Epic 3-week Kimberley 4WD itinerary – The Ultimate Kimberley Australia Road Trip
The Kimberley is one of those places that’s hard to explain until you’ve experienced it yourself. After spending almost a year travelling through Western Australia, we can honestly say we left a piece of our heart in the Kimberley Australia region, so we had to create this 3-week Kimberley 4WD itinerary for you to experience.
There’s something about it. The Boab trees standing alone in the landscape, the deep red dirt, the endless corrugated roads, and those waterfalls and waterholes that feel like hidden oases after a long, dusty drive. It’s raw, remote and unforgettable.
And the best part? You need a high-clearance 4WD to explore it properly. This isn’t a drive-through destination. The journey itself is an adventure.
But that doesn’t mean you’ll have it all to yourself. The Kimberley Australia region has definitely grown in popularity. But exploring this part of Australia still feels like a proper expedition. There will be challenges. Corrugations, river crossings, long days behind the wheel, and maybe even a mechanical hiccup or two. But honestly, that’s all part of what makes this trip so special.
Something we learned while travelling through the Kimberley is that this region has geological links to Africa. Millions of years ago, parts of the Kimberley were once connected to ancient landmasses that also formed parts of Africa. That’s one of the reasons the landscape here feels so different from the rest of Australia. It also explains why the iconic Boab Tree only grows in three places in the world: Africa, Madagascar, and the Kimberley.
We spent nine weeks exploring the Kimberley Australia region, because we had the time. But if you don’t, this 3-week Kimberley 4WD itinerary is the perfect way to experience the highlights without feeling rushed.
This 3-week Kimberley 4WD itinerary brings together everything we loved. The must-see spots, the slower moments and the places that are now living rent-free in our heads. You can find all the stops on our 3-week Kimberley 4WD Itinerary Google Map
If you’re planning a bigger trip, check out our complete guide to Western Australia road trips, where we break down regions, itineraries and travel tips across the state.
What you need for this 3-week Kimberley 4WD Itinerary
Before diving into this 3-week Kimberley 4WD itinerary, there are a few essentials you really don’t want to overlook.
Insurance
If there’s one thing you don’t skip for a Kimberley 4WD itinerary, it’s insurance. The conditions in the Kimberley can be unpredictable. Rough corrugated roads, sharp rocks, water crossings. Off-road insurance for both your vehicle and gear is essential. That’s why we chose Club 4X4 insurance.
Food & Water
Once you hit remote areas like the Gibb River Road, you’ll need to come prepared. Carry enough water and stock up on food before heading out. You can refill at some stations, but make sure you bring enough, just in case.
Fuel Planning
Fuel stops are available across Kimberley Australia, but distances are long. Always know your range and plan ahead.
TIP: We created a Google Map where you can find all the info about water, fuel, mobile coverage, stations and more here.
Staying connected
Mobile reception is limited across some parts of this 3-week Kimberley 4WD itinerary. You’ll get service at stations and towns, but if staying connected matters to you, Starlink is a game changer.
Firewood
Campfires are a big part of the Kimberely experience (where allowed of course). Sitting around a fire under a sky full of stars is something you won’t forget.
Portable toilet
This is important. If you’re camping remotely, do it properly. Either dig a deep hole well away from campsites, or bring a portable toilet. Leaving waste and toilet paper everywhere is not okay.
Permits
Part of this Kimberley 4WD itinerary require permits:
- WA parks pass for places like Bell Gorge
- El Questro entry permit
Plan this before you go.
3-week Kimberley Australia 4WD itinerary Overview
This Kimberley 4WD itinerary takes you from Broome, along the Gibb River Road, all the way to Purnululu National Park.
It’s designed to balance driving days with time to actually enjoy the places you’re visiting. Because rushing the Kimberley Australia region misses the point completely.
DAYS 1 – 4: BROOME & HORIZONTAL FALLS
DAY 1: BROOME
Your 3-week Kimberley Australia 4WD itinerary starts in Broome, and it’s the perfect place to ease into the trip.
Spend the morning exploring Damper Terrace and learning about Broome’s pearling history. It’s a small town, but there’s plenty of character.
Head to Simpson Beach Cove (best at high tide). The colours here are unreal!
Stop by Matso’s Brewery for lunch. Their ginger beer is a must-try.
In the afternoon, take your 4WD onto Gantheaume Beach. Look out for the dinosaur footprints and just enjoy being by the ocean.
End the day at Cable Beach, where you can watch the sunset or do the famous camel ride; it’s one of those classic Kimberley, Australia experiences.
DAY 2-3: HORIZONTAL FALLS
If it fits your budget, this is one of the most memorable experiences in the Kimberley Australia region.
The Horizontal Falls are only accessible by tour, and yes, it’s expensive. But for us, it was absolutely worth it. It’s one of those experiences that you’ll be talking about for years. Read our full guide about Horizontal Falls and figure out the tour that suits you best.
DAY 4: DAMPIER PENINSULA
This is one of those unexpected highlights in this Kimberley 4WD itinerary.
Start by checking the tides. It matters today.
Head to Coconut Wells at low tide and float back in as the tide rises. It’s such a simple experience, but so much fun. If the tides line up, explore the rock pools too.
Visit Willie Creek Pearl Farm to understand more about Broome’s history.
Finish the day at James Price Point, the colours here at sunset are just incredible.
DAY 5: BROOME TO DERBY
This is your “get organised” day.
Stock up on everything you’ll need before starting the Gibb River Road section of your Kimberley 4WD itinerary. Fuel, water, groceries,… don’t rush this.
Drive to either Derby, the station Birdwood Downs or the first free camp on the Gibb River Road (Lennard River Crossing). Tomorrow, the real adventure begins.
DAY 6 – 16: THE GIBB RIVER ROAD – The heart of this 3-week Kimberley 4WD itinerary
This stretch is what most people think of when they picture a Kimberley 4WD itinerary
DAY 6: BELL GORGE & SILENT GROVE (DULUNDI)
Bell Gorge is one of the highlights of the Kimberley Australia region. Spend the day here swimming, exploring, just taking it all in.
Stay at Silent Grove (Dulundi) campground, where you can enjoy a hot shower (and flushing toilets) after a day of swimming.
Book your WA parks pass and camping permit online.
DAY 7: ADCOCK GORGE & GALVANS GORGE
Only an hour drive and you arrive at Adcock Gorge. To get to this gorge, it’s a short but bumpy 4WD track to tackle before you arrive at your destination. If you’re travelling with a caravan, this is not the place to bring your caravan to. There is an open grass field at the beginning of the track – just off the main Gibb River Road – where you can leave your van.
This gorge is famous for its high rock jumping into the deep gorge. It’s incredible!
In the afternoon, head to Galvans Gorge. This was our favourite gorge in this entire Kimberley 4WD itinerary. This little hidden oasis with a Boab tree on the top is an amazing spot to relax for the afternoon. And the real bonus: There’s a jump rope!
There’s a free camp across Galvans Gorge, it’s sort of a gravel pit and nothing fancy. You can either stay here for the night or drive to Mt Barnett Station, which is only 15 minutes away.
DAY 8 – 10: MT BARNETT & MANNING GORGE
This is where you slow down.
Staying at Mt Barnett Station is an experience itself. Not only do they have access to Manning Gorge straight from the campground, they also have some fresh sourdough, delicious burgers, water refill station and fuel. Campfires here are allowed, the campground is located next to the river where you’ll also find a rope swing to keep yourself (or the kids) busy during the day.
This is the ideal place to slow down, walk to Manning Gorge – it’s a 3km hike to the waterfall, make sure you’re prepared, there’s some rock scrambling, steep declines and inclines. Bring enough water because I’m pretty sure you want to stay there for at least a few hours.
DAY 11: GIBB RIVER FREE CAMP
One of the best free camps in Kimberley Australia is Gibb River Free Camp. Located right next to the Gibb River, this place has a vibe. Find an incredible spot to set up camp, and soak it all in. The corrugations are rough, sometimes slowing down and just enjoying an epic camp is enough.
DAY 12: ELLENBRAE STATION
When you tell people you’ve done the Gibb River Road, chances are that they will ask you if you tried the scones at Ellenbrae Station. So yes, this place is worth a stop. We came for the scones and found out you can book private bush baths here as well. After a few dusty days on the Gibb, this was exactly what we needed.
DAY 13: PENTECOST RIVER FREE CAMP
This last stretch of the Gibb was for us the worst part. The corrugations were rough, and there were no stops, just one long shaky drive to the iconic Pentecost River where you’ll cross the river and find an epic camp spot to set up. An iconic moment in any Kimberley 4WD itinerary.
DAY 14 – 16: EL QUESTRO
This is the day where you’ll hit the bitumen again! At least for a bit. El Questro is only 30 minutes from the Pentecost River Free Camp, and there’s so much to see and do.
Take 2 to 3 days to see the famous Zebedee Springs, Emma Gorge and El Questro Gorge, and take one of the iconic 4WD tracks to watch the sunset.
If you don’t feel like cooking tonight, you’re in for a treat! Book a table at El Questro’s steakhous for dinner, it’s delicious.
Read more about El Questro camping, gorges and things to do in our El Questro Guide.
DAY 17-18: KUNUNURRA
After spending 10 days on the Gibb, you’ve probably run out of food, and you need to do some washing. Kununurra is the ideal spot to stock up again on food and water, and plan a laundry day.
But… There are a few beautiful and iconic spots around Kununurra that you can’t miss. Such as Ivanhoe Crossing, Secret Springs and Molly Springs.
DAY 19: LAKE ARGYLE
The largest man made lake, Lake Argyle is a must visit when you’re travelling through the Kimberley Australia. You can either relax at the caravan park at the famous infinity pool, or you can hire or launch a boat and explore the lake from the water. It’s a unique stop in this 3-week Kimberley 4WD itinerary
DAY 20-21: BUNGLE BUNGLES
This is the perfect way to end your 3-week Kimberley Australia 4WD itinerary.
Purnululu National Park, or the Bungle Bungle Ranges, feels completely different from the rest of Kimberley Australia. This iconic national park has two sides that are both worth visiting. Especially after the heavy corrugated road in.
The must-sees in the national park are:
- North side: Echidna Chasm and Mini Palms Gorge
- South side: Cathedral Gorge and Bungle Bungle Range.
Distances are pretty far, so ideally, you take a full day to explore each side of the national park.
FAQs for this 3-week Kimberley 4WD itinerary
Best time to do this Kimberley 4WD Australia
The best and only time to follow this Kimberley 4WD itinerary is May to September. This is the Dry Season in Kimberley Australia, with comfortable temperatures to go camping and hiking.
Outside of that, roads will close due to rain and flooding.
Budget for this 3-week Kimberley 4WD itinerary
The Kimberley Australia region isn’t cheap, especially if you’re doing tours like Horizontal Falls.
Here’s a rough guide:
– Fuel: biggest cost – long distances and remote areas mean remote prices
– Camping: $0 – $40 per night
– Tours/Helicopter flights: Optional, but expensive
– Food: Try to stock up at towns such as Broome, Derby or Kununurra.
Can you tow a caravan on this Kimberley 4WD itinerary?
Yes, but only if it’s an off-road caravan or camper trailer. The Gibb River Road can be rough and some access tracks (like Adcock Gorge) are not suitable for towing.
Plan your Kimberley 4WD Itinerary
Before hitting the road, these guides will help you plan your trip through Kimberley Australia:
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