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4WD Itinerary - Darwin to Broome (14 Days, 2722 KM)

The Kimberly region of Western Australia is a place many only ever dream of visiting. However, this 14 day adventure from Darwin to Broome will make this dream a reality.

The journey begins in Darwin, the capital city of the Northern Territory, taking you into the wildlife wonderland of the Litchfield National Park. Stop-overs in Timber Creek and Kununurra provide great places to stock up and take it easy before you embark on the trek along the Gibb River Road. This adventure will take you to wonderful places like Drysdale River and Mitchell Falls, before you begin a discovery of some of Australia's most spectacular gorges.

Your holiday will come to a close with a visit to the town of Derby and an eventual end in Broome. This trip will take you past some of this country's most spectacular scenery and allow you to discover a world you may have never before thought possible.

Day 1/2 - Darwin to Litchfield National Park (135 KM)

Begin your journey in Darwin: the multi-cultural capital city of the Northern Territory. Boasting a rich Indigenous culture, an eclectic mix of lifestyle options, along with a close proximity to some of the state's best National Parks, this city is a must to be explored on this amazing adventure.

Situated just up the road from Darwin (135 kilometres to be exact), Litchfield National Park is one of the Northern Territory's most diverse environmental areas. Home to rugged sandstone escarpments, hidden pockets of rainforest, awe-inspiring waterfalls and majestic termite mounds, this National Park is among our nation's best.

*Since the drive from Litchfield National Park to Timber Creek is so long, you may want to only spend a day here. However, the park is so vast two days will probably be required to explore it with any depth.

Degree of Difficulty: Easy

Where to Stay:

Tjaynera Falls (Sandy Creek) Campground

While only suitable for camping during the dry season, this campground is spectacular all year round. Positioned in an open valley of paperbarks, the plunge pool offers an idyllic setting that simply can't be passed up.

Toilet and shower facilities are provided.

Don't Miss:

Florence Falls

These spectacular falls cascade into a plunge pool of the clearest and cleanest water around. Take a refreshing dip in the cool waters after trekking along the scenic walk that highlights the beauty of the falls and its surrounding rainforest.

4WD in Litchfield

Put your 4WD camper to good use and discover the routes to the Blythe Homestead Ruins and the weathered sandstone columns of the Lost City. While you are at it, be sure to check out some of the thousands of termite mounds that frequent these parts.

Day 3 - Timber Creek (600 KM)

Regarded by many as a "traveller's oasis", the small town of Timber Creek is fast becoming a popular stop off point for travellers of the Kimberly region. Nestled right on the doorstep of the Gregory National Park, this town is a must for lovers of nature and fishing.

Degree of Difficulty: Easy

Where to Stay:

Big Horse Creek Campground

Nestled on the banks of the Victoria River, this campground is a popular spot for fishers and 4WD travelers. Crocodiles tend to lurk in the waters around this area, so swimming is not permitted, but boating and fishing is definitely a must.

Toilets and solar powered lights are available on site.

Phone: (08) 8975 0888

Don't Miss:

Gregory National Park

An ideal park for 4WD enthusiasts, this park is home to dramatic escarpments, striking gorges and some of the country's most fascinating flora and fauna. Access to the park can be found just 10 kilometres east of Timber Creek.

Victoria River

The beautiful Victoria River runs through some of the Territory's most stunning gorges and valleys. Perfect for Barramundi fishing, this river offers some great picnic spots and is ideal for boaters.

Day 4 - Kununurra (226 KM)

Kununurra is known as the "Gateway to the East Kimberley" and for good reason. While it may be the youngest town in the region, it has quickly grown to become the area's major regional town. This vibrant centre offers modern services and facilities, combined with a close proximity to some truly remarkable natural attractions.

The ideal spot to top up on supplies, refuel and get back in touch with modernity, Kununurra is sure to please.

Degree of Difficulty: Easy

Where to Stay:

Discovery Holiday Park, Lake Kununurra

Positioned on the shores of Lake Kununurra, this BIG4 Holiday Park is a popular with the tourists, mostly owing to its prime position on the lake and its excellent facilities. Hire a dinghy or canoe and get out on the water for a spot of fishing, or simply a leisurely cruise.

The park offers a great atmosphere, with a pool and BBQ facilities readily available and all the peace and quiet you could ask for.

Don't Miss:

Kelly's Knob Lookout

Catch the East Kimberley sunset from this remarkable lookout and you will experience one of the most beautiful sights around. The lookout also offers spectacular views of the township and its surrounding areas so be sure to bring the camera along.

Lake Argyle/ Ord Valley

This lake is perfect for a bit of croc spotting, so if you are game, climb aboard a boat and be prepared to discover one of the world's most unique lakes.

Day 5 - El Questro Station (81 KM)

Journey just 81 kilometres further down the road and you will come across El Questro Wilderness Park. This is one of the region's favourite places, offering 1 million acres of pristine, untouched land that is simply dying to be discovered. Explore the acres of rainforest pockets, rugged ranges and pumping waterfalls and begin to appreciate the true beauty of Northern Australia.

Degree of Difficulty: Difficulty

Where to Stay:

The station offers great accommodation options for 4WD campers, set in the beautiful surroundings of the park, allowing visitors to enjoy comfort and exquisite settings in one.

Phone: 1300 233 432

Don't Miss:

Cockburn Range

Although usually understated, the Cockburn Range of the Kimberley Region is majestic in its own right. Stunning orange cliffs characterize this ideal 4WDing area, offering spectacular views from a wide range of angles. Shaped like a round fortress, these ranges are full of hidden valleys and rock pools, all of which are wonderfully charming and inviting.

Day 6 - Drysdale River Station - Miners Pool (294 KM)

This working cattle station captures everything the Australian way of life is into one place. Situated 59 kilometres off the Gibb River Road, on the way to Mitchell Falls, this place is a great stopping point for those wishing to experience Australian outback life at its best.

Degree of Difficulty: Moderate

Where to Stay:

The camp area at the station is situated right on the water's edge of the beautiful Drysdale River, while an alternative site can be found on the banks of the Miner's Pool. The homestead camp is also great for hot showers and toilets, however, the views aren't quite as amazing.

Phone: (08) 91614326

Don't Miss:

Alligator Air

During the months of May through to September, Alligator Air offers aeroplane flights to the Prince Regent Nature Reserve and Mitchell Falls. The view you gain from this angle is like no other as it exposes you to the pristine coast, islands and wilderness nature reserves. This flight is definitely one you will want to take.

Day 7 - Mitchell Falls (192 KM)

Easily one of the most beautiful attractions of the Kimberley, Mitchell Falls and Mitchell Plateau will no doubt be the highlight of your trip. Although the actually journey to the falls is a long and sometimes treacherous one, the sights you see once you get there make the effort extremely worthwhile.

The Mitchell Falls National Park is characterized by the variety of unique wildlife and the diversity of flora found in its corners. While a lot of the area is comprised on mangroves and swamps, there is the odd rainforest pocket here and there, and the plateau and falls never fail to please.

Degree of Difficulty: Moderate

Where to Stay:

Mitchell Falls Camping Area

The camping area at Mitchell Plateau is huge, with lots of space to set up your 4WD camper for the night. One of the great things about each of the sites is that they each offer a huge fireplace, which comes in very handy during the cold nights.

Toilets are available in the campgrounds, but there are no showers.

Don't Miss:

The Mitchell Plateau Track

This 4WD track will take you close to the edge of the plateau, displaying some of the most spectacular views around. While the road can be a little tricky at times, especially at the King Edward River Crossing, it is definitely worth a go.

Day 8 - Mount Barnett (316 KM)

Located just off the Gibb River Road, Mt Barnett is a great place for those wishing to visit the Manning Gorge. Mt Barnett itself is an extremely small place, consisting of a roadhouse and not a lot else. However, the gorge makes this place completely worthwhile, along with the change to stock up on fuel and supplies.

Degree of Difficulty: Moderate

Where to Stay:

Manning Gorge Campground

Camping in the Manning Gorge is the perfect way to spend the 8th night of your Darwin to Broome adventure. The camp site is only accessible via the Barnett Roadhouse and fees are payable to gain access. However, the site's position right on the banks of a cool water pool make this the perfect place for relaxing and taking it easy after a day of bushwalking.

Don't Miss:

Upper Manning Gorge

Accessible by a 3 kilometre walking track, the Upper Manning Gorge is a truly spectacular place to do a spot of bush walking. Once you reach the end of the track you will be met with a (usually flowing) superb waterfall that falls into a lovely rock pool that is ideal for a refreshing dip.

Day 9 - Adcock Gorge, King Leopold Ranges (36.5 KM)

Located just 5 kilometres off the Gibb River Road, Adcock Gorge is one of the many stunning gorges that comprise the Kimberley region. A walk is available that will take you into the heart of this magnificent gorge, and which eventually leads to a lovely green pond, with a small waterfall pumping into it. Surrounded by grassy edges and attractive ferns, this gorge is truly beautiful and never fails to disappoint.

Degree of Difficulty: Moderate

Where to Stay:

Mt Elizabeth Station

The campground at the Mt Elizabeth Station is a pleasant place to stay and will provide a refreshing break from the driving. Shady trees allow for a pleasant breeze throughout most of the day, while at the end of the day you can enjoy a lovely sunset over the horizon. Facilities include hot showers, toilets, hand wash laundry facilities and BBQ areas.

Don't Miss:

Swimming

There aren't many places in the top end of Australia that aren't inhabited by crocodile, but the water pools in Adcock Gorge just happen to be some of them. Refresh your senses and take a dip in the lily-clad waters of the ponds and feel all the worries of the world wash away.

Day 10 - Windjana Gorge National Park (176 KM)

Windjana Gorge is another favourite National Park of the Kimberley's, offering stunning cliff faces, accompanied by raging torrents and pleasant river scenery. The park can be found along the Leopold Downs Road, and easy to navigate road that connects the Great Northern Highway and the famous Gibb River Road. The terrain isn't very tough so 4WDing in this area is relatively easy.

The most noticeable thing about the park would have to be its fresh water crocodiles. While these aren't very rare in this area, they come out in their dozens in Windjana Gorge, so be sure to stay out of the water.

Degree of Difficulty: Easy

Where to Stay:

Windjana Gorge National Park Campground

After exploration of the gorge there will be nothing better to do then set up camp, cook up a nice camp dinner and relax under the stars. The local campground is the perfect place to do this, offering unbeatable views of the Napier Range, which as the sun sets in the evening emits a superb red glow. The facilities here are also pretty good, with a hot shower at the end of the day sure to please.

Don't Miss:

Tunnel Creek National Park

Once you have explored the wonders of the Windjana Gorge National Park, there is no excuse not to pay a visit to the remarkable Tunnel Creek National Park. The park's position in the Napier Range allows it to boast stunning limestone features that you will be purely inspired by.

The main highlight of the park is the 750 metre tunnel which is known as the oldest cave system in Western Australia. This cave won't fail to impress an in many places it truly breath-taking. Be sure to bring along a torch.

Day 11 - Geikie Gorge National Park (164 KM)

Known as the most easily accessible park in the Kimberley, the Geikie Gorge National Park may be simple to drive, but it sure won't disappoint. Situated at the junction of the Oscar and Geikie Ranges, this gorge has been forged thanks to the forces of the Fitzroy River, with the result: a stunningly beautiful gorge that is simply begging to be explored.

The best way to discover the wonders of this amazing natural attraction is to embark on a boat tour. However, if you simply want to explore it by foot, there are several fantastic walks that will take you along the banks of the river and past the glorious sandstone cliffs.

Degree of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Where to Stay:

Fitzroy River Lodge

Unfortunately this National Park does not allow camping, so you will have to venture into Fitzroy Crossing to find somewhere to stay. The Fitzroy River Lodge is a fantastic place to set up camp for the next two nights, offering all the luxuries you may have missed during your journey through the Kimberley. Nestled right on the banks of the river that made this area famous, this holiday lodge boasts a pool, restaurant and bar, tennis courts, and a handy on-site kiosk.

Enjoy a quiet setting as you set up camp on the water's edge and reflect on your exploration on this glorious region.

Don't Miss:

Darngku Heritage Cruise

Darngku is the Aboriginal name of this gorge and the traditional owners of the land still hold a prominent presence here. In fact, the Bunaba people will be your guide on this tour, ensuring you gain an in-depth understanding of the history and heritage of this area. Learn all about your surrounding flora and fauna find out more about the local bush foods and discover a 30,000 year old culture. The boat trip will take you throughout the National Park, stopping along the way for guided walks and exploration.

Day 12 - Fitzroy Crossing (21.5 KM)

Wake up on your 12th day feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to conquer the magnificent area surrounding the Fitzroy Crossing. While this area is classed as a "town" it still gives off that country feel and its driving force is without a doubt the Fitzroy River. The Fitzroy in full flood is one of the largest rivers in the world and is truly a sight to behold.

Degree of Difficulty: Easy

Where to Stay:

The Fitzroy River Lodge

The Fitzroy River Lodge is a fantastic place to set up camp for the next two nights, offering all the luxuries you may have missed during your journey through the Kimberley. Nestled right on the banks of the river that made this area famous, this holiday lodge boasts a pool, restaurant and bar, tennis courts, and a handy on-site kiosk.

Enjoy a quiet setting as you set up camp on the water's edge and reflect on your exploration on this glorious region.

Don't Miss:

The Old Crossing Inn

Cool off in the afternoon with an icy cold beer at the Old Crossing Inn; an establishment over 100 years in age. The Inn was built as a shanty inn and a trade store for long distance travelers seeking to conquer the mighty river. These days it's a great place to delve into the town's history and relax in the comfort of a laid back atmosphere and around people who share a love for the country, just like you.

Day 13 - Derby (259 KM)

Derby was the first town to be settled in the Kimberley region and provides the main access point to the Gibb River Road. Home to the Boab tree, Derby is a charming outback town, bursting with culture, history and heritage.

Offering a range of activities for tourists, you won't be able to sit still while visiting. Embark on a crabbing trip or a sea safari, or take a leisurely walk along the unique Derby Jetty. Visit some of the local Aboriginal art in one of the galleries and explore the town's Indigenous past in one of the attractive museums.

Degree of Difficulty: Easy

Where to Stay:

Birwood Downs Station

Situated just outside of Derby, this pastoral property is a great place to set up camp for the night. This 5,000 acre station is home to Wastewater Garden Systems, Eco and Educational Tourism and the Savannah Nursery, ensuring your stay here will be a complete nature experience. Horse riding is a popular past time on the station, so come prepared with comfortable clothes and shoes.

Don't Miss:

The Buccaneer Archipelago

This beautiful area consists of 800 - 1,000 rocky islands that boast secluded white beaches and stunning natural features. The fauna on these islands is diverse, so exploration of them is sure to be an amazing experience. While access can be a little tough, they are simply incredible and shouldn't be missed while you are in the area.

Day 14 - Broome (221 KM)

Your journey will come to a close when you reach the delightful coastal city of Broome, a thriving city in which the outback meets the sea. While it is still part of Western Australia's Kimberley region, it boasts beautiful beaches, a cultural lifestyle and a metropolitan feel. Spend your last day exploring the city's highlights, relaxing on one of the beaches or simply reflecting on how wonderful the past 2 weeks have been.

Degree of Difficulty: Easy

Don't Miss:

Cable Beach

Situated just 7 kilometres out of town, Cable Beach is undoubtedly the best beach around. Spanning 22.5 kilometres in length, this beach is characterized by pure white sand and clear turquoise waters, and is ideal for 4WD access.

Roebuck Bay

Extending from Main Jetty to Sandy Point, Roebuck Bay is an internationally recognized marine area for bird migration. Explore the bay and then pay a visit to Broome Bird Observatory, located on the northern shore.

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