One of the hardest decisions for travellers embarking on the journey between the Northern Territory and the Kimberley Region in Western Australia, is which self-drive route to take. The problem for travellers being that many road sections in the vast North-West corner of Australia, are unsealed.
This results in having to choose quite early on in your travel plans, whether you are going to travel by 2WD self-contained campervan or a 4WD camper with a more basic living and sleeping setup.
For many, the idea of giving up the creature comforts of a soft bed, kitchen and bathroom facilities, to opt for a 4WD camper, is not their notion of a perfect holiday. Luckily, there is a route suitable for 2WD vehicles that takes you all the way from Darwin to Broome (or vice versa). It includes awe inspiring national parks, historical sites and exceptionally diverse scenery.
Hot Tip: If possible, check prices and availability for your campervan rental travelling in either direction, prior to booking your flights, as you may find a
lower rental rate just by reversing your itinerary.
Darwin
Our self-drive holiday kicks off in the Northern Territory’s capital city of Darwin. Allow yourself a day or two to see the city’s attractions, before you head off on your outback adventure. A visit to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory will give you a good overview of local history and culture, before you get to experience it firsthand on your road trip.
Things to see and do around Darwin:
• Crocosaurus Cove
• RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility
• Defence of Darwin Experience
• Berry Springs Nature Park
• Mindil Beach Markets
• Wave Lagoon
• Museum & Art Gallery of Northern Territory
Kakadu
The remote wilderness of Kakadu National Park holds ancient secrets and world-renowned biodiversity in its ecosystems. A third of Australia’s bird species reside here, along with two types of crocodile and over 2000 species of plant life. Relics from earth’s most ancient living culture is visible here too, by means of remarkable rock art galleries that were gifted to the area by Aboriginal artists from over 20,000 years ago.
Things to see and do around Kakadu:
• Arnhem Land
• Yellow Water Cruise
• Ubirr Rock Art Walk
• Jim Jim Falls
• Maguk Gorge
• Warradjan Cultural Centre
• Mamukala Billabong
• Nangukuwurr Art Site
Katherine
Situated on the Katherine River, this town is where the “Outback meets the tropics”, is a gateway to Nitmiluk National Park and its famous Katherine Gorge. The entire region here is alive with natural wonder, from its flowing waterfalls and hot springs to the awe-inspiring cliffs and caves.
Things to see and do around Katherine:
• Nitmiluk National Park
• Katherine Gorge
• Katherine Hot Springs
• Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park
• Jatbula Trail
• Edith Falls
• Top Didj and Art Gallery
• Katherine Museum
Judbarra National Park
The Judbarra / Gregory National Park is a great halfway point between Katherine and Kununurra. The Park features spectacular semi-arid scenery, boab trees, gorges, and plenty of interesting wildlife. The 2WD accessible parts, as well as walking trails, will easily keep you busy exploring for a full day.
Things to see and do around Judbarra National Park:
• Gregory’s Tree
• Sullivan Creek Campground
• Joe Creek Picnic Area
• Ngawilbinbin Walking trail
• Big Horse Creek
Kununurra
Kununurra marks our entry into the eastern Kimberley region of Western Australia. As well as it’s stunning natural attractions, such as the Mirima National Park, Emma Gorge and Molly Springs, there are some great attractions in town as well. The Hoochery Distillery handcrafts its rum from Australian sugarcane, and are open year-round to visitors. Kununurra museum is a perfect spot to get up to speed on Kimberley related history.
Things to see and do around Kununurra:
• Emma Gorge
• Mirima National Park
• Ord River
• Kelly’s Knob Lookout
• Hoochery Distillery
• Ivanhoe Crossing
• Molly Springs
• Parry Lagoons Nature Reserve
• Kununurra Museum
Purnululu
This world heritage listed site of Purnululu National Park, is most famous for the Bungle Bungles sandstone formations found within its borders. When travelling in a 2WD campervan rental, it will not be possible to reach this National Park yourself, however, there is no need to miss out. There are tour providers such as the Bungle Bungle Caravan Park & Tour Company, who offer
a full day 4WD trip to the Bungle Bungles, Echidna Chasm, Cathedral Gorge and Elephant Rock.
Things to see and do around Purnululu National Park:
• Bungle Bungle Range
• Purnululu National Park
• Echidna Chasm
• Cathedral Gorge
• Osmand Lookout
Fitzroy Crossing
The journey to Fitzroy Crossing passes by the Mimbi Caves in the Mueller Ranges, which offer 2 hours cave tours, generally in the early afternoon. The guide here will share some Indigenous bush knowledge before chaperoning you through the 400-million-year-old cave system.
From Mimbi Caves to Fitzroy Crossing, a small town that sits aside the Fitzroy River, it is only a short one-hour drive.
Geikie Gorge National Park is accessible via bitumen road, a short way from Fitzroy, and offers striking rock formations, nature walks and river cruises.
Things to see and do around Fitzroy Crossing:
• Mimbi Caves
• Geikie Gorge National Park
• Danggu Gorge
Broome
Arrival into Broome does not mean the end of the road-trip, as this beachside town is an invitation to sandy white beaches, turquoise waters, and a melting pot of entwined cultures and rich history.
Nearby Town Beach showcases “Staircase to the Moon” a few evenings each month, when the full moon rises over Roebuck Bays tidal flats, creating a splendid night-time panorama.
Explore the surrounding National Parklands and Geological Formations, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Restaurants. Take a tour of the Matso’s Broome Brewery and stop for lunch or dinner in their attached eatery.
Things to see and do around Broome:
• Cable Beach
• Gantheaume Point
• Broome Town Beach
• Tunnel Creek National Park
• Roebuck Bay
• Reddell Beach
• Broome Bird Observatory
• Lurujarri Dreaming Trail
With any luck, this self-drive itinerary gave you some help planning your next campervan hire, to get you on the road and experiencing this wonderfully unique part of Australia.
Author
Leila Gear – Discovery Campervans
