rangers, Traditional Owners and scientists to capture breathtaking footage throughout the series. The documentary also combines local Nyikina knowledge with expert scientific insight, offering a deeper understanding of the wilderness.
One of the most significant discoveries in the series is the elusive nabarlek, a critically endangered marsupial that had never been filmed before. After camping on an uninhabited island for a week, filmmaker Nick Robinson and his team were fortunate enough to capture footage of the nabarlek and its young.
Robinson hopes that the documentary series will raise awareness about the region’s importance and help preserve its wilderness for future generations.
"The Kimberley is probably the last, great, tropical, wild land on Earth," Robinson said in a statement.
"There’s nowhere on the planet that’s as wild and has the potential to remain wild like that place."
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With background in international relations and marketing communications, Ashmeeta is excited to use her skills to encourage positive environmental actions through Planet Ark. She believes that by taking small actions, we can help make a big difference and be good stewards of our planet. She also loves spending time in nature and being at the beach.
