Conquer The Kimberley Overland On This Epic Broome-to-Broome Road Trip
We’ve all got that one mate who loves their 4WD – loves talking about it, loves showing you pictures of it, loves spending heaps of money upgrading it… But maybe, just maybe, it’s piqued your interest enough to want to see what it’s all about, without committing to the full shebang?
One truly spectacular way to experience the 4WDing and outdoor lifestyle is to link up with the crew at Crikey Campers, who offer awesome 4WD & Off-road Safari Camper packages so you can get a feel of life off the road, while exploring some of WA’s most unique locations.
They offer an array of options to hire including offroad camper + 4WD combos and caravan or camper-trailers only, and today we’re focusing on their 4WD & Off-road Safari Camper Trailer Package, best utilised on this truly epic, Broome-to-Broome road trip that includes the Kimberley Overland.
Get inspired below, and head to Crikey Campers to start planning your all Aussie outback adventure now.
BROOME TO BROOME VIA KIMBERLEY OVERLAND ROAD TRIP ITINERARY
Time of year:
May to October
Pickup/Dropoff:
Broome
What you’ll need:
Crikey Campers Off-Road Safari Camper Trailer Package, food and water for the trip.
Time needed:
The Crikey crew recommend taking at minimum 14 days for this road trip, with a lot of the roads you’ll face proper 4WD tracks that require you to take your time and do it safely!
Leg 1: Crikey Broome Depot → James Price Point (approx. 62km)
After departing from Broome make your way to Willie Creek Pearl Farm for an unforgettable tour experience and feed, before setting up camp amidst the rugged red surrounds of James Price Point. Access to the site is challenging but worth it for the beautiful bush campgrounds, and you can confidently conquer it with the off-road camper trailer in tow.
Leg 2: James Price Point → Cape Leveque (approx. 218km)
The second leg of the journey is an early opportunity to connect with the First Nations culture of this land, including partaking in mud crabbing with local guides; taking a tour of the Ardyaloon Trochus Hatchery and learning about the Bardi-Jawi people’s connection to their saltwater traditions; meeting the Beagle Bay Aboriginal Community; and camping with the Djarindjin Lombadina Aboriginal Community.
Where to stay: Djarindjin Campground
Leg 3 : Cape Leveque → Derby (approx. 393km)
After stocking up at the Djaridjin Roadhouse Leg 3 is a big day of driving, one that simply must feature a stop-in at the Willare Bridge Roadhouse. From you’re encouraged to take the detour to Derby and explore its many interest attractions, including the Boab Prison Tree; Edwin’s storytelling experience; Mowanjum Aboriginal Arts & Cultural Centre and Norval Gallery. Grab a bite to eat at Jila Gallery & Cafe, Tasty’s Cafe or Neaps Bistro, and you can stock up on supplies at Woolies or Rusty’s IGA.
Where to stay: Kimberley Entrance Caravan Park or Dumbara Burru Caravan Park
Leg 4: Derby → Windjana Gorge National Park (approx. 145km)
Thanks to being fully 4WD you’ll be able to stay at some of the lesser known camping locations in Australia on this leg of the journey as much of it is high-clearance 4WD-only. Wander the wonderful walking trails of Windjana Gorge and Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek) National Park, and keep your eyes peeled for sunbathing fresh water crocs!
Where to stay: Windjana Gorge Campground
Leg 5: Windjana Gorge Campground → Bells Gorge (approx. 145km)
After driving over the Lennard River Crossing now’s your chance to explore Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge), Walarra Mindi (Mt Hart Homestead), Wunaamin and Miliwundi Conservation Parks. Cool off with a swim at Galvans and Adcock Gorge, and experience some culture at the Imintji Art Centre.
Where to stay: Imintji Campground and Dulundi (Silent Grove) campground
Leg 6: Bells Gorge → Manning Gorge (approx. 126km)
Another site exclusive to 4WDs only, you’ll discover Bradshaw and Wadjina Aboriginal rock art and the magnificent Manning Gorge and Manning Gorge Falls. And Mt Barnett Roadhouse is also the perfect spot to fuel up and grab some food and supplies if you need it.
Where to stay: Manning Gorge Campground
Leg 7: Manning Gorge → Mt Elizabeth (approx. 72km)
Halfway through the road trip and and you’re really getting into the heart of the Kimberley region, and this part of the trip is filled with some hidden gems, including Wunnamurra Gorge, Warla Gorge and the Munja Track, along with more aboriginal rock art, bush walks and birdwatching. The best way to find them all is by staying for a few days at the magnificent Mt Elizabeth Station – a half-million acre, fully operational cattle station very welcoming of guests and even offers some bread and breakfast packages.
Where to stay: Mt Elizabeth Station Stay
Leg 8: Mt Elizabeth → Home Valley Station (approx. 275km)
Leg 8 is a little opportunity to enjoy some of the finer things in life with a stopover at Ellenbrae Station to enjoy some of their famous scones, before making your way to Home Valley Station. There you’ll find a great spread of accommodation options, along with tours and activities including self-guided walking trails, fishing, swimming and bushwalking, all while immersing yourself in the Indigenous culture of the East Kimberley. Finish up this leg with a couple of quiet pints and a pub feed at the iconic Dusty Bar & Grill.
Where to stay: Home Valley Station
Leg 9: Home Valley Station → El Questro Homestead (approx. 121 km)
Arguably the highlight of this journey, we’re now heading into El Questro territory, first crossing the Pentecost River before exploring the likes of Emma Gorge, Amalia Gorge, El Questro and the world famous thermal springs at Zebedee Springs. If you’re keen to get out of the car and into a different mode of transport, you can book some stunning boat cruise and helicopter tours, or maybe even go for a spot of horseback riding!
Where to stay: El Questro Homestead
Leg 10: El Questro Homestead → Lake Argyle (approx. 180 km)
The town of Kununurra is another great opportunity to restock and refuel, and make sure you freshen up with delicious mango smoothie in town. From there you can tackle a scenic airplane tour of Mitchell Falls with the team at Aviair, before making your way to Lake Argyle and jumping on a seaplane or boat tour, or just chill in the caravan park’s iconic infinity pool!
Where to stay: Lake Argyle Caravan Park
Leg 11: Lake Argyle → Purnululu National Park (approx. 361 km)
Another section of the road trip that’ll make you grateful for the Crikey 4WD camper trailer, to get to Purnululu National Park you need to drive along 52km of gravel road, including a couple of small river crossings (which sometimes takes longer depending on road conditions). You can then leave the trailer at your campsite and visit the Bungle Bungle and experience otherworldly locations like Cathedral Gorge, Echidna Chasm and Mini Palms Gorge Walk.
Where to stay: Purnululu National Park Camping
Leg 12: Purnululu National Park → Halls Creek (approx. 180 km)
After exploring some of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders, Leg 12 is a good chance to dive into historical Halls Creek and grab some supplies. Check out China Wall, the Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crate and Caroline Pool (pictured below) before setting up camp at Halls Creek Caravan Park.
Where to stay: Halls Creek Caravan Park
Leg 13: Halls Creek → Fitzroy Crossing (approx. 289 km)
Get back to country at Fitzroy Crossing, home to five First Nations language groups, with art and Aboriginal culture easy to experience here with several galleries open to tourists. There’s also Geikie Gorge and Mimbi Caves to explore, the Kimberley’s oldest licensed venue Crossing Inn to pop into, and some barramundi fishing in the FItzroy River to be done!
Where to stay: Tarunda Caravan Park or Fitzroy River Lodge
Leg 14: Fitzroy Crossing → Broome (approx. 396 km)
And now it’s back to Broome, where your adventure is just beginning! Broome is packed to the brim with things to do, including of course Cable Beach, Chinatown and Old Broome, Gantheaume Point’s dinosaur footprints, Sun Pictures Cinema, Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park, Roebuck Bay Marine Park and more!
Where to stay: RAC Cable Beach Holiday Park, Discovery Parks – Broome or Summerstar Broome.
Head to the Crikey Campers Website now to start planning your own 4WDing Kimberley adventure.
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This article is sponsored by Crikey Campers and endorsed by us. Please see our Editorial Policy for more info.