[1] The gorge was formed by the Lennard River having eroded away a 3.5 kilometres (2 mi) section of the Napier Range.

The range was formed over 300 million years ago and is composed of Devonian limestone.

The area is a popular tourist destination and can be easily hiked through in the dry season.

The locale is prominent in the recent history of the Bunuba people of the Kimberly region.

In late 1894, a posse of 30 or so heavily armed police and settlers attacked Jandamarra and his followers in Windjana Gorge.