From Perth to Darwin via the Kimberley

Perth to Darwin by 4WD camper

For the Darwin–Perth route, or the reverse, a 4WD camper is recommended without hesitation. Western Australia and the Northern Territory are genuine 4WD destinations with countless beautiful places that are unavailable by 2WD because of road restrictions. A regular 2WD camper cannot access unsealed roads and would miss Purnululu National Park, Francois Peron National Park, Steep Point, Ningaloo Reef, Millstream-Chichester National Park, most of Karijini National Park, Cape Leveque/Kooljaman and the Gibb River Road with its side tracks. Other inaccessible places include tracks to Mount Augustus, Jim Jim Falls, Twin Falls, Umbrawarra Gorge and Waterfall Creek/Gunlom. These locations are among the highlights of the Perth–Broome–Darwin route.

The most common mistake is not allowing enough time for the journey. Driving speeds on 4WD tracks and gravel roads are much lower than on sealed roads. At least 36 days are recommended for traveling by 4WD camper. The route can be covered in 23 to 24 days, but this means considerably more driving and canceling much sightseeing. The route via Steep Point, Karijini National Park, the Gibb River Road and its side tracks is at least 6,800 kilometers. Tour operator schedules should not be followed too closely because they often fail to show how much time is spent in a bus or car. For traveling with children, at least 42 days are recommended.

Traveling by 2WD

The route can still be covered with a 2WD vehicle. Tours to places such as Purnululu National Park, Karijini National Park and Geikie Gorge can occasionally be booked, but the schedule requires considerable attention. With a 4WD, the schedule is fully under your control.

Even with a 2WD, the trip remains worthwhile. Many beautiful locations, parks and routes remain accessible, including large parts of Kakadu National Park, Katherine Gorge, Lake Argyle, Hidden Valley National Park, Cape Range National Park, Ningaloo Reef, the Shark Bay area, Kalbarri National Park and the Wildflower Way in August or September.

However, a 2WD cannot reach Millstream-Chichester National Park, Red Bluff Beach, Gnaraloo Station, Warroora Station, Francois Peron National Park, Steep Point and South Lefroy/Winderabandi Point. At the latter locations it is possible to camp directly beside Ningaloo Reef.

A 4WD camper remains the recommendation for travelers who want to make the most of the trip and explore as many places as possible. If the schedule allows the trip but the budget does not yet allow a 4WD camper, postponing the journey to save more money makes it possible to experience more of the holiday by 4WD camper or 4WD car. Travelers who first complete the route by regular car or camper often return several years later in a 4WD to visit the places they could not access previously. The author of the text has traveled the route four times with children, each time for six to nine weeks: once by regular car and three times by 4WD camper.