How To Road Trip The Kimberley - Australian Traveller

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)

Time your visit to Margaret River just right, and you can spend the ultimate weekend wining, dining and exploring the region with Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover.

Wine, world-class produce, surf, sun and beaches: it’s an alluring combination. And the reason so many pin the Margaret River region high on their travel hit-lists. There’s drawcard after drawcard to the southwestern corner of Western Australia, and the Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover food and wine festival showcases the best of it over the course of one weekend in November. It’s never been easier to sip, see and savour the Margaret River region.

In partnership with Pair’d Margaret River Region, Range Rover invites you on a seven-day itinerary of refined adventure, where luxury and exploration go hand in hand. It’s the perfect WA road trip, and there’s no better way to do it than in a Range Rover.

Day 1

the pool at Pullman Bunker Bay — Check into Pullman Bunker Bay.

There’s no more popular West Australian road trip route than that between Perth and the Margaret River Region. It’s an easily digestible, three-hour drive, with worthy pit stops along the way.

Make the first of them one hour and 15 minutes in, at Lake Clifton. Here, find a 2000-year-old living thrombolite reef. Drive for a further 40 minutes and chance meeting some of Bunbury’s dolphin population at Koombana Bay.

Pullman Bunker Bay is the final stop, just over three hours south of Perth. This beachfront, five-star resort is the ultimate base for exploring the Margaret River Wine region.

Day 2

After a leisurely morning breakfast with an ocean view, start your Range Rover and head towards the Dunsborough town centre. Browsing the decidedly coastal-themed goods of the town’s many independent boutiques is a great way to while away the hours, breaking up the sartorial with an artisan gelato snack stop, or some good old-fashioned Australian bakery fare.

Leave room; you’ll need it for the Good Natured Gathering dinner at Wayfinder. Indulge in a four-course feast by chef Felipe Montiel, which uses produce from the winery’s market garden to enhance a selection of sustainably sourced seafood and meat. But food is just the support act. It’s organic wine that’s the star of the show, generously poured and expertly paired to each dish.

Day 3

Settle in for cabernet at Cape Mentelle Winery.

With a grand total of 20 wines from vintage 2022 to try, it’s a good thing Cape Mentelle’s International Cabernet Tasting kicks off early. Make your way to the estate for a 10:00 AM start, where a global selection of wines will be poured blind, before a long lunch by Tiller Dining is served.

Given that the Margaret River is responsible for more than 20 per cent of Australia’s fine wine production, it’s only right to delve into it while in the area.

Continue exploring the region via taste and terroir aboard Alison Maree, a whale-watching catamaran, as you cruise Geographe Bay . Admire the rolling green hills and crisp white beaches of Quindalup in sunset’s golden light, all the while sipping through the Clairault Streicker catalogue and dining on canapes.

For a more substantial dinner, venture into Busselton for a seven-course British x Australian mash-up , courtesy of Brendan Pratt (Busselton Pavilion) and Oliver Kent (Updown Farmhouse, UK). They’ll be putting their rustic yet refined spin on the likes of local marron, wagyu and abalone – championing the simple beauty of the world-class ingredients.

Day 4

Wrap your fingers around a wine glass and wiggle your toes into the sand at Pair’d Beach Club x Range Rover on Meelup Beach. Sit down to an intimate wine session with sommelier Cyndal Petty – or a four-course feast by Aaron Carr of Yarri – and revel in the open-air beach club, bar and restaurant’s laidback coastal vibe. It’s a whole new way to experience one of the region’s most renowned beaches.

Follow up a day in the sun with a casual Italian party at Mr Barvel Wines . Purchase wines –including the elusive, sold-out Nebbia – by the glass and enjoy canapes with the towering Karri forest as a backdrop.

If you’d prefer to keep it local, head to Skigh Wines for the New Wave Gathering , where the region’s independent wine makers and their boundary-pushing wines will be on show. Street-style eats, a DJ and complimentary wine masterclasses complete the experience.

Day 5

pair'd Grand Tasting — Taste your way through Howard Park Wines. (Image: C J Maddock)

Spend the morning at your leisure, driving the winding roads through the Boranup Karri forest in your Range Rover. Soak in the views at Contos Beach, and call into the small cheese, chocolate and preserve producers along the way.

Make your next stop Howard Park Wines for The Grand Tasting presented by Singapore Airlines . Numerous wine labels will be pouring their catalogues over four hours, accompanied by food from chefs Matt Moran and Silvia Colloca, with live opera providing the soundtrack.

Cap off a big weekend with one last hurrah at Busselton Pavilion. Six ‘local legends’ – chefs Brendan Pratt (Busselton Pavilion), Mal Chow (Chow’s Table), Aaron Carr (Yarri), Ben Jacob (Lagoon Yallingup), Corey Rozario (Dahl Daddies) and Laura Koentjoro (Banksia Tavern) – will be preparing a dish each. Dance the night away as vinyl spins and the sun sets on another day.

Day 6

Ngilgi Cave western australia — Head underground. (Image: Tourism WA)

After a busy few days of wining and dining, it’s wise to observe a rest day. There’s no easier task than unwinding in the Margaret River Region, also famous for its high concentration of world-class beaches.

Relax on the grassy knoll as you watch the region’s most experienced surfers braving the World Surf League break at Surfer’s Point, or don your own wetsuit and try out one of Gracetown’s more beginner-friendly waves. Swimmers will find their Eden at Meelup Beach, Eagle Bay, or Point Piquet, where the sand is brilliantly white and the water as still as a backyard swimming pool.

Not into sun, sand, and surf? Head underground at Mammoth Cave, just one of the region’s many stalactite-filled caves.

Day 7

Burnt Ends event at Pair'd — Farewell the Margaret River.

Pack up your Range Rover with new favourite wines and newfound memories, ready for the three-hour journey back to Perth.

Prebook your discovery journey through the south-west corner of Western Australia with Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover.

Here’s how to road trip the Kimberley

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.

Rite of passage: The Gibb

How long?

What’s required?

Must-see hotspots

Into red dirt country: Dampier Peninsula

How long?

What’s required?

Must-see hotspots

Off the beaten track: Purnululu National Park

How long?

What’s required?

Must-see hot spots

This coastal gem was Ask AT’s most searched town in 2025

From laid-back to luxury: exploring the Kimberley two ways

6 reasons the best way to experience the Kimberley is by cruise

Unforgettable Horizontal Falls tours to choose from

The ultimate Margaret River road trip itinerary for food & wine lovers

Time your visit to Margaret River just right, and you can spend the ultimate weekend wining, dining and exploring the region with Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover.

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Pair’d Margaret River Region is proudly owned by the Western Australian Government, through Tourism WA.