The Kimberley is a region with complex and diverse geology representing a time frame extending from ancient Proterozoic rocks formed more than 1800 million years ago, to the dune systems and sandstones of more recent times.

In Devonian times (375-350 million years ago) a large part of the Kimberley was covered by a warm shallow sea with fringing coral reefs.

Erosion, geological movement and varying sea levels have changed and sculptured the landform. As the sea level has fallen to its present level, fossilised materials from old sea beds and coral reefs have been exposed by erosion. These exposures now form many of the spectacular gorges of the region.