Kimberleys and Gibb River Road
4x4 Tag along camper tour
Tour
Overview
This trip is a result of a research trip I took in 2020. Now I want to share with you the most beautiful parts of this almost untouched region in Australia: its waterfalls, gorges, scenic walks and other ‘secret spots’. Places you can only get to with a 4WD, hence the decision to self-drive in a 4WD Camper. I found amazing indigenous rock art and experienced a sense of the “real outback”. This, Axel & I would love to share with you.
Experience the wonders and peculiarities of the Australian outback firsthand with this tour! Witness breathtaking views and picture-perfect sunsets amidst vast landscapes and almost untouched regions. Get up close to crocodiles, marvel at ancient Aboriginal rock paintings and enjoy scenic walks in gorges and along waterfalls. Travel in your own 4WD Campervan, through UNESCO-protected National Parks, many of which are only accessible with a 4WD vehicle.
The Northern Territory (NT) is home to some of the most fascinating National Parks and unique outback locations. We want to share with you the most beautiful parts, ‘secret spots’ you can only get to by 4WD, hence the decision to self-drive in a 4WD Camper. We want to share with you a sense of the “real outback”.
Tour
Highlights
Explore some of the most breathtaking and culturally rich destinations in Australia! Visit Broome and witness the captivating Indigenous Rock Art at Mitchell Falls. Drive along the iconic Gibb River Road and marvel at the numerous gorges and waterfalls it has to offer. Go on a hike in the renowned Bungle Bungles and be mesmerized by the striking natural formations. Take a boat ride and discover the vast, mesmerizing Lake Argyle, wade through the unique Tunnel Creek.
And these are just a few of the many experiences awaiting you on this unforgettable journey.
Other noteworthy inclusions:
- Truly authentic Outback experiences
- Drive off-road and off-the-beaten-track in your own 4WD Campervan
- Remote Mitchell falls
- Indigenous Rock Art
- Indigenous Cave Tour
- Travel accompanied by a German-speaking Tour guide
- Experience a “Wildlife Conversation” talk
Tour
Essentials
Day 1 - Arrival in Broome, W.A.
Midday arrival, hotel check-in, experience Broome and its pearling history. familiarise. In the afternoon let’s try and find the Dinosaur footprints Drive: NIL
Drive: NIL
Accomodation: Stay@Hotel
Day 2 - Broome
Pick up the 4WD Campervan / Buy supplies, pack and get ready.
Drive: NIL
Stay@Hotel/Breakfast
Day 3 - Mimbi caves
Early start and drive via Fitzroy Crossing to our first camp. The first four days are mainly driven on bitumen, there will be some off road travel.
Drive: ~500km = ~ 6hrs
Stay@Bush Camp with facilities
Day 4 - Bungle Bungles
Our Mimbi caves tour with our indigenous guide starts at 08.00hrs. Afterwards head off via Halls Creek to the Bungle Bungles. We try our 4WDrive-skills on some water crossings.
Drive: ~400km = ~ 6hrs
Stay@Bush Camp with facilities for two nights /Breakfast
Day 5 - Bungle Bungles
Our first bushwalk starts early to avoid the heat. We explore the National Park and its famous caves and domes.
Optional flight over the Bungle Bungles
Drive: a few kms to the start of the walk
Walk: ~4hrs
Stay@Bush Camp with facilities
Day 6 - Bungle Bungles & Lake Argyle
Our second early walk, this time at the other end of the NP. After, we drive via Kununurra to Lake Argyle. There we may try out the restaurant or bar, or both?
Drive: ~400km
Walk: 4-5hrs
Stay@Campground@Lake Argyle for two nights
Day 7 - Lake Argyle
Almost a rest-day taking time to wash cloths, relax , swim in the infinity pool. At 18.00hrs we get ready for the Lake Argyle sunset tour.
Drive: NIL
Stay@Campground@Lake Argyle
Day 8 - El Questro
We drive to El Questro Camp and explore the area with its myriad walks and sights . In the afternoon we walk through Emma Gorge. Once again we may enjoy the bar & restaurant at the camp.
Drive: ~200km
Walk: ~2hrs
Stay@Campground El Questro
Day 9 - El Questro
We might like a early dip in the Zebedee Springs, then explore another exceptional walk in this region.
Drive: a few kms to the start of the walk
Walk: ~4hrs
Stay@Campground El Questro
Day 10 - Drysdale River Station
Today we are officially driving on the notorious Gibb River Road! Here our 4WDriving skills will be tested (as the relationship with our co driver …). We tackle the Pentecost River crossing. On our way to we may have a little surprise for you …
Drive: ~300km = 5-6hrs
Stay@Drystale River Campground dinner possible at restaurant/ bar
Day 11 - Mitchell Falls
Even more excitement and skills-testing today on the very remote and heavily corrugated road to the Mitchell Falls. On our way we’ll explore more Indigenous Rock Art.
Drive: ~130km – ~3hrs
Walk: short walks to explore Rock Art
Stay@Bushcamp with limited facilities
Day 12 - Mitchell Falls
Early morning, we commence our walk to the Mitchell Falls. Some of you may choose the option (at your own expense) to fly Helicopter for one way … But we’ll make sure you won’t miss the stunning Indigenous Rock Art along the way. Some of us may even take a dip in the refreshing water, to feel refreshed for the return drive to Drysdale.
Drive: ~130km – ~3hrs
Walk: ~4hrs
Stay@Drystale River Campground dinner possible at restaurant/ bar
Day 13 - Charnley Station (Wildlife conservation)
We turn back onto the Gibb River Road, going west-wards and may have an opportunity to stock-up on shopping for some supplies. Once arrived at Charnley, we can’t wait to see some of the most beautiful walks and waterfalls. In the evening, we’ll try to convince the Park Ranger to do a wildlife conservation talk.
Drive: 400km = ~6hrs
Walk: ~2hrs
Stay@ Bush Camp with facilities
Day 14 - Bell Gorge
On we drive along the Gibb River Road towards Bell Gorge. There we make camp and explore the gorge and its waterfalls. Take your bathers!
Drive: ~90km
Walk: ~4hrs
Stay@Bush Camp with facilities
Day 15 - Derby
After a relatively short drive we arrive at another – rather unusual – spot: Tunnel Creek. Here you need to take a torch, your bathers and water-resistant shoes. It will be pitch-black, but you might spot the crocs eyes …. don’t worry, it’s a Freshwater one. Having arrived in Derby we’ll settle down to watch the sunset while munching on some fish & chips at Derby’s wharf.
Drive: ~180km
Walk: ~2-3hrs
Stay@Campground in Derby
Day 16 - Broome
Our final day of driving. We are on the homestretch back to Broome, but before we invite you to take a look at Derby’s Indigenous Art Gallery, a rather ‘less commercial’ place. In Broome we return our car.
Drive: ~220km
Stay@Hotel/ Breakfast
Day 17 - Broome
This is the planned departure day. Some of you may opt to stay longer and travel more of WA’s eastern coastline. I have a few suggestions listed in the “Important Information” tab for you to read.
What is included in this tour:
- 2 x hotels in Broome
- campgrounds & wild bush camps
- all licenses & permits
- Indigenous cave tour & Lake Argyle boat tour
- German speaking tour guide
What is not included in this tour:
- Car rental – we are very happy to help with the rental vehicles. It’s imperative we secure our bookings (especially the car rental) as early as possible as there are only limited vehicles available
- your flights
- optional excursions eg; helicopter flight in the Bungle Bungles or over Mitchell Falls
- meals and drinks
- personal spending
Start Date
End Date
Tour Starts
24/05/2024
09/06/2024
Broome, WA
This tour will go ahead once we have the minimum participants of 3 cars ( 6 people).
Campsites:
- All campsites and hotels/motels/cabins are pre-booked.
- The campsites all have a good standard: well-maintained sanitary facilities, washing machine/dryer, and sometimes a pool.
4×4 camper Car Insurance:
- We must insist to select the best possible option (max cover) for your 4×4 camper car insurance.
- The outback is a very challenging place and flat tyres or even small repairs are always probable.
- Consider that you will mostly drive on dirt roads, and while we take every precaution to avoid any mishaps, it is best to be insured against all possibilities.
Food:
- We make sure to stock on food before the trip and store it on our vans which have limited fridges
- En route, you will almost always have the opportunity to buy food & provisions
- An Esky and/or a Cool-bag should always be an important part of your equipment.
Requirements
- The rental of a 4×4 camper (we are happy to help ) Its imperative we secure our bookings (especially the car rental) as early as possible as there are only limited vehicles available
- Knowledge how to change a tyre! (we’ll explain this after receipt of your Campervan)
- EPIRB (should be included from the 4WD camper rental company)
- A big sense of adventure.
Information about the 4WD Campers:
- You have the choice between 2 different vehicle types (both are 2-bed campers)
- The vehicles are younger models and come with cooking and sleeping facilities
- The 4WD campers are fully equipped with bedding, kitchen utensils, awning, and gas bottle
- They are fully insured (with no deductible)
- Of course, you can also rent your own camper individually.
Prices are per person for a 2 berth motorhome / double occupancy.
Optional Extras:
Broome extension:
*If time permits, we could add a few more days from Broome (see Day 14 Itinerary):
- exploring Broome and its colourful history
- drive to Cape Leveque, see a working pearl-farm and its spectacular red sand cliffs
- take more time in your car or Fly to Exmouth to swim with the whalesharks.
If so, I would love to help you with those choices.
Campgrounds: Please note in some campgrounds up-grade possibilities are sometimes available.
Helicopter flights or a flight over Mitchel falls might be available on request and as an extra cost.
