Travel Planning Guide
Plan Your Kimberley Trip
Everything you need to know before you go — from the best time to visit to what to pack, how to get here, and where to stay.
Seasons
Best Time to Visit
The Kimberley has two distinct seasons — the dry and the wet. Most visitors come in the dry season (April to October), but each month has its own character. Temperatures below are approximate average maximums for Broome — conditions inland and further north can differ significantly.
Arrival
Getting to Broome
Broome is the gateway to the Kimberley. Most visitors fly in, but the overland drive is an adventure in itself.
Flying to Broome
Broome International Airport (BME) has direct flights from Perth (approx. 2.5 hours), Darwin, and seasonal services from Melbourne and Sydney. Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Airnorth all service the route. Book early for dry season travel — seats fill fast and prices rise.
Driving from Perth
The Great Northern Highway from Perth to Broome is approximately 2,200 km — a serious 2–3 day drive through the Pilbara. Break the journey at Port Hedland or Karratha. A 4WD is not required for this route, but is recommended if you plan to explore beyond Broome.
Driving from Darwin
The Victoria Highway connects Darwin to Kununurra (approximately 840 km), then the Great Northern Highway continues to Broome (approximately 1,030 km from Kununurra). The total Darwin–Broome distance is approximately 1,870 km — allow at least 3–4 days and plan fuel stops carefully. This is the classic Kimberley road trip route.
Transport
Getting Around
The Kimberley is vast. How you get around depends on where you want to go and how adventurous you are.
2WD & Car Hire
A standard 2WD vehicle is fine for Broome, the main highway, and most sealed roads. All major car hire companies operate from Broome Airport. Book ahead in peak season.
4WD Hire & Self-Drive
A 4WD is required for the Gibb River Road and most remote tracks. The Dampier Peninsula's main road (Cape Leveque Road) is now sealed, but access roads to individual destinations may be unsealed or sandy — check conditions and your hire agreement before travelling. Hire from Broome — expect to pay a premium in peak season.
Guided Tours
Often the easiest and most rewarding way to see the Kimberley. Local operators know the roads, the tides, and the stories. We can help you find tours that suit your interests and dates.
Transfers & Shuttles
Airport transfers, inter-town shuttles, and day-trip transfers are available from Broome. Call or email us for current operators and pricing.
Where to Stay
Where to Stay
From luxury eco-retreats to beachside caravan parks, the Kimberley has accommodation to suit every style and budget.
Luxury & Boutique
Cable Beach Club Resort, Eco Beach Wilderness Retreat, and El Questro Homestead offer world-class experiences in stunning settings. Book 6–12 months ahead for peak season.
Mid-Range Hotels & Apartments
Broome has a solid range of hotels, serviced apartments, and guesthouses. The town centre and Cable Beach precinct are the most popular areas to stay.
Caravan Parks & Camping
Cable Beach Caravan Park and Broome Caravan Park are well-equipped and popular. Remote camping on the Dampier Peninsula and Gibb River Road requires preparation and a permit for some areas.
Station Stays
Working cattle stations along the Gibb River Road offer a genuine outback experience — from basic camping to comfortable homestead rooms. El Questro and Home Valley are well-established options. Check current availability and booking requirements directly with each property.
Itineraries
Suggested Itineraries
Not sure how long to spend in the Kimberley? Here are three itinerary ideas from our local team. Distances are significant — allow more time than you think you need.
3 Days
Broome Essentials
- Cable Beach sunrise or sunset
- Chinatown and the Pearl Luggers Museum
- Gantheaume Point and dinosaur footprints (low tide required)
- Staircase to the Moon (if dates and conditions align)
- Camel ride at sunset
- Roebuck Bay birdwatching
7 Days
Broome & the Dampier Peninsula
- 3 days in Broome (essentials above)
- Day trip or overnight to Cape Leveque via the Dampier Peninsula (check current access and accommodation availability)
- Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm tour
- Horizontal Falls scenic flight and jet boat experience
- Whale watching cruise (June–October)
- Sunset cruise on Roebuck Bay
14 Days
Broome, the Dampier Peninsula & the Gibb River Road
- 3 days in Broome
- 2 days on the Dampier Peninsula
- Gibb River Road self-drive (5–6 days): Windjana Gorge, Bell Gorge, El Questro, Manning Gorge — allow extra time for road conditions and gorge walks
- Kununurra and Lake Argyle
- Purnululu (Bungle Bungles) scenic flight or walk (requires additional time or a separate trip)
- Return via Fitzroy Crossing and Geikie Gorge
Preparation
What to Pack
The Kimberley's remote environment and conditions require some preparation. Here's what we recommend.
Families
Travelling with Family
The Kimberley is a brilliant destination for families — but it pays to plan ahead.
Book school holiday accommodation 6–12 months ahead. July and September holidays are the busiest periods and accommodation sells out fast.
Many gorge walks are suitable for older children, but carry young children in a backpack carrier. Uneven terrain and heat make prams impractical.
Crocodile awareness is essential. Saltwater crocodiles inhabit coastal areas, rivers, and estuaries. Always check signage and never swim in undesignated areas.
Pack more snacks and water than you think you need. Distances between towns and services are significant.
Cable Beach is popular with families — wide sand and facilities nearby. Always check current conditions and any beach advisories before swimming.
Safety
Responsible Travel & Safety
The Kimberley is remote and unforgiving. These aren't scare tactics — they're the things we wish every visitor knew before they arrived.
Crocodiles are real
Saltwater crocodiles inhabit all coastal waterways, rivers, and estuaries in the Kimberley. Never swim in undesignated areas. Obey all warning signs. This is not a risk to take lightly.
Tell someone your plans
If you're heading into remote areas, always leave a detailed itinerary with someone reliable. Carry a satellite communicator (PLB or EPIRB) — mobile coverage is minimal outside towns.
Water and heat
Dehydration and heat exhaustion are genuine risks, especially in the shoulder and wet seasons. Carry plenty of water — the right amount depends on your activity, the temperature and how long you'll be away from services. Start walks early and rest during the hottest part of the day.
Respect Country
Much of the Kimberley is Aboriginal land. Obtain permits where required (Dampier Peninsula, some gorges), follow cultural protocols, and leave no trace. Ask before photographing people or sacred sites.
Road conditions
Dirt roads can change rapidly with rain. Check road conditions before departing on the Gibb River Road or Dampier Peninsula. The Main Roads WA website (mainroads.wa.gov.au) and local knowledge are your best resources.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance for any Kimberley trip — especially if you're planning remote travel, 4WD adventures, or scenic flights. Medical evacuation from remote areas is extremely expensive without cover. Review the policy carefully for the activities you're planning, including any exclusions.
Get a Quote with FastCoverDisclosure: We may receive a commission if you purchase a policy through this link. This does not affect the price you pay. We encourage you to review the policy documents, exclusions and suitability for your trip before purchasing.
Get in Touch
Ready to Start Planning?
Tell us about your trip and we'll come back to you with personalised tour recommendations and itinerary ideas.
Planning around an event?
Check our events calendar for verified 2026 and 2027 dates — Staircase to the Moon, Broome Races, Shinju Matsuri and more.
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