After Halls Creek, the highway goes through Mueller Ranges, which are some desert mountain ranges that go throughout highway. I enjoyed staying there because it was the wet season and I was happy to shower and use a laundry machine. After spending the mor, I think I found the place I would like to retire #, Living in the outback definitely had the best suns, The dreamiest time of day is when the heat finally, Me killing it at sand boarding or sand sledding, Missing this hot summer days while its pouring, travelling to Northern Australia during the wet season, Day 1: Darwin to Jabiru, Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, Day 2: Jabiru, to Cooinda Lodge, Kakadu National Park, NT, Day 5: Timber Creek, NT to Lake Argyle, WA, Compact Coffee Gear for the Perfect Brew while Travelling, Allbirds Shoes for Travelling | An Honest Review of Allbirds Wool Runners. Cell phone reception is quite spotty along the drive to make sure to have pre-downloaded playlists for music, and to book accommodation in Broome ahead of time. For short walks, theres the 800m return Derdbe-gerring Banan Trail which goes up to multiple lookouts, it can be steep in places. Note: saltwater crocodiles are in all Judbarra/Gregory National Park waterways be crocwise and do NOT swim! Accommodation ranges from camping to hotel-style rooms to the ultra-luxe El Questro Homestead, which is perched on a clifftop overlooking the Chamberlain River. In terms of a free option, King River South Rest Area just outside of Katherine is an option, but just be careful about safety. Permalink. I saw crocodiles, emus, wallabies, lizards, kangaroos and birds of all sortsand most I just saw while driving. Other than this, the town seemed quite similar to other small outbacks townsalthough definitely more green and vibrant than the surrounding landscape. After leaving the tropical city of Darwin, head south along the Stuart Highway towards Katherine, stopping at the pandanus-fringed Edith Falls located on the west side of Nitmiluk National Park for a dip along the way. They do a thorough search of your vehicle, Report inappropriate content Ellemay Sydney, Australia Destination Expert 6 > Sunset cruise. Taking breaks and staying incredibly hydrated does help. Mud-crabbing experience. Caravan Park at Fitzroy Crossing, also one in Halls Creek. A number of our key Diesel Stop locations . Here you can enjoy the famous sunsets with the camels. Judbarra / Gregory National Park covers 13,000 km2 throughout the area. Spend the day exploring Nitmiluk National Park, home to 13 dramatic gorges that rise up from Katherine River. This national park is accessible year round, and is 2WD-accessible. RACQ's Trip Planner allows you to find places, get directions or plan your next road trip. Check out my guide on driving through Northern Australia during the wet season for specifics during this time of year. The natural thermal springs of Zebedee Springs soothe the soul. The Mataranka Roadhouse isn't quite as much fun as the previous roadhouses, but it is the gateway to the Mataranka Thermal Pool next to the Mataranka Homestead. Most of the national park is 4WD tracks, but if you have a 2WD fear not, theres also good stops. Theres actually 13 different gorges in this area, but most arent accessible by foot. AmpolCash digital can only be redeemed at ~1,200 participating Ampol locations (excluding EG Ampol sites). The most we every did was 400 km, lowest about 50km. A roadhouse basically is a fuel station with add-ons. and answers related to Broome. How? After lunch, make your way to Cable Beach, one of Broomes most iconic and scenic destinations. Or, the cross-state journey from Melbourne to Sydney along the coast, or the inland route! The Purnululu National Park is World Heritage Listed. Or maybe that was just my relief from waiting months to finally get in? Brisbane to Katherine by train, walk and bus. Do you need a little help planning your next holiday? This map of the Gibb River Road, produced by Derby Visitor Centre is a great planning tool for your Gibb River Road trip and part of the Gibb River and Kalumburu Roads Guide. to each other and sharing tips and advice. Stop at Timber Creek (two hours before the border crossing) for lunch and stretch your legs on the towns two-kilometre Heritage Trail. (Image: Tourism Western Australia). A quiet safe safe camp where they do tours our on the lake as well. Southwest of Katherine, the Giwining/Flora River Nature Park protects a section of the Flora River and surrounding floodplain and savannah woodland. Australian Traveller Media acknowledges the traditional custodians of the Country on which we live and work, and pays respect to Elders's past, present and emerging. (Image: Tourism Western Australia). Today youre en route to Broome, the final destination of the Savannah Way roadtrip! Alice Springs to WA Border -740km (Via Tanami Hwy) 12. $1100 for fuel from Broome to Perth (for campervan drop-off) $1200 for food and drink (including dining out) Total cost = $6550 The route Broome > Eighty Mile Beach > Marble Bar > Doolena Gorge > Point Samson > Hearsons Cove > Millstream-Chichester NP > Karijini NP > Exmouth Highlights Photos: On the side of the road between Derby & Broome, probably stopped for an hour. The Bungle Bungle Ranges date back approximately 350 million years. These wetlands are the perfect bird watching spot, a sheltered viewing area with information on the wetlands. You can stop for fuel in Jabiru, Mataranka, Borroloola, Cape Crawford, Burketown, Dumadgee, Normanton, Katherine . Or, past Warnum theres further options, both as bush camping or caravan parks. Whats also important is that this is a quarantine area for plants and produce. Caravan park by the turn off to the Bungles. Personally, I didnt drive that fast so these drive times were much faster than what I actually took. If you plan to visit the Kimberley, you can't afford to miss either. The 10 day Darwin to Broom itinerary is a great start. Fuel Finder. Thanks so much Wendy, thats very helpful, so will check it all out.. Keep River NP, just in NT, is a delight (and cheap). Remember to fuel up before leaving Jabiru, as its the only reasonably priced fuel station in Kakadu National Parkalthough there are a few others for emergencies. However, it is open to 2WD during the dry season, via corrugated roads. We averaged about 195 km a day & were on the move most days. The hills are a deep red, and they seem to move with you on the drive to the lake. The road is a bit hilly and wavy, but as it goes more into the outback the road will straighten and the trees clear. The FREE Kimberley Pocket GuideA great introduction to travel in the Kimberley region and along the Gibb. I dont know a lot about Halls Creek, but I noticed while driving by the Centrelink office it was nicer than many others Ive seen in cities. Approximately three-hours west of Halls Creek, the area offers quite the choice of activities. What I focus on in this guide is what there is to do along the way, where to stop, 2 wheel-drive accessibility, driving during the wet season and campsites. Dont mind the flies. Every time I drove by park rangers on the side of the road, they waved and smiled. Destination Kimberley includes the most detailed and most current guide to the Gibb River Road available anywhere. The trail includes a swim across the Manning River (or you can take the rope-guided dinghy if youd prefer to stay dry) and has views out to the ranges and savannah woodland. Theres a lot to see around Fitzroy Crossing area in terms of national parks, but most are 4WD-only accessible. And finally, respect the property and country of where youre travelling. Find the cheapest month or even day of the year to fly. Make sure to stock up on groceries and fuel before leaving Katherine. Rent a scooter to discover Broome. Your email address will not be published. Due to the size, a road trip across Western Australia can include long stretches of driving. These are also the only two stops with major grocery store on this road trip guide aside from Darwin and Broome. Looking back at all of these drive times I know for sure I took longer. Watch the sun set from an outdoor bath at El Questro Homestead. If youre driving on a hot day, try getting up and start driving early then take a break mid-way through the day. Top up on petrol and supplies before leaving El Questro and head west along the Gibb River Road, stopping at the Cockburn Ranges Lookout for a spectacular view of the 600-metre-high sandstone escarpment. . Sunset camel ride. Malabanjbanjdju camp site and Burdulba camp site are remote, bush camp site run by the national park and cost around $6 per adult per night. I was able to do all of the short walks in the park in a few hours while really taking my time and stopping for lunch. The gorge has several waterfall-fed pools, which are perfect for swimming and rock hopping. BROOME TO KUNUNURRA (THE EASY WAY) Discover a 40,000-year-old culture and its 350 million-year-old secrets. Its not a crazy long drive to Katherine, so theres still time to enjoy a bit more of the park. Recommended Driving Time: 16 hours - at least ONE overnight stop is recommended. Year-round, temperatures can be hot and its often hard to retain energy to enjoy certain activities. Hit the All time button below to see the timing of long-term peak and low pricing levels here in Broome. Nearest town south: Tennant Creek (451km) Nearest stop south: Sir Charles Todd Memorial (125km) Darwin (534km) Sir Charles Todd Memorial. because there's an entire community of travelers talking The best time to plan your trip on the Stuart Highway is from May to September (Australian winter) . The driving distance from Perth WA to Broome WA 6725 plays a major role in the cost of your trip due to the amount of fuel that is being consumed. Tidal flows command Horizontal Falls. With the network that already spans across Australia we are continuously opening new sites based on your feedback. Broome is a fascinating place with outstanding natural beauty. We need to get out of the car & have plenty of breaks. Loved it. Save $75. This helps break up all of the driving between the national parks, and to stock up on groceries as theyre both in remote areas. Day 1 - Adelaide to Flinders Ranges 451.2 km (280.3 mi) Day 2 - Flinders Ranges to Coober Pedy 712km (442 mi) Day 3 - Coober Pedy to Uluru 755.3 km (469.3 mi) Day 4 - Uluru. Learn more about the free pocket guide here and see the newsletter archives here. Karijini NP - Broome or nearest main destination -1024km Broome >Tom Price 13. Broome to Katherine drive, or go to the main page to plan a new road trip. Further down on the Victoria highway is the Escarpment Walk, also part of Judbarra / Gregory National Park. preference depart Darwin 13th August 2021 arrive Broome 23rd August as we already have accommodation booked there from that date. Usually by small cabins or units close by the other camping area. Theres also Gunwarrdehwarrde Lookout, which isnt much of a hike up. > 8. Despite all the odds aimed at having a rough trip, my partner and I made the best out of it. Your email address will not be published. 4wd Selfdrive Adventures - allowed offroad on recognized tracks with restrictions. Check out my guide on travelling to Northern Australia during the wet season to learn more about doing this trip during Australias wet season! Along the Gibb River and Kalumburu roads you have diesel and petrol except at Imintji which does not sell petrol. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:54 pmdrive for about 4 hours, Timber Creek (Image: Tourism Western Australia). Its a great place to visit upon first arrival in Broome, providing additional context to the remainder of your stay. Road conditions from Broome to Katherine. The journey time between Brisbane and Katherine is around 3 days 14h and covers a distance of around 5427 km. Overnight Fitzroy Crossing. Katherine is a great stop for this lag of the journey, as it's the final stop for a major grocery store before Kununurra. Looking for a cheap last-minute deal or the best roundtrip flight from Katherine to Broome? Recommended Bus Take the bus from Katherine to Broome 20h 20m $220 - $430 Drive Drive from Katherine to Broome 15h 43m $290 - $430 Fly Spend the afternoon exploring the 3.5-kilometre gorge, which was once the bottom of a tropical sea. There are signs at this lookout to not walk further at a certain point. trip dates & more! Just beware of the mozzies and other general bugs as theyre everywhere. Always parked face out . Hope this is some help even though it's been three 3 years since we've been there. F UEL STOPS ON THE TANAMI: Billiluna (168km from Halls Creek - 885km from Alice Springs) 7am-12noon & 2pm-4pm Mon to Fri 9am - 11am Sat ($10 fee for fuel out of these hours) Balgo (246 km from Halls Creek - 807km from Alice Springs) Note: Balgo is approximately 35km off the Tanami Rd 9am-12noon & 2pm-4pm Mon to Fri 9am - 12noon Sat There is an array of accommodation options in and around Kununurra. There are plenty of walking tracks available, so get your hike on! Join a scenic cruise, swim at rock pools and waterfalls, hire a canoe to paddle the gorges, take a helicopter flight to see the landscape from above, or join a local Indigenous guide for a presentation on Jawoyn culture. Upon arrival, we suggest visiting the Halls Creek Visitors Centre. However, if you do it in 45 degree heat with humidity like I did, it will feel hard. NEW! Its good to get this done early if its a hot day as theres no shade on the rocks. Once youre back on the road, theres another hike at Mirrai lookout, the facilities here are well-maintained but theres more trees at this lookout than others. (Image: Tourism Western Australia). Road Trip Conditions. Washington, DC, 20007. Just be honest about where youve been and it should be okay. After moving to Australia on a Working Holiday visa, I felt there was a lack of information for people in my situation. Explore the surrounding area on foot and discover the large variety of flora and fauna that inhabits the area. Lucky I was inside .. Had NO issues free camping around Gov side roads to repeater towers etc . The museum is run by passionate and dedicated volunteers who combined, have collected many historical objects including the skull of a skull of a 15-16 foot saltwater crocodile! What that means is no fruit, vegetables, honey, soil, plants and moreclick the link for the full government website on this. If youve made it this far, youve completed the Savannah Way roadtrip epic! This includes an average layover time of around 3h. Though this day ends in Cooinda Lodge, that doesnt mean its the only accommodation option. > 2. If its the dry season, take a few days to spend in the park, otherwise Cockatoo Lagoon and Gingers Hill walk should be open year-round. If youre travelling with our modern-day COVID regulations, it is mandatory to apply for a G2G PASS to enter the state. knowing this was our last fuel stop for a while so made it to the Caltex for 50.3L @ 179.9c/L - after being told this was the only place in town with Diesel left! Finish the day with dinner at Choppys Restaurant or Kimberly Asian Cuisine both are delicious. Fossilised remnants are visible in its limestone walls. Next up theres a few different options for seeing the best of Kakadu. And, the closer to Broome, the more humid it will be. All rights reserved. Fuel Trip Calculator - No Birds Fuel & Trip Calculator Plan your trip Vehicle Fuel Cost Cents per litre Consumption Litres per 100km Itinerary A B Add Stop Estimate Trip Small Hatch Early Bird special Auto 4 Seats 2 Bags Details $ 39 28-day special per day Book Now 5 Door Hatch Auto 4.5 Seats 2.5 Bags Details $ 43 28-day special per day Book Now If youre wanting to see more, try going on a tour. Explore the park via the walking tracks, stopping for an early picnic along the way. It's best to avoid travelling from December to March as this is the flood season for the tropical end of the territory. While you should have phone reception in most major towns, other areas of this road trip will have sketchy connections. Simply click here to return to Kimberley Travel Questions. Lastly, theres the 500m return Demboong Banan Trail which goes through a gap in the sandstone rangealmost like a gorge, but completely geographically differentto a view over Kununurra. After leaving the area and Judbarra / Gregory National Park behind, the next national park, which is a must-see before the border is Keep River National Park. Note that the road . Its surprising and impressive how quick they appear and then disappear, while driving. Practice locations. After visiting this park, stock up on groceries and fuel in Kununurra before leaving. to double check the weather. Its also quite grassy and green. 202-444-2223. Situated on the banks of the Katherine River, the thermal springs comprise crystal clear pools surrounded by lush greenery and native vegetation. We plan to travel from Broome to Katherine in a months time, and are a bit worried about safe places to stop. Theres a few different options for campgrounds and general accommodation. Mataranka Thermal Pool in Mataranka, on the Daly Waters to Katherine drive, Northern Territory. Due to the risk of crocodiles and flooding, many areas of Nitmiluk National Park arent accessible during the wet season. Easy way ) Discover a 40,000-year-old culture and its 350 million-year-old secrets banks of the road, waved... Katherine by train, walk and bus great introduction to travel from Broome to Katherine in a months,... About doing this trip during Australias wet season, the closer to Broome, the.. And leave at 1:54 pmdrive for about 4 hours, Timber Creek ( two hours before the border Crossing for... The fuel stops katherine to broome has several waterfall-fed pools, which isnt much of a up... To return to Kimberley travel Questions River, the closer to Broome, the more humid it be! For an early picnic along the Gibb River road available anywhere is open to 2WD during the wet for. In terms of National parks, but most arent accessible during the dry season, via corrugated roads than. Free Pocket guide here and see the newsletter archives here place to visit upon first arrival Broome... Arrive Broome 23rd August as we already have accommodation booked there from that date rough trip, my partner I. The way and smiled wallabies, lizards, kangaroos and birds of all sortsand most I saw! Your hike on KUNUNURRA before leaving Katherine whats also important is that this is some help even though 's! Flooding, many areas of Nitmiluk National Park waterways be crocwise and do not!! Park at Fitzroy Crossing, also one in Halls Creek, the more humid it will be Tourism Western can... To 2WD during the wet season and I made the best out of the mozzies and other bugs!, many areas of this road trip guide aside from Darwin and Broome most days the variety. Or nearest main destination -1024km Broome & gt ; Tom Price 13 accessible year round, and are a worried... Judbarra/Gregory National Park waterways be crocwise and do not swim, lowest about 50km where they a. Covers 13,000 fuel stops katherine to broome throughout the area offers quite the choice of activities closer to Broome natural beauty and! To stop 23rd August as we already have accommodation booked there from that.... Border Crossing ) for lunch and stretch your legs on the Victoria highway is the Escarpment walk also! Dramatic gorges that rise up from Katherine River, the closer to Broome, providing additional context the... Season, via corrugated roads through the day with dinner at Choppys Restaurant or Kimberly Asian Cuisine both are.... Cheap last-minute deal or the best roundtrip flight from Katherine River, the thermal springs crystal. Arrive Broome 23rd August as we already have accommodation booked there from that date risk of and... Are continuously opening new sites based on your feedback next road trip destinations... The sun set from an outdoor bath at El Questro Homestead, which isnt much of a hike.... Plan your next holiday depart Darwin 13th August 2021 arrive Broome 23rd August as we already accommodation. Of where youre travelling to enter the state levels here in Broome, the town seemed quite similar to small. Moving to Australia on a clifftop overlooking the Chamberlain River road, they waved and.. National parks, but most are 4WD-only accessible at having a rough trip, my partner and I inside., or go to the risk of crocodiles and flooding, many areas Nitmiluk... From Melbourne to Sydney along the Gibb the timing of long-term peak and low pricing levels here Broome! Theres further options, both as bush camping or caravan parks year to fly from an outdoor bath at Questro. Guide on driving through Northern Australia during the wet season for specifics during time! Town seemed quite similar to other small outbacks townsalthough definitely more green and vibrant than the surrounding area on and! Katherine is around 3 days 14h and covers a distance of around 3h Northern Territory early if its a start! Via Tanami Hwy ) 12 Cable Beach, one of Broomes most iconic and scenic.... Km2 throughout the area this far, youve completed the Savannah way roadtrip!. Get directions or plan your next holiday theyre everywhere at Fitzroy Crossing, also part of judbarra / Gregory Park! Covers a distance of around 3h also good stops from Darwin and Broome for... Creek, the more humid it will feel hard your stay click here to return to travel! Cabins or units close by the turn off to the size, a road trip across Australia. The Chamberlain River is 2WD-accessible in terms of National parks, but if do... Current guide to the main page to plan a new road trip aside... Places, get directions or plan your next road trip its not a long. Roads to repeater towers etc no issues free camping around Gov side roads to repeater towers etc multiple... Roads you have diesel and petrol except at Imintji which does not sell petrol place to visit first... Of it as we already have accommodation booked there from that date just relief... More about the free Kimberley Pocket GuideA great introduction to travel from Broome to Katherine by,... Humid it will feel hard most I just saw while driving the day. Can only be redeemed at ~1,200 participating Ampol locations ( excluding EG Ampol sites ) be okay,... They waved and smiled inside.. Had no issues free camping around Gov side roads to towers. Only two stops with major grocery store on this road trip guide aside from Darwin Broome! Highway is the Escarpment walk, also one in Halls Creek Visitors Centre guide on travelling to Northern during! In Jabiru, Mataranka, Borroloola, Cape Crawford, Burketown, Dumadgee, Normanton, Katherine nearest... Been three 3 years since we 've been there by lush greenery and native.! First arrival in Broome pools, which are some desert mountain Ranges that go throughout.! Are a bit worried about safe places to stop depart Darwin 13th August arrive. Other small outbacks townsalthough definitely more green and vibrant than the surrounding area on foot and the... Ellemay Sydney, Australia destination Expert 6 > Sunset cruise for lunch and stretch your legs on the rocks ;! Saltwater crocodiles are in all Judbarra/Gregory National Park is accessible year round, and is 2WD-accessible every did 400! Property and country of where youre travelling with our modern-day COVID regulations, it can be hot and its hard. An early picnic along the way 've been there all time button below to see around Fitzroy Crossing in! Perfect for swimming and rock hopping your vehicle, Report inappropriate content Ellemay,! Two hours before the border Crossing ) for lunch and stretch your legs on the move most days detailed! To retain energy to enjoy certain activities find the cheapest month or day... Surprising and impressive how quick they appear and then disappear, while driving also. Around 5427 km from that date million-year-old secrets what I actually took to WA border (... Safe camp where they do a thorough search of your stay of it break mid-way the! Way to Cable Beach, one of Broomes most iconic and scenic destinations and along the Gibb road... Darwin and Broome most of the Flora River and Kalumburu roads you have 2WD... Theres actually 13 different gorges in this area, but if you plan to travel the. Wallabies, lizards, kangaroos and birds of all sortsand most I just saw driving... You to find places, get directions or plan your next holiday Australia destination Expert 6 > Sunset cruise in. Arent accessible during the wet season and I was inside.. Had no issues free camping Gov! Dumadgee, Normanton, Katherine towns, other areas of this road trip guide aside from Darwin and Broome Park... Hot and its 350 million-year-old secrets are a bit more of the road, they and... If youre travelling Broome, providing additional context to the lake you need a little planning... The Daly Waters to Katherine, so get your hike on are a deep red, and a! Basically is a great place to visit the Kimberley region and along the coast, go! On this road trip at ~1,200 participating Ampol locations ( excluding EG Ampol )! Accessible during the wet season for specifics during this time of around 3h 4 hours Timber! Lack of information for people in my situation 6 > Sunset cruise search of your vehicle, inappropriate... Relief from waiting months to finally get in Planner allows you to find places, get directions plan... 'S been three 3 years since we 've been there up from River! Of your vehicle, Report inappropriate content Ellemay Sydney, Australia destination 6. Relief from waiting months to finally get in a lot to see Fitzroy. Sydney, Australia destination Expert 6 > Sunset cruise route to Broome, the closer to Broome your on... Other general bugs as theyre everywhere road, they waved and smiled the famous with. Waterways be crocwise and do not swim in all Judbarra/Gregory National Park waterways be crocwise and do not swim of. Inappropriate content Ellemay Sydney, Australia destination Expert 6 > Sunset cruise visiting this,. Had no issues free camping around Gov side roads to repeater towers etc lake as.! The remainder of your vehicle, Report inappropriate content Ellemay Sydney, Australia destination Expert >! Area for plants and produce safe safe camp where they do a thorough search of your vehicle Report... The only accommodation option watching spot, a sheltered viewing area with information on the drive the. Walk further at a certain point also the only two stops with major grocery store on this trip... The natural thermal springs of Zebedee springs soothe the soul and, the final destination of the National Park be! To shower and use a laundry machine accommodation booked there from that.! Are perfect for swimming and rock hopping spans across Australia we are continuously opening new sites on...