Australia Travel Planner · Western Australia

Kimberley for backpackers

The Kimberley in Australia's north-west is one of the last true wilderness regions on earth: gorges, waterfalls, striped sandstone domes and hundreds of kilometres of gravel road without reception. Here you'll find all the checked spots from our map with tips on planning and safety.

Location
Between Broome and Kununurra
Best time
May–September, dry season only
Vehicle
4WD essential
Watch out
No reception, long distances
Arriving

Getting there and best time to visit Kimberley

You reach the Kimberley from Broome in the west or Kununurra in the east, both with airports. The Gibb River Road links the regions over about 660 kilometres of gravel — only with a suitable 4WD. Alternatively there are guided tours and scenic flights.

Only in the dry season, roughly May to September, are roads and parks reliably open. December to April is the wet season, and many tracks are closed. Check road conditions with Main Roads WA before you set off.

Sleep

Hostels and camping in Kimberley

Manning Gorge Camping: campground with a swimming hole

A campground at Mt Barnett Roadhouse on the Gibb River Road, with a swimming hole in the gorge. Open in the dry season only.

Sleep · Camping · Gibb River Road · Best time: dry season · Price level $

El Questro Campground: camping at the eastern end of the Gibb

A campground on El Questro Station at the eastern end of the Gibb River Road, with access to gorges and Zebedee Springs.

Sleep · Camping · El Questro · Best time: dry season · Price level $$

Swim

Swimming and snorkelling in Kimberley

Zebedee Springs: warm spring pools under palms

Warm spring pools under palm trees in El Questro Wilderness Park. Only open to day visitors in the morning; a park permit is required.

Swim · El Questro · Best time: morning

Views & photos

Lookouts and photo spots in Kimberley

Bungle Bungles: striped sandstone domes

Beehive-shaped, orange-and-black striped sandstone domes in Purnululu National Park, a World Heritage site. Access only by 4WD and only from April to November. Scenic flights show the full scale. Only walk early in the day — it gets very hot.

Safety: Very remote and hot. Carry enough water, fuel and supplies, and only walk early in the day.

Views & photos · Purnululu · Best time: April–November

Horizontal Falls: a sideways waterfall

The powerful tides push the water sideways through two narrow gaps in the rock — a 'horizontal waterfall'. Not reachable overland; seaplane tours leave from Broome or Derby. Best time May to October.

Views & photos · Buccaneer Archipelago · Best time: May–October

Windjana Gorge: gorge with freshwater crocodiles

A tall limestone gorge where dozens of freshwater crocodiles often sun themselves on the banks. Keep your distance and don't swim. Most beautiful in the morning.

Views & photos · Gibb River Road · Best time: morning

Lake Argyle: huge reservoir with red islands

A huge reservoir in the East Kimberley with red islands and rocks. Boat tours leave from Kununurra. A good stop on the way to the Northern Territory, most beautiful at sunset.

Views & photos · Kununurra · Best time: sunset

Free

Free things to do in Kimberley

Gibb River Road: 660 km of gravel through the Kimberley

About 660 kilometres of gravel road through the Kimberley, past gorges, waterholes and cattle stations — one of Australia's great adventures. Only passable in the dry season; usually closed from December to April. Read the warning below before you set off.

Safety: Only with a suitable 4WD, spare tyres, satellite communication and supplies for several days. Over long stretches there's neither reception nor help.

Free · Gibb River Road · Best time: May–September

Everyday & van

Everyday life and van in Kimberley

Fuel on the Gibb River Road: plan your range

Petrol stations are hundreds of kilometres apart and not always open. Carry jerry cans and plenty of water, and check road conditions with Main Roads WA before you set off.

Everyday & van · Plan your range

Common questions

Kimberley for backpackers: frequently asked questions

Can you drive the Gibb River Road in a normal car?

No, only in a suitable 4WD, with spare tyres and supplies for several days.

When is the Gibb River Road open?

In the dry season, roughly May to September. From December to April it's usually closed.

How do you get to the Horizontal Falls?

Only on seaplane or boat tours from Broome or Derby.

Next

Travelling on from Kimberley

All spots on the Kimberley map. Nearby: Broome to the west and Darwin to the east. The route at a glance on the Gibb River Road road trip.

Updated September 2026. Checked against official sources and operator websites. Prices, opening hours and seasons change — check before you go.