What the drive involves

The Kalumburu Road leaves the Gibb River Road between Mount Barnett and Kununurra and runs north through the Kimberley past Drysdale River Station to the Aboriginal community of Kalumburu, near Honeymoon Bay and McGowan Island. Most travelers take it as far as the Mitchell Plateau turn-off and follow the Port Warrender Road to Mitchell Falls. The road is unsealed, with heavy corrugations, river crossings such as the King Edward River, and low speed limits on the northern section.

What written approval means for your hire

Written approval means the trip is approved before you collect the camper and noted on your rental agreement. Ask for it when you book: approval can be refused, or come with conditions such as the season, a satellite phone or travel with a second vehicle. Driving there without it breaches the hire terms, and damage on the way is usually not covered.

On the camper pages, Kalumburu Road access as far as the Mitchell Plateau turn-off follows from the camper being allowed to Mitchell Falls, which no other road reaches. North of the turn-off to Kalumburu, only campers approved for the whole road are listed.

Questions about the Kalumburu Road

Do I need a permit for Kalumburu?

Yes. Entering the Kalumburu community area needs a permit from the community, and camping at Honeymoon Bay and McGowan Island is booked and paid locally. Mitchell Falls needs its own Uunguu Visitor Pass.

Are there speed limits on the Kalumburu Road?

Some campers have a low limit, such as 60 km/h north of Drysdale River Station, because of the corrugations and crossings. Your camper page lists its limits.

Where can I get fuel on the Kalumburu Road?

At Drysdale River Station and, at limited hours, in Kalumburu. Fill up on the Gibb River Road as well, and carry enough for the return to Mitchell Falls.