Around Gregory, the views get really spectacular. Visit Mirima (Hidden Valley) National Park, which is just a stones throw from Kununurras town centre. Admire the stunning colours of Broome upon arrival. Here you can browse their tasty menu despite the name, vegetarian options included. This national park is accessible year round, and is 2WD-accessible. trip dates & more! This freshwater, man-made reservoir is located in the heart of the Ord River Valley. The airfares are the cheapest we could find around the web at the time of publishing. Brisbane to Katherine by train, walk and bus. These types of campgrounds are good if youre on a budget, or if you have a vehicle thats great at keeping out bugs and mosquitos. who wants the trip to end? Travel through Cattle Country to the important and historic 'beef' town of Derby. There are several free camp areas out of Broome - Ellendale, Mary Pool come to mind. > 3. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the From rest area locations, fatigue and road hazards, learn about the unique road network in the state. Its located in the stunning Gooniyandi country, and offers both tours of the caves and a campground. Start your morning with a light breakfast at Finch Cafe before heading five minutes south to Katherine Hot Springs. Washington, DC, 20007. The drive from Katherine to Kununurra connects the Northern Territory's Top End to the Kimberley region of Western Australia. When travelling in remote areas, its not possible to do this road trip without being prepared. Whats also important is that this is a quarantine area for plants and produce. Find the cheapest month or even day of the year to fly. WAs border has been notoriously hard to enter throughout the pandemic, but its for good reasons. Just two kilometres after the Victoria River roadhouse is the Nawilbinbin Walk. Explore five World Heritage areas and spectacular northern Australia! Explore the park via the walking tracks, stopping for an early picnic along the way. (Image: Tourism NT/Jason Charles Hill). Windjana Gorge day trip. This is the day the road trip is leaving the last bit of civilization for a while. There is an array of accommodation options in and around Kununurra. Its important to know how far your vehicle will go on a tank of fuel and figure out where the next servo is. Overcast Clouds. preference depart Darwin 13th August 2021 arrive Broome 23rd August as we already have accommodation booked there from that date. 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 These wetlands are the perfect bird watching spot, a sheltered viewing area with information on the wetlands. Destination Top End offers the same comprehensive, detailed insider information for the tropical regions of the Northern Territory. Plan your trip! Its not necessarily barren, but the more dramatic landscapes picks up in this portion of the drive. Check out my guide on driving through Northern Australia during the wet season for specifics during this time of year. What that means is no fruit, vegetables, honey, soil, plants and moreclick the link for the full government website on this. Theres signs along the way to remind you of this. A roadhouse basically is a fuel station with add-ons. There arent celebrities there, but there are trees planted by celebrities, complete with plenty of shade. Nullarbor 181km - the roadhouse here is highly rated for travellers and makes a good rest stop. And no, there arent any salties in the lake, so its safe to swim in. Southwest of Katherine, the Giwining/Flora River Nature Park protects a section of the Flora River and surrounding floodplain and savannah woodland. Or, the cross-state journey from Melbourne to Sydney along the coast, or the inland route! Tour subject to fuel levy price increases for all transport operators; Flights are arranged to suit the tour as a group in advance, therefore we cannot book individual preferences or guarantee direct flights. For more road trip guides, check out Cairns, QLD to Darwin, NT or the ultimate east coast trip from Brisbane to Cairns, QLD. Katherine to Purnululu National Park, WA - 848 kilometres; about 10 hours via Timber Creek and Kununurra The drive into Western Australia will take most of the day via the Victoria Highway so get an early start and make sure you're well-prepared for the drive with plenty of petrol and water. Theres a few different options for campgrounds and general accommodation. 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. The picnic areas surrounding these areas are quite overgrown, but its still nice to get out and stretch your legs. The Nor Delve deep into one of Australias most fascinating and remote regions, the NTs Top End, on an inspiring Alice Springs to Darwin road trip. Rebuilt in 1964, the jetty was then used to export cattle and import fuel and oil. The tourist information centre in town was very helpful. You'll be rewarded with unique perks and the opportunity to shape Campstay's future. I enjoyed staying there because it was the wet season and I was happy to shower and use a laundry machine. Penong 79km. Recommended Bus Take the bus from Katherine to Broome 20h 20m $220 - $430 Drive Drive from Katherine to Broome 15h 43m $290 - $430 Fly We plan to travel from Broome to Katherine in a months time, and are a bit worried about safe places to stop. Compare today's best fuel prices by map. What are the biggest cities in Australia? However, if you do happen to rock up during the humid wet season, the best thing to do is book a boat tour to see the gorges. Search for sites that accept Shell Card, including Liberty service stations, plan your trip and get directions. 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. peter & sue thynne, I subscribe to Australian Traveller already but cant find the Remember to follow and obey all signs in the park, as you are visiting. Feels like 79.92 Wind speed 3.6 mph Pressure 1004 hPa. Rocks Discovery Museum review: Best free museum in Sydney? The Port Hedland to Broome drive in Western Australia is 604km long, with a driving time of around 6h6m. From the dark red escarpments to the hills and the Victoria River, the landscape is warm and comforting. Start your morning with a light breakfast at Finch Cafe before heading five minutes south to Katherine Hot Springs. Sometimes there are other road houses in between the listed fuel stops, sometimes not. However, if you do it in 45 degree heat with humidity like I did, it will feel hard. Just be honest about where youve been and it should be okay. If youre lucky, there will be a bit of a breeze as the path inclines, which makes the whole thing a lot more bearable. 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. 1. Shell can also help you stay in touch with your local area. > 2. Refreshed, continue another 40 kilometres south to Katherine and onto Nitmiluk National Park, which has powered sites, cabins, permanent tents and the luxurious Cicada Lodge. Cable Beach is the most well-known spot in Broome. These are 100% owned and operated by Indigenous people, so you can feel good about supporting the local economy. (Image: Tourism Western Australia). If youre driving on a hot day, try getting up and start driving early then take a break mid-way through the day. Denise. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. For instance, you can ride to the beaches, see dinosaur prints on the red rocks, explore Bohemian markets, and stop at calming coffee shops, all for $35 per day. I offer a free guide to the Kimberley plus a free, very popular newsletter. Get the reverse directions for a Also look out for the giant golden orb webs along the trail, I came across multiple while on this trail. In many areas of this road trip the highway speed limit is 130 km. Its good to get this done early if its a hot day as theres no shade on the rocks. Rise early and fuel up for the drive to Windjana Gorge, where youll stay the night at the campground. Most of the national park is 4WD tracks, but if you have a 2WD fear not, theres also good stops. Head north to El Questro Station this morning, a 283,000-hectare property that was a former cattle station in the heart of the Kimberley, located on the legendary Gibb River Rd. Check out our website here, or download our android / itunes app. Click through to the next section: Eighty Mile Beach. I stayed in my van at one of the caravan parks, the Aurora Kakadu Lodge, as its the only one open during the wet season. 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. Worth spending several days there.No where is "not safe".Cheers,Peter. At its centre, the Lennard River is home to a huge concentration of freshwater crocodiles, so stay safe and dont go in the water. Presuming you are going out to the Gorge may I suggest you do both tours. Broome is undoubtedly beautiful and lives up the hype. Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions But, its still possible to see amazing landscapes and have a great experience. 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. There may be more. Where are Savannah Way fuel stops? In terms of pricing, its not cheap. Free camp area where Ord River crosses highway, north of Halls Creek. Since crossing the border to WA is when I understood the beauty of the Kimberley. 9. Alternatively, relax and enjoy some quiet time before dinner youre in for a big couple of days. There is a multitude of activities to join, including a cruise to Chamberlain Gorge, relaxing in the thermal pools of Zebedee Springs, a guided trek to Emma Gorge, horse riding along rugged tracks, or even taking a dip in remote waterholes only accessible by helicopter. Fuel calculations start from Perth WA, Australia and end at Broome WA 6725, Australia. Dinosaur footprints adventure. 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. Much earlier than Warnum, theres camping and accommodation available at Doon Doon Roadhouse, but that will mean more driving the next day. Permalink. Taking breaks and staying incredibly hydrated does help. Relax in tranquillity by the main pool, or have a swim to cool off. Upon arrival, we suggest having a snack before visiting the Geikie Gorge National Park, 20 minutes north of Fitzroy Crossing. Also stopped to walk over the bridges. We averaged about 195 km a day & were on the move most days. These include: Spring Creek Rest Area and Leycesters Rest Area. Its surprising and impressive how quick they appear and then disappear, while driving. This morning, historys on the agenda. Out of these bush camps, Jim Jim Billabong is the most affordable at $6 per adult per night, but theres no shower. This includes an average layover time of around 3h. document.write(d.getFullYear()) Birgit Bradtke. And if you know Katherine well, please help your fellow However, this road trip guide focuses on staying at Lake Argyleand you wont be disappointed. We think we should be able to find somewhere in Kunnanura, but are not sure about anywhere else. The culture I experienced in Kakadu was welcoming, easy going and beautiful. Stayed at the CP at Katherine Gorge. The other is the Anbinik Kakadu Resort. There are plenty of walking tracks available, so get your hike on! At Fitzroy Crossing we stayed at the CP in town next to IGA. Finish driving for the day by heading to Cooinda Lodge Kakadu. 100 Things To Do In Australia Youve Never Heard Of, The ultimate Darwin to Broome road trip itinerary, Breakfast and cocktail per person and discounts at bars and restaurants, Dolphin or whale watching, depending on the season, Yoga, pilates, an ocean refresh or mindfulness sessions on the beach, Days conclude with wine and campfire dinner and a reflection on the day. Depending on what time of year you visit, this area could be closed due to flooding, or nearly dry. Download our app to browse deals on your smart phone and tablet today. 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. Spend the afternoon exploring the 3.5-kilometre gorge, which was once the bottom of a tropical sea. (Image: Tourism Western Australia). During the wet season, nearly every place will have rooms or campsites available, but thats not guaranteed. Park, Stay, Play package includes a night at the 5 Star, centrally located hotel in a modern, and luxe room with breakfast, a cocktail per person plus complimentary parking and 20% off at bars and restaurants. It's only available in the towns and in the main roadhouses along the highway. Make sure to be sun safe as WAs northern sun is brutal. Its also quite grassy and green. If you take the coast road, the longest distance between towns is around 650K's (Carnarvon to Karratha) and there are at least three roadhouses between them (from memory) Image by @everyman_australia (shared with permission). All content copyright David Whitley. The best stop along the Daly Waters to Katherine drive, however, is Mataranka. 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 Despite the area being isolated, I felt it was a relatively bustling town considering where I had just driven through. Australia 4 Wheel Drive Rentals Home Site Hotels Quote now Contact Email us Telephone us Quote Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Katherine to Broome. Both Mardukal have showers available but theyre also $15 per person per night. Even throughout the wet season, theres optional boat tours or kayak rentals which are great ways to explore the area. $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 Start your morning with a light breakfast at Kimberly Cafe before heading towards Lake Kununurra. After finally leaving Lake Argyle, (its hard to leave all that natural beauty behind) take some time to check out Kununurra. Rent a scooter to discover Broome. Dont get caught without this or the border police will just turn you away. 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! First up is the Pardoo Roadhouse, 144km from Port Hedland. Other than this, the town seemed quite similar to other small outbacks townsalthough definitely more green and vibrant than the surrounding landscape. I saw crocodiles, emus, wallabies, lizards, kangaroos and birds of all sortsand most I just saw while driving. Judbarra / Gregory National Park covers 13,000 km2 throughout the area. The Purnululu National Park is World Heritage Listed. Image by @gregoryan (shared with permission). Food and fuel stops are few and a long way apart so some of your trip will have to be planned around them. RACQ's Trip Planner allows you to find places, get directions or plan your next road trip. I also did the river cruise in the morning which is close by. The road is a bit hilly and wavy, but as it goes more into the outback the road will straighten and the trees clear. Dont forget to stop for a picnic lunch along the way before continuing on to Halls Creek. If you havent yet, head to Ubirr Rock Art site, then pop over before heading south to the next end of Kakadu. Its almost the last day this outback touring and the thrills arent over yet. Spend the afternoon exploring the area, relaxing on the sand and swimming in the ocean. 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. Finally, theres the Mimbi Caves Campground which has hot showers, and outdoor kitchen and more for guests. Be the best informed traveller in the Kakadu, Litchfield and Katherine Gorge national parks and beyond!A must have if you travel to or from Darwin. This section is no more problematic than any other outback road. Contents Distance: 289km Distance: 226km Day 1: Katherine to Timber Creek Distance: 289km Your six-day roadtrip kicks off in Katherine! Kununurra -1042Km 3. . 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