{"id":1842,"date":"2012-11-26T16:28:54","date_gmt":"2012-11-26T05:58:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/?p=1842"},"modified":"2026-05-06T08:45:36","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T23:15:36","slug":"the-kimberley-why-you-should-just-do-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/the-kimberley-why-you-should-just-do-it\/","title":{"rendered":"The Kimberley – Why You Should Just Do It!"},"content":{"rendered":"

For most Australians, just getting to The Kimberley is a major undertaking. The distances are huge, the time required is significant and the time of the year is critical. Some choose to fly to the area and hire a vehicle while others enjoy the journey and take in the many and varied sights along the way. Whichever you choose, being well prepared is key to a fun and exciting trip.<\/p>\n

Having recently spent 3 months on the road travelling from Adelaide to the Kimberley and down the west coast with a caravan and tent in tow, it soon became clear that some inside knowledge was very useful in making the trip enjoyable.<\/p>\n

So here are some important tips I’ve learned and lived by along the way that has helped me to love visiting The Kimberley.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The best time of the year to visit the Kimberley Region<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Travel to The Kimberley is best between May and September.<\/p>\n

If you want a powered site in a caravan park, book months ahead<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Be there by 3 pm if you want any choice of a site in a campground – whether it be a free park or a National Park.<\/p>\n

\"Broome<\/h2>\n

However, be prepared for the crowds. If travelling between May and September, you won’t be alone.<\/em><\/p>\n

Take a tent even if you’ve got a caravan<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Many of the great sites are along The Gibb River Road, which is a rough road but is constantly being improved. Even if you are a caravanner and have a 4WD, you can only go into Purnululu National Park with a 4WD, and caravans are not allowed, so your best bet is to keep a tent<\/a> with you in case.<\/p>\n

Fortunately, many caravan parks will store your van while you go off on a tenting adventure for a few days. It would be a great pity to travel that far and miss out on some of the most spectacular scenery.<\/p>\n

Have plenty of food and water<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Be well prepared with food<\/a> and wate<\/a>r as you travel around. Despite the number of people in the area, you are travelling through remote areas and should be well equipped.<\/p>\n

\"El-Questro<\/h2>\n

Make sure you prepare and bring everything you will need on the trip. <\/i><\/p>\n

Check your vehicle before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Your vehicle should be in tip-top condition and carry at least basic spares – especially if travelling on the Gibb River Road or heading up to Mitchel Falls.<\/p>\n

Don’t<\/strong> go too fast<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Don’t travel at high speed, especially on dirt roads. Apart from the fact that you will miss some great scenery, showering fellow travellers with stones is never a good look.<\/p>\n

Have your headlights on during the day<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The extra visibility is significant, especially on dirt roads.<\/p>\n

\"Derby<\/p>\n

Strolling along the Derby Wharf in the Kimberley.<\/em><\/p>\n

Don’t rush your trip to The Kimberley<\/strong><\/h2>\n

To get true value for the effort of getting there, spend at least 2-3 weeks exploring. Plan this trip well ahead and ensure you can get enough time off work to really do justice to the area.<\/p>\n

Beware of crocodiles!<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Don’t camp at the water’s edge in isolated areas or swim in any un-patrolled beaches or rivers that have not been cleared by park rangers. This is crocodile country and a hungry croc will eat first and worry about the consequences later. Make sure you’re not the meal.<\/p>\n

Be patient<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Don’t be hassled by crowds, slow moving caravans or corrugated roads. If these things are really going to upset you, it’s probably better to go somewhere else.<\/p>\n

\"Seaplane<\/h2>\n

Watching as a Seaplane goes by. <\/em><\/p>\n

Don’t overtake if it’s too dusty to see<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Don’t pass vehicles on dirt roads if the wind is not blowing the dust away for you to see well ahead. Meeting an on-coming truck in the middle of a dust cloud is a guaranteed disaster.<\/p>\n

Visit the Northern part of the Dampier Peninsula<\/strong><\/h2>\n

In the north of Broome. It is a most spectacular coastal area that is owned and managed by the local aboriginal communities that provide magnificent campgrounds, great fishing opportunities and a true remote country experience.<\/p>\n

\"Red<\/h2>\n

Take a half-day trip to the Horizontal Waterfalls<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Save up your pennies and take a half-day trip to the horizontal waterfalls. Board a seaplane in Broome or Derby for an hour’s flight over the Kimberley and land on the water between towering mountains.<\/p>\n

This is a buzz that you won’t forget for a very long time. If you can only afford one big spend item on your trip (about$700 per person), this is it. Book well ahead here. <\/a><\/p>\n

If this hasn’t already got the adrenalin pumping, then the super fast boat ride travelling into the rushing waters of the horizontal falls will probably do it.<\/p>\n

Walk through Tunnel Creek<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Visit Tunnel Creek and walk through the pitch black tunnel that weaves under a small mountain before emerging 800 metres later on the other side.<\/p>\n

To add to the fun, most of the walk is through waist deep water.<\/p>\n

Take a torch<\/a> and shoes that can be worn in the water and challenge your fears \u2013 it’s a buzz.<\/p>\n

\"Windjana<\/p>\n

 Windjana Gorge in the Kimberley.<\/em><\/p>\n

Just pop into the Visitor Centres<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Pop into the Visitor Centres at Kununurra<\/a>, Derby<\/a>, and Broome<\/a>. You will find a wealth of information and friendly locals who will ensure you don’t miss out on all the great experiences in the area.<\/p>\n

The Kimberley is a stunning place to visit, and planning and a reasonably laid-back attitude will ensure you get the most from the experience. Happy Travels.<\/p>\n

Have I whetted your appetite for a fantastic adventure in The Kimberley? Or have you already had the opportunity been? If so, where would you recommend? Let us know in the comments below. <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n