33 Day 4WD Kimberley Camping Tour. 

Day
 Date
 Destinations
 Info & Details
 Meals

Dates shown below maybe  different every year.
Please take Note:
To visit all the highlights and sights along this route could take us 8 weeks and even then one would have to make choices. Tours are always a compromise, balancing time available to most people, selecting a practical route and the most interesting highlights.
The Itinerary can however be very flexible for custom and private tours.

Pure daily driving time should be between 3 and 5 hours, although if we are held up for any reason this could then increase somewhat. Our average daily distance is 300 km.
This tour has been planned as a 4WD camping tour with a max. of 4 participants.
However we can also take a max. of 3 Tag Along Vehicles on this tour.
Tag Along participants should fit in with this itinerary, but are of course free to deviate from our route at their own responsibility.
Tag Along Participants provide for most of their own meals, their own accommodation and the Nat. Park fees.
Tag Along Participants please read this info:
http://www.redcentre.com.au/4X4/TagAlongFAQ.htm  

This tour with some minor changes is also available in the reverse direction.

With all Outback Tours and travel in remote areas the exact daily destination can never be guaranteed. Our daily progress will often be affected by the current road and weather conditions.




We also speak German !

1
Darwin to Litchfield Nat. Park 
We leave Darwin driving along the Stuart Hwy., turn onto the Cox Peninsula Road and just after an hour later we come to our first Gravel Road. After entering the Litchfield N.P. our first stop is at Wangi Falls. This has for many years been Darwin's favourite swimming hole.
We spent a little time there and after we have lunch we continue either to the Lost City or directly to our 1st camp site at the Florence Falls. Our camp site is only a short distance from the Falls with a lovely plunge pool. While you again go for a swim your dinner will be prepared.
L D

 
2
Litchfield to the Mary River Roadhouse
If you like You can go for a early morning swim and after breakfast and packing up we leave. We stop shortly after at the Buley Rock Holes for another swim. Enjoy those swims as in a few days time there won't be as many opportunities. If we haven't been to the Lost City on our way here we now drive there and then we continue on, now on our way to Kakadu. Along the way we will stop at some huge Termite Mounds. After rejoining the Stuart Hwy. we make our way to Pine Creek and after a short stop we continue to our next camp at the Mary River Roadhouse.
Note: We may also head north again to then drive to Kakadu along the Arnhem Hwy. and that will also affect the next 2 days.
B L D


 
3
Mary River to Kakadu Nat. Park
 Just before we enter Kakadu we take a little travelled track to spring feed waterfall with lovely plunge pool. Last swim for a couple of days due to Croc danger in Kakadu. We set up camp at the Coinda Camp ground.
B L D
 
4
Kakadu
Our first stop is at the Aboriginal Cultural centre and then we continue to Nourlangie Rock with its spectacular Rock Paintings. After a moderate walk we continue to the Kakadu Nat. Pk. information centre to book seats for you on an Aborigine guided boat cruise on East Alligator River before continuing to our next camping ground near Ubirr Rock.
After "claiming" our camping Spot we continue without delay so as to arrive at Ubirr Rock some time before sunset. Here we also walk through a number of "Galleries" with an abundance of rock paintings. These are quite different to what we saw at Nourlangie Rock.
Our aim is to reach the Top of Ubirr Rock a little before sunset. There are great views from there over Wet lands and of the Arnhemland Escarpment. Weather depending there is also a spectacular sunset with reflections in the water of the wet lands below us. We now return to our camping spot. Dinner will be a little late tonight.
B L D



 
5
Kakadu to Edith Falls
While I prepare your breakfast you pack your belongings and then after Breakfast I take you to the boat ramp for your cruise. I return to camp, pack up the trailer etc. and then pick you up after your cruise. On our way towards Edith falls we again stop for a short break at Pine Creek. At Edith Falls there is a lovely large camping ground with all facilities. While we cook dinner you have amble time for a swim in the huge Plunge Pool. This area is a paradise for Bird watchers and even the kangaroos come right up to our tents.
For Custom Tours and if insufficient time then Litchfield and Kakadu can be omitted.  
Alternatively those days could provide for more relaxed travelling and for extra time in the Kimberley.
Our first nights camp will then be at the Edith Falls.

B L D

 
6
Edith Falls to Katherine and Gregory Nat. Park
We will try to book an early boat cruise in Katherine Gorge from here. The best cruise is the first one in the morning and if we want to catch that we need to leave Edith Falls quite early as it's over 90 minutes from there to the Katherine Gorge.
While you are on that cruise we do our grocery shopping for the next few days.
Katherine itself is not much of a Town and we try to leave here after lunch at our favourite Restaurant ( your own expense ) that serves great Baramundi.
Our aim today is to get at least 1/2 way to Kununurra, maybe camping in Gregory Nat. Park.
Should we be unlucky and not able to book on the earliest Katherine Gorge cruise then we may stay tonight in Katherine.

B  D




 
7
Gregory Nat. Park to Kununurra
If we allow ourselves some time in Gregory Nat. Park will depend on conditions at the time. We aim to arrive in Kununurra mid afternoon.

B L  D

C/M
8
Kununurra
A Rest Day filled with local attractions or optional activities of your own choice.
Tonight everybody worries about their own Dinner. We suggest a meal at the Hotel.
 B D
C/M
9
Kununurra to Bungle Bungle
 A longish drive along the sealed Great Northern Highway through the hilly Eastern  Kimberley, stopping for lunch at Turkey Creek. Some time later we turn off onto the very rough track that leads us to the Purnululu  ( Bungle Bungle ) Nat. Park. Those last 55 km can easily take us 2.5 hours. We select one of the 2 Camping Grounds when we get there.
B L D

 
10
Bungle Bungle
Today we visit the Highlights such as Piccanini Creek, Cathedral Gorge, Echidna Chasm and others. There will be sufficient time for those who wish to take an optional Flight over the Bungle Bungle.
B L D

 
11
Bungle Bungle to GRR
We try to leave no later than mid morning unless the participants decide to remain for an additional night.
After returning to the Great Northern Highway we backtrack, going north, until we turn onto the Gibb River Road. It will most likely be a bush camp along our route, wherever we finish up at a reasonable time. Due to frequent changes to the condition of the GRR we can't pre determine our nights stop.
B L D




12
GRR
Continuing on along the GRR, fording a couple of rivers and hopefully get as far as our turnoff onto the Kalumburu Road. There is a large area at the Gibb River crossing which maybe our camping area tonight. Should we arrive there early we may decide to continue on to the Drysdale River Station.
B L D


 
13
GRR to King Edward River
At the Drysdale River Station we fill our diesel tanks and may even select a few items from their not too well stocked shop. Then we continue along the Kalumburu Road to our turnoff to the Mitchell Plateau. It can be very slow travelling along the Kalumburu Road due to sand and heavy corrugations. We continue on, ford the King Edward River and then set up camp for a couple of nights beside the River.
You will enjoy a swim in the refreshing water.
B L D


 
14
Mitchell Falls
After an early morning dip in the river and a hearty breakfast we hit the track to the Mitchell Plateau. This is one of the roughest track on our trip!
At the end of the track we park in whatever shade we can find and then before we start our walk to the Mitchell Falls we arrange for a "Taxi Flight" back from the falls. Along the way we view some Aboriginal Rock Art, make our way past the Little Mertins and the Big Mertins Falls. How much water flows over the Mitchell Falls always depends on the previous Wet Season and follow up rains. However there is always enough water at the top of the falls for those who want to cool off.
It maybe quite late by the time we return to our camp at the King Edward River.
B L D

 
15
King Edward River to GRR
We hope to make it back to the Drysdale River Station by lunch time and then continue on our way back to the Gibb River Road.
B  D

 
16
GRR to Mt. Barrnet
 At Mt. Barnet we camp and explore Manning Gorge.
The Gibb River Road is at times very rough and progress can be slow.
 B L D
17
To Bell Gorge, and Lennard Gorge
Today we detour to Bell Gorge, one of the most spectacular gorges along the GRR. Including our walk there this will take us half a day. We aim to reach Lennard Gorge.
Camping tonight could well be at a bush camp. However, if we make good progress we may even reach Windjana Gorge.
B L D
18
Windjana Gorge
 We walk along the gorge where there are often Freshwater Crocodiles in great numbers.
If we stay here for the night or continue on depends on our progress
 B L D
19
Tunnel Creek, Fitzroy Crossing
 Another walk today into Tunnel Creek, where you will walk at times hip deep water, need torches and sneakers.
Note: We attempt to reach Fitzroy Crossing today. However we must be prepared for slow progress during the past few days and consequently the past few camping places have not been defined.
B L D
20
Geigie Gorge, Broome
The first Cruise in Geigie Gorge is the favourite with people in the know. We try to get to the start as early as possible and skip breakfast at our campsite this morning. While you are on the cruise we prepare your breakfast, ready for yo when you return from your cruise. We should reach Broome mid afternoon.
B L

C/M
21
Broome
 Town sights, Cable beach, Willi Creek Pearl Farm
 B   D
C/M
22
80 Mile Beach
 On our way south towards Port Hedland we turn off towards the coast for a camp on the sandy beach.

23
Karijini
After a short stop at Port Hedland we turn inland, arriving after one of our longer days driving at our campsite in Karijini N.P.
B L D
24
Karijini & Tom Price
We have almost all day in Karijini. After our walk to the Fortescue Falls and along Dale Gorge we visit the Imperative Centre and other Gorges. We can decide on the spot if we stay another night, or continue the short distance to Tom Price.
B L D
25
Exmouth
Exmouth, the Cape Range Nat. Pk. and Ningaloo Reef.
We set up our camp for at least 2 nights.
B L D
26
Exmouth
The Reef is only a very short distance from the sandy beach. You can swim and snorkel or take an optional cruise over the reef. Wildlife in Cape range is prolific.
B L D
26
Exmouth to Carnarvon
A drive along the beach takes us to Yardy Creek for a walk there, a very pretty area.
We leave at about lunchtime to arrive at Carnarvon before sunset.
B L
28
Carnarvon to Shark Bay
Shark Bay is a World Heritage Area. We visit Shelly Beach, and drive out to Hamelyn Pool to see the Stromatolites which are the oldest living organism on earth.
B L D
29
Shark Bay
Today we drive to Monkey Mia where you can watch the Dolphins being feed and if you like we book an optional cruise on a Catamaran for you.
B L D
30
Shark Bay
Kalbarri
 We leave Shark Bay around lunchtime to reach our Camping Ground in Kalbarri before sunset.
For Dinner tonight we suggest a Meal at the "Fish BBQ". It's an experience.
B L
31
Kalbarri
We visit the Kalbarri N.P. and take a couple of walks and at the "Z Bends" we climb down to the Murchison River. We return to Kalbarri for the sunset at Red Bluff.
B L D
32
Kalbarri to Cervantes
 Today we drive through Geraldton to Cervantes and after leaving our trailer at the Camping Ground we drive to the Pinnacles to view them during sunset.
B L D
33
Cervantes
to Perth
 
 It's now not very far to Perth but we take a detour to the Yanchep N.P to see the Koalas there.
We should arrive in Perth by mid afternoon.
B L



Total Distance = 8000 km approx.




A min. of 4 nights accommodation in Cabins or Motels are included.
Optional additional nights in Motels or Cabins are possible.
Boat Cruises on East Alligator River, in Katherine Gorge and Geikie Gorge are included
A helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls and return to the car park is included.
87 meals
included.



B= breakfast, L= lunch, D= dinner. C/M= Cabins or Motel




Most Camping Grounds are well set up with all facilities but a few bush camps with no facilities maybe unavoidable. .




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