Darwin to Broome Itinerary
Darwin to Broome including the Gibb River Road in 14 days
Itineraries summary
The journey is recommended for a 9 day 4WD only trip, however you can take as much time as you like, even add it on to make a bigger road trip!
Time Of Year: March 9, 2018
Vehicles: 4WD Vehicle (5 Seater)
Depos: Darwin to Darwin
- Leg 1 Darwin to Litchfield 159 kms | 2 hours
- Leg 2 Litchfield National Park to Kakadu National Park 341 kms | 4.5 hours
- Leg 3 Kakadu National Park to Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park 328 kms | 4 hours
- Leg 4 Katherine Gorge to Kununurra 541 kms | 7 hours
- Leg 5 Kununurra to Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles) 252 kms | 3 hours
- Leg 6 Purnululu National Park to El Questro 265 kms | 3.5 hours
- Leg 7 El Questro to Manning Gorge 344 kms | 4.5 hours
- Leg 8 Manning Gorge to Silent Grove and Bell Gorge 122 kms | 1.5 hours
- Leg 9 Silent Grove and Bell Gorge to Windjana 179 kms | 2 hours
- Leg 10 Windjana Gorge to Broome 370 kms | 5 hours
Leg 1 Darwin – Litchfield 159 kms | 2 hours
After visiting Darwin, head to Litchfield National Park which is home to amazing waterfalls. It is a popular day tour destination but we would recommend staying overnight in order to explore as much as you can.
It is possible to swim even under the waterfalls! There are many beautiful walks starting from most popular sites. Camping is available year-round at Wangi and Florence Falls. Four-wheel drive camping areas are available at Tjaynera Falls (Sandy Creek), Surprise Creek Falls and Florence Falls.
Explore Litchfield National Park
A summary of activities you could do during your time at Litchfield:
- swimming
- camping
- bushwalking
- wildlife spotting
- visit scenic lookouts
- view historic ruins at Blyth Homestead and Bamboo Creek
- four-wheel driving.
Leg 2 Litchfield National Park to Kakadu National Park 341 kms | 4.5 hours
Kakadu is by far the most popular place in the Top End. It is Australia’s largest national park covering 20,000 hectares with stunning landscapes and amazing Aboriginal rock art sites. There are many options for campsites and would depend on how far you drive in the national park.
Explore Kakadu National Park
Explore on foot, join a cruise or guided tour, spot crocs or birds and make a splash in one of the many waterfalls.
Leg 3 Kakadu National Park to Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park 328 kms | 4 hours
Nitmiluk National Park has 13 stunning gorges which can be explored by foot, canoe, boat or helicopter. The most popular ones are Edith Falls and Katherine Gorge. If you have time for a walk, Sweetwater Pool can be reached by a short 4.5 kilometre walk from Leliyn / Edith Falls.
Powered and non-powered sites are available near theGorge Caravan Park and non-powered sites are available at Leliyn (Edith Falls).
Leg 4 Katherine Gorge to Kununurra 541 kms | 7 hours
After a long day of driving, check in at one of the many campsites available in Kununurra such as Ivanhoe Village Resort.
Leg 5 Kununurra to Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles) 252 kms | 3 hours
If time permits, make a quick stope a Lake Argyle. It is the largest lake in Australia and home to abundant wildlife.
Stay at the Bungle Bungles Caravan Park.
Explore Purnululu National Park
Bushwalking, plane or heli-tours, bus tours, station tours and more. From Bungle Bungle Caravan Park there is 70-80km of rough 4WD road to either Echidna Chasm or Cathedral Gorge. Plan ahead and allow yourself enough time to visit a few attractions.
Head to the visitor centre, Cathedral Gorge and Picaninny Creek Walk – including Whipsnake Gorge and Picaninny Lookout. The park’s main feature, the Bungle Bungle Range, stands 300 metres above the spinifex covered plain and is dominated by the famous orange and black banded beehive-shaped dome.
The park has limited accessible drinkable water, however our off-road Safari Camper can hold 160 litres of drinkable water!
Leg 6 Purnululu National Park to El Questro 265 kms | 3.5 hours
Spend a couple of days exploring the park. Visit the thermal pool at Zebedee Springs, Emma Gorge or take a boat down the Chamberlain Gorge and fish for barramundi.
Stay at El Questro’s campsite.
Leg 7 El Questro to Manning Gorge 344 kms | 4.5 hours
Visit Barnett River Gorge en route and enjoy the hospitality of a pioneering family-owned cattle station and explore the magnificent waterholes on the property. Look out for incredible Aboriginal art on the rock walls surrounding the waterholes.
Manning Gorge is a great place to camp for a night.
Leg 8 Manning Gorge to Silent Grove and Bell Gorge 122 kms | 1.5 hours
Enjoy a bushwalk and experience the tranquility of Manning Falls.
Silent Grove campsite is the best place to set up camp and to see Bell Gorge and falls.
Leg 9 Silent Grove and Bell Gorge to Windjana 179 kms | 2 hours
Explore and swim at the waterfalls including Bell Gorge along the lengths of the Gibb River Road. Then head to Windjana Gorge National Park and take a trip out to explore Tunnel Creek.
Stay at the Windjana Gorge Campground.
Leg 10 Windjana Gorge to Broome 370 kms | 5 hours
Broome is a compact town to explore and attractions are all within 15 minutes drive.
Must see & do:
- Camel ride on Cable Beach
- Matso’s mango beer brewery
- Fishing
- Whale Watching
- Pearl tour
- Sunset
Total kilometers: 2,901
Total travel hours: 37
Travel times are estimated based on an average speed of 80km p/h, the maximum legal speed while towing is 100km p/h and should be adjusted to suit road conditions and weather. The travel times indicated should allow for delays due to road works, traffic, fuel, food and bathroom stops. Travel times and distances are approximate and we recommend using as a guide only, along with a published book or GPS navigational system.
Images: Courtesy of Western Australia and Northern Territory
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