Darwin to Broome Road Trip: The Kimberley Adventure (12–15 Days)

Darwin to Broome Road Trip Highlights

• Bungle Bungle Range (Purnululu National Park) — UNESCO World Heritage sandstone domes
• Gibb River Road — iconic 4WD gorges, waterfalls and cattle-track outback
• El Questro & Emma Gorge — swimming holes and remote station hospitality
• Windjana Gorge & Tunnel Creek — freshwater pools and Aboriginal rock art
• Horizontal Falls & Buccaneer Archipelago (optional scenic flight/boat tour)
• Broome — Cable Beach, Chinatown and pearling history
• Aboriginal culture, rock art and remote, ancient landscapes

Darwin to Broome Road Trip Route Overview

Direction: Westbound from Darwin to Broome. This route mixes sealed highways and long unsealed 4WD tracks (notably the Gibb River Road and station tracks) — vehicle choice matters.

Typical segment distances & driving times (approx.):

• Darwin → Katherine: ~320 km / ~3.5–4 hrs
• Katherine → Kununurra (via Victoria Hwy): ~520 km / ~6–7 hrs (long day or break in Timber Creek)
• Kununurra → Purnululu (Bungle Bungle): ~360 km (including unsealed access) / allow a full travel day
• Purnululu → El Questro / Gibb River Road entry: ~350–500 km depending on route / multi-day drive with stops
• Along Gibb River Road (El Questro → Bell Gorge → Silent Grove → Windjana/Tunnel Creek): variable — plan short day hops (50–200 km)
• Derby (or Fitzroy Crossing) → Broome: ~220–330 km / ~3–5 hrs depending on final route

Note: total trip distance typically ranges from ~2,000 to 2,400 km depending on detours and whether you include coastal crossings or Kununurra/Wyndham extensions.

Suggested 12–15 Day Darwin → Broome Road Trip Itinerary

1. Day 1 — Darwin to Katherine: Leave Darwin, overnight in Katherine; visit Nitmiluk Gorge (Katherine Gorge) if time allows.
2. Day 2 — Katherine to Kununurra (or Timber Creek): Long driving day; stop at Victoria River roadhouses and take in river lookout(s). Overnight in Kununurra or Timber Creek depending on pace.
3. Day 3 — Kununurra / Lake Argyle: Explore Lake Argyle, Ivanhoe Crossing or take a rest day to prepare for unsealed roads.
4. Day 4 — Head to Purnululu (Bungle Bungle) Area: Drive in toward Purnululu; stay at Buckland or Purnululu campground (seasonal access and bookings required).
5. Day 5 — Purnululu National Park: Full day exploring Bungle Bungle domes, Echidna Chasm, Cathedral Gorge and short hikes.
6. Day 6 — Purnululu to El Questro: Long travel day into East Kimberley; arrive at El Questro Station or nearby camping.
7. Day 7 — El Questro & Emma Gorge: Swim, gorge walks and optional guided 4WD tours.
8. Day 8 — Move west along the Gibb River Road: Stop at Zebedee Springs, Manning Gorge or Galvans Gorge where accessible.
9. Day 9 — Bell Gorge / Silent Grove: Hike to Bell Gorge, swim in rock pools, camp under stars.
10. Day 10 — Windjana Gorge & Tunnel Creek: Head toward the Napier Range to visit Tunnel Creek (historic cave) and Windjana Gorge.
11. Day 11 — Derby / Horizontal Falls Option: From Derby you can book an optional Horizontal Falls scenic flight/boat tour (tours operate seasonally). Alternatively, relax in Derby and admire the local tidal flats.
12. Day 12 — Derby to Broome: Drive to Broome; arrive in time for sunset on Cable Beach.
13. Optional Days 13–15: Add extra days for Broome activities (Cape Leveque daytrip, dinosaur footprints, pearl farm visit), or extend time along the Gibb for more hikes and waterfalls.

Notes

• Allow extra days for bad weather, road closures or to enjoy unexpected highlights — the Kimberley rewards slow travel.

Camping, Parks & Permits

• National parks: Purnululu (Bungle Bungle), Windjana Gorge and others have charged entry and seasonal access windows — check Parks WA for bookings and alerts.
• Station campgrounds & caravan parks: Common along the route; many offer powered sites, showers and basic supplies — book ahead during peak season.
• Gibb River Road permits & Indigenous land: Some sections cross Aboriginal-owned land with permit/fees required — verify with local visitor centres and Traditional Owner notices before travel.
• Fuel & supplies: Fuel distances are long and services sparse — refuel whenever possible and carry extra water and spare fuel where practical.

When to Go & Safety Tips

• Best time: Dry season — typically April/May through October/November. Roads and gorges are most accessible then and swimming holes are safer. (Wet season brings road closures and flood risks.)
• Driving: Expect corrugated dirt, river crossings and long remote stretches — reduce tyre pressures for sandy sections, carry a good recovery kit and know how to use it.
• Wildlife & environment: Watch for cattle, wildlife and migratory birds; practice Leave No Trace and respect cultural sites.
• Health & comms: Mobile coverage is limited — consider a sat-phone or PLB for real remoteness; pack sun protection and sufficient drinking water.

What to Pack

• High-clearance 4WD (recommended), recovery gear, shovel, snatch strap and two spare tyres.
• Plenty of drinking water, water purification tablets, long-life snacks and a portable stove.
• Warm nights in the dry season (layers), sturdy walking shoes, swimmers and quick-dry clothing.
• Sun protection: broad-brim hat, SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses.
• First-aid kit, insect repellent, any personal medication, and copies of permits/insurance paperwork.

Quick FAQs

How many days do I need?

12–15 days gives you a comfortable pace to see major highlights. Shorter trips are possible but will feel rushed.

Can I camp everywhere?

No — use designated campsites, station campgrounds or permitted sites. Many national park campsites require bookings and seasonal access is enforced.

Are tours available?

Yes — guided tours and scenic flights (e.g. Horizontal Falls) operate seasonally and are a great way to experience inaccessible spots safely.