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" />Western Australia is a vast territory. We had already spent 70 days exploring this Australian state and were about to disappear into the wilderness and rugged beauty of the immense Kimberley, the northern-most region in Australia. After departing Broome, our travel around Australia in 185 days took us to Derby and then across the stupendous Kimberley.
The Kimberley is world renowned for possessing large swaths of wilderness defined by rugged ranges, dramatic gorges, semi-arid savanna and a largely isolated coastline. It is in fact the true essence of Australia with jaw-dropping scenery and some of the best off-the-beaten track experiences that you will ever have. In a word The Kimberley is astonishing!
Distance: From Broome 220kms
Where We Stayed: West Kimberley Lodge & Caravan Park, Derby
Cost: $38 per night powered site (2 night stay)
Caravan Park Facilities:
Local Attractions:
HOT TIP: Make sure you check out some of the Boab trees around Derby and how the local indigenous Australians etch carvings into the large oval-shaped nuts off the trees. They make a great souvenir of the Kimberley.
Distance: From Derby 258kms
Where We Stayed: RAAF Boab Quarry, Leopold Downs Road, King Leopold Ranges (54.8 kms north-west of Victoria Crossing)
Cost: FREE
Campground Facilities:
Local Attractions:
HOT TIP: The eco-cruise down the Geikie Gorge was a big highlight where we saw plenty of freshwater crocs and birdlife.
Distance: From Victoria Crossing 180kms
Where We Stayed: Mary Pool Rest Area, Mary River, Mueller Ranges
Cost: FREE
Camping Area Facilities:
Local Attractions:
HOT TIP: This free camping area was located in a wonderful bush setting along the Mary River where there were plenty of other campers. Places like these break up the trip across the Kimberley between Derby and Wyndham so that you’re not driving long distances.
Distance: From Mary Pool 217 kms
Where We Stayed: Bungle Bungle Caravan Park, Mabel Downs Station
Cost: Camp site $15 per person per night (unpowered)
Caravan Park Facilities:
Local Attractions:
HOT TIP: The Bungle Bungles was an incredible day trip. I would recommend considering staying here a few days and camping in one of the campgrounds within Purnululu National Park, if you are equipped with appropriate camping gear.
Distance: From Bungle Bungles turnoff 150kms
Where We Stayed: Parry Creek Farm, Wyndham (20kms)
Cost: $37 per night powered site
Caravan Park Facilities:
Local Attractions:
HOT TIP: There is plenty to do and see in the area surrounding Wyndham. Make sure you take a day trip to Emma Gorge and El Questro Station – it is definitely worth the effort.
Distance: From Wyndham 101 kms
Where We Stayed: Lake Kununurra Big4 Caravan Park
Cost: $38 per night powered site
Caravan Park Facilities:
Local Attractions:
HOT TIP: Kununurra is a wonderful town with great shopping and services. Plus there is plenty to do in the surrounding area.
Distance: From Kununurra 70km
Where We Stayed: Lake Argyle Resort & Caravan Park
Cost: $44 per night powered site
Caravan Park Facilities:
Local Attractions:
HOT TIP: Lake Argyle is an absolute must do on your travels through the Kimberley region. The Caravan Park is fabulous and has absolutely everything you need without having to drive into town.
Unfortunately our interlude with Western Australia was about to come to an end. Not far from Lake Argyle is the border crossing into the Northern Territory and that is where we were headed next. So stay tuned for the next instalment of our trip into the Territory.
Kathy was a 50 something year old when she started up this blog 6 years ago, but has since turned over another decade and is now in her early 60s. She is married with two adult children and lives on the Tweed Coast of New South Wales, Australia. Kathy enjoys living life to the fullest and loves to keep fit and active by maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Some of her interests include reading, photography, travelling, cooking and blogging! Kathy works part-time as a freelance writer but her real passion is travelling and photographing brilliant destinations both within Australia and overseas and writing about it.
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Jo
November 13, 2017Oh wow, what some memories you’ve brought back for me. Geikie Gorge, The Bungle Bungles, Wyndham, Kununurra and so much more. We did a 12 day glamping trip with Adventure Wild back in around 2012 and absolutely loved it. I’d love to go back and your wonderful post today has me champing at the bit. Loved your photos.
Kathy
November 14, 2017Thanks Jo. We were blown away by the rugged beauty of the Kimberley. Driving across it was an incredible experience and that is why we would like to go back and drive the Gibb River Road. Someday!!
Sarah
November 15, 2017Wonderful information! Thanks for the great information.
Kathy
November 15, 2017Yes I wish I’d had this information prior to embarking on our around Australia trip. It would have been invaluable. We learnt as we went!