Here’s how to road trip the Kimberley

Leah McLennanBy Leah McLennan
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There’s something cathartic about hitting the open road and letting it roll beneath you for hours and hours. Welcome to the Kimberley, the ultimate road trip destination.

Bordered by the Great Sand Desert in the south and the Northern Territory in the east, the Kimberley offers over 420,000 square kilometres of wilderness to explore. Famous for its rugged ranges, dramatic gorges, semi-arid savanna and largely isolated coastline, this wonderfully wild region is crisscrossed with unsealed, rugged roads (and also some bitumen), each leading you to new discoveries.

Step away from everyday life and head off the beaten track to World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park or put your vehicle into 4WD to bump along the Gibb River Road, or cruise north from tropical Broome to explore the remote beaches of the Dampier Peninsula.

the Dampier Peninsula, Kimberley
Dampier Peninsula is renowned for its rugged coastal wilderness. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Rite of passage: The Gibb

If there’s one way to earn your stripes as a true-blue outback adventurer, it’s by taking on the 660-kilometre Gibb River Road, a 4WD-only track that cuts through the heart of the Kimberley.

The former cattle droving route is legendary, not just for the station characters you’ll meet on the way or the bottle-shaped boab trees, but for the stretches of corrugations that’ll rattle your teeth.

an aerial view of the Cape Leveque Road, Kimberley
Take the scenic paprika-hued road. (Image: Tourism Western Australia/@from.miles.away/@mattfrommilesaway)

The deep paprika hue of the land gives way to water-filled gorges and immense rock formations, the kind of natural havens you won’t find anywhere else in Australia.

the scenic Windjana Gorge in the Kimberley
Find Windjana Gorge, one of the spectacular natural rock formations in the Kimberley. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

How long?

The route between Derby and Kununurra can be done in five days, but it’s best to take over a week to do it properly, blending in memorable stays at working cattle stations, wilderness parks and conservation sanctuaries.

What’s required?

If you’re self-driving, a 4WD, water, food, safety supplies and camping equipment are essential. Otherwise, join an all-inclusive tour and enjoy the ride.

Must-see hotspots

Just out of Derby, stop at Mowanjum Art and Culture Centre  to meet Aboriginal artists and watch the intricate craft of carving boab seeds or painting bark.

paintings displayed on the wall at Mowanjum Art and Culture Centre
Stop by the Mowanjum Art and Culture Centre to see Aboriginal artworks. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Windjana Gorge is rimmed by 300-metre walls that are part of a 350-million-year-old Devonian reef system. There are various walking trails through the three-kilometre gorge, where you’ll see fossils and (harmless) freshwater crocodiles.

a group of people touring along Windjana Gorge
Sign up for an epic walking tour along the three-kilometre Windjana Gorge. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Bell Gorge, tucked inside King Leopold Conservation Park, is regarded as the jewel in the Gibb River Road’s crown, thanks to its cascading waterfalls and glassy swimming holes.

the waterfalls and swimming hole at Bell Gorge, King Leopold Conservation Park
Be amused at the spectacular waterfall in Bell Gorge. (Image: Amanda Tassone)

If the travel budget permits, take a scenic flight over the Kimberley’s rugged landscape. From Drysdale River Station, 60 kilometres north of the Gibb River Road, a scenic flight covers the mighty Mitchell Falls and the Prince Regent coast, which features giant clefts, gorges and waterfalls.

the Mitchell Falls in Kimberley
Mitchell Falls is a four-tiered natural wonder to behold. (Image: Tourism Australia)

If you can, stay at El Questro – where you’ll spend your days waterhole dipping, horse riding, fishing and sunset gazing. If you’ve got the coin, El Questro’s The Homestead offers a spot of luxury in the outback.

the El Questro Homestead in Kimberley
Go off-grid but keep it luxe at the El Questro Homestead. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Into red dirt country: Dampier Peninsula

In 2023, the 205-kilometre route between Broome and Cape Leveque was sealed, unlocking the remote Dampier Peninsula, where you can find pearl farms, pastoral stations and 71 Aboriginal communities.

The area was previously only accessible to 4WD vehicles able to tackle the 90 kilometres of sandy, corrugated track that would coat everything in red dirt. We reckon it’s time to plan a trip.

a 4WD vehicle driving along the red dirt in Cape Leveque
Drive the red dirt country from Broome to the remote Dampier Peninsula. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

How long?

The drive from Broome to Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, one of the most popular attractions on the famous Cape Leveque Road, takes nearly three hours. Allow several days to explore the Dampier Peninsula.

the red dirt track along Cape Leveque Road
The iconic red dirt track along Cape Leveque Road. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

What’s required?

A regular car will go the distance but to reach all the spots on the Dampier Peninsula it’s best to travel in a 4WD.

Must-see hotspots

Beagle Bay church  and its Aboriginal community mark your first stop. Over 100 years old, the Germanic church interior is inset with thousands of pearl shells and the walls are painted in pastels.

two people visiting the Sacred Heart Church, Beagle Bay
The Beagle Bay Sacred Heart Church is famous for its mother-of-pearl shell altar. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm  is still in the same family that started it, several generations ago. The farm tour and sea safaris are definitely worth doing. Allow time for an excellent coffee and a dip in the pool beside the cafe.

an aerial view of Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm
Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm is located at the tip of the beautiful Dampier Peninsula. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Off the beaten track: Purnululu National Park

While driving from Kununurra to the Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park isn’t easy or quick, it’s well worth the effort. Known for its incredible beehive-like formations, the Bungle Bungle Range has become a Kimberley icon. With heaps of gorges to explore, it’s easy to spend several days wandering around some of Mother Nature’s most dramatic creations.

stunning gorges and landscapes at Purnululu National Park
Purnululu National Park is home to stunning gorges and landscapes. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

How long?

Travelling between Kununurra and the Bungle Bungles takes around five hours if you follow the Great Northern Highway and turn off when you reach Purnululu National Park. The track into Purnululu is only 53 kilometres but it’s challenging, so it is recommended to drive at a slower pace.

an aerial view of The Bungle Bungle Range, Purnululu National Park
The Bungle Bungle Range is formed into a series of beehive-shaped cones. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

What’s required?

Due to its remote location, take plenty of water, a full tank of fuel and food. A high clearance 4WD is required to travel inside Purnululu National Park.

The Bungle Bungle Range, Purnululu National Park
Embark on a road trip to the astounding striped rock formations at The Bungle Bungle Range. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Must-see hot spots

Echidna Chasm is one of the best things to see in Purnululu National Park. Head off on a 2-kilometre return walk from Echidna towards the narrow gorge, where the width is only one metre wide in some places. Time your visit to the middle of the day to witness the ‘golden glow’ where sunlight directly hits the rock and creates an unforgettable light show.

Cathedral Gorge is not to be missed when visiting the park. This natural amphitheatre was created from water erosion over time and is staggering in size and beauty.

the stunning Cathedral Gorge in within the Bungle Bungle Ranges in Purnululu National Park
Cathedral Gorge resembles a natural amphitheatre of red rock. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
Leah McLennan
Leah McLennan is a freelance writer based in Darwin. She was a journalist in Sydney for over a decade and counts her time as travel editor for Australian Associated Press as one of the highlights of her career. From exploring remote campsites in the Top End with her family, to seeking out new art galleries in faraway cities, she’ll grab an adventurous or arty travel experience within her reach.
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8 secret places in Western Australia you need to know about

    Kate BettesBy Kate Bettes
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    WA might be enormous, but the right insider knowledge brings its mysteries a whole lot closer.

    “Western Australia is a land of record-breakers,” says Carolyn Tipper, a Travel Director working on AAT Kings Western Australia tours. “It has the second-longest fault line, the second-largest meteorite crater, the second-fastest flowing river—it just keeps surprising you. And every area has its charm.”

    From tropics to deserts, Australia’s largest state is a land of extremes. You can’t see all of Western Australia in a lifetime, but with the right guide, you can discover its hidden pockets of magic.

    Carolyn wishes to reach her guests’ hearts. “I want them to enjoy and be in awe,” she says. “I want them to have the holiday of a lifetime.”

    1. Mimbi Caves

    You wouldn’t expect a Great Barrier Reef in the outback – but that’s what you’ll find at Mimbi Caves. Once part of a 350-million-year-old reef, these caves hold marine fossils, ancient Indigenous rock art, and Dreamtime stories shared by a Gooniyandi guide.

    “That’s when the real connection happens,” says Carolyn, who has taken guests through on the AAT Kings Wonders of the West Coast and Kimberley tour . “When guests connect, not just with the land, but with the people who have called it home for tens of thousands of years.”

    Eye-level view of traveller exploring Mimbi Caves.
    Walk through ancient limestone passages. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

    2. Kalbarri National Park

    Nothing prepares you for the Kalbarri Skywalk: a 25-metre platform jutting over Murchison Gorge, 100 metres above the red cliffs and river below. From July to October, join the AAT Kings Untamed Pilbara and West Coast tour to see over 1000 wildflower species paint the park, and listen as an Indigenous guide shares their uses, bush foods and medicine plants.

    “I want our guests to have an emotional experience,” says Carolyn. “It’s not just about seeing the land, it’s about stepping into the stories.”

    An aerial view of the Kalbarri Skywalk, one of the secret places in Western Australia, with visitors on the edge.
    Stand on the Kalbarri Skywalk in Western Australia. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

    3. Hamelin Bay Wines

    Margaret River isn’t just a top wine region – it’s a winner in every category. Where the Indian and Southern Oceans collide, granite cliffs rise, limestone caves sprawl and Karri forests tower. It almost distracts from the world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

    Almost.

    Out of over 100 cellar doors, AAT Kings pick Hamelin Bay Wines as a favourite. Hosted tastings of small-batch wines on the Western Wonderland tour end with a group meal. The menu shifting with the seasons.

    “Get off the beaten track to one of WA’s most relaxed venues for some amazing red and white signature wines,” explains Carolyn, “accompanied with upmarket pub food.”

    Spectacular views.

    A person raising a glass of Chardonnay against a glowing Western Australia sunset.
    Sip world-class wines at Hamelin Bay in Western Australia. (Image: Getty)

    4. Wildflower Guided Walk, Kings Park

    Western Australia is home to 12,000 native plant species – 3000 bloom in Kings Park’s Botanic Garden. Stroll past Kangaroo Paw, Banksia and blooms from the Goldfields, Stirling Ranges and Kimberley. “The diversity of Western Australia is immense,” says Carolyn, who leads guests through on the South Western Escape tour .

    Couple enjoying the view from the Lotterywest Federation walkway at Kings Park and Botanical Garden.
    Wander among thousands of native plant species. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

    5. Hoochery Distillery

    Did you know that between Kununurra and Emma Gorge lies the state’s oldest continuously operating distillery? Well, the oldest legal one. Set on a family farm, Hoochery Distillery was hand-built using materials found on the property, conjuring up award-winning rum from local sugarcane, wet season rainwater and yeast.

    Today, visitors can sample a hearty nip of rum, along with whiskies and gins – all crafted using traditional, labour-intensive methods. It’s the ideal way to soak up the ‘spirit’ of the Kimberley on the AAT Kings’ Untamed Kimberley tour .

    People enjoying a rum tasting at one of the secret places in Western Australia.
    Sample award-winning rum. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

    6. Geraldton

    The wildflowers of the Midwest will make your heart blossom. In Geraldton, the Helen Ansell Art Gallery brings the region’s botanicals to life in vivid colour and intricate detail. In nearby Mullewa, wander bushland trails lined with everlastings and native blooms. Further afield, Coalseam Conservation Park bursts into carpets of pink, white, and yellow each spring. Do it all on the Wildflower Wanderer tour with AAT Kings.

    woman walking through Wildflowers, Coalseam Conservation Park
    Chase vibrant wildflower trails. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

    7. El Questro

    Wake up after a night under the stars at Emma Gorge Resort, ready to explore the mighty beauty of the El Questro Wilderness Park. With deep gorges, thermal springs, and cascading waterfalls, time slows here.

    Join the AAT Kings’ Wonders of the West Coast and Kimberley tour to drift through Chamberlain Gorge, where sheer sandstone walls glow burnt orange in the sun, archer fish flick at the surface, and rock wallabies peer down from ledges above. Then, step into Zebedee Springs, a secret oasis of warm, crystal-clear pools among prehistoric Livistona palms – a moment of pure, wild stillness.

    Emma Gorge Resort at El Questro.
    Wake to adventure at Emma Gorge Resort. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

    8. Lake Argyle

    Once vast cattle country, Lake Argyle now sprawls like an inland sea – Western Australia’s largest freshwater lake, created by the damming of the Ord River. Scattered with over 70 islands, its glassy waters teem with life, like freshwater crocodiles, barramundi, bony bream, sleepy cod and over 240 bird species. That’s nearly a third of Australia’s avian population.

    Glide across the lake’s surface on a cruise as part of AAT Kings’ Untamed Kimberley tour , where the silence is only broken by the splash of fish and the call of birds. For Carolyn, this place is a perfect example of how WA’s landscapes surprise visitors. “Lake Argyle is a big puddle of water that became a game-changer,” she says. “Seeing it from a boat, coach, and plane is mind-blowing. It puts time, isolation and the sheer scale into perspective.”

    Aerial View of Triple J Tours on the Ord River, near Kununurra.
    Glide past islands on Western Australia’s largest freshwater lake. (Image: Western Australia)

    Discover more of Western Australia’s hidden gems and book your tour at aatkings.com.