Darwin is a great place to pick up a motorhome hire and begin a trip of a lifetime. There are so many wonderful locations you can explore if you are staring up in the Top end city of Darwin!
There’s nothing quite like the freedom of a road trip through Australia’s Top End and Kimberley region. If you’re dreaming of rugged landscapes, incredible wildlife, and cultural experiences, a Darwin to Broome roadtrip should be at the top of your list. Stretching across the Northern Territory into Western Australia, this fabulous route is packed with natural wonders and unique adventures you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
At Gallivanting Oz, we specialise in helping you experience the best of Australia through our personalised service, offering value for money hires and access to a wide range of motorhomes, campervans, and 4WD rentals. We also run guided tours for those who prefer to explore with the support of an expert team of tour leaders. Whether you’re travelling independently or with us, you can always count on our 1st-class customer service and insider knowledge to make your holiday of a lifetime unforgettable.
Suggested Darwin to Broome Road Trip Itinerary
When planning your Darwin to Broome road trip itinerary, it’s best to allow at least 14–21 days if you want to explore at a comfortable pace and truly appreciate the highlights along the way. Below is a suggested 2WD and 4WD mixed itinerary with our top must-see stops:
Darwin to Katherine
Your adventure begins in Darwin, the gateway to the Top End. Before you leave, take time to explore attractions like Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, Litchfield National Park, and the Darwin Waterfront precinct. We’d strongly recommend a couple of days in the World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park too.
Heading south, your first major stop is Katherine, home to the famous Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge). Take a boat cruise through the towering sandstone gorges for an unforgettable start to your journey.
Stay a night or two in Katherine to enjoy hot springs, cultural centres, and nearby bushwalking trails. The Katherine Hot Springs are a Gallivanting Oz favourite as it offers a relaxing soak in its turquoise thermal pools. Throughout the Katherine Township, you’ll also find opportunities to learn about local Jawoyn Aboriginal culture through tours and art galleries.
Katherine to Kununurra
From Katherine, continue along the Stuart and Victoria Highways toward Kununurra, the eastern gateway to the Kimberley. Highlights here include Lake Argyle, one of Australia’s largest man-made lakes, and the Ord River. The region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering fishing, hiking, and wildlife spotting opportunities.
Spend extra time in Kununurra to enjoy activities like cruising Lake Argyle at sunset, visiting the Ivanhoe Crossing, and exploring nearby national parks such as Mirima, often called the “mini Bungle Bungles”. This region is also known for its fertile farming lands and is a great place to sample local produce.
Kununurra to El Questro Wilderness Park
For those in a 4WD hire camper, a detour along the iconic Gibb River Road takes you to El Questro Wilderness Park, one of Kimberley’s best-loved destinations. Hot springs, waterfalls, rugged gorges, and breathtaking lookouts make this a highlight of any Darwin to Broome road trip.
Highlights include a soak in the Zebedee Thermal Springs, a walk through Emma Gorge, and 4WD tracks that take you deeper into the park’s dramatic landscapes. Wildlife lovers will enjoy spotting wallabies, birdlife, and even freshwater crocs along the rivers. Camping here is an experience in itself, with spectacular starlit skies and the sounds of the Kimberley bush all around you.
For those of you in a 2WD motorhome, you could visit El Questro and only access certain locations, such as the Emma Gorge car park, by parking before the river crossings and walking the rest of the way, especially during the dry season when crossings are often dry.
Purnululu National Park (4WD campers only)
No trip is complete without visiting the Bungle Bungles in Purnululu National Park. The striking beehive-shaped rock formations are a UNESCO World Heritage site and can be explored on foot or viewed from above on a scenic flight.
Please note: this national park is only suitable for a 4WD with high clearance because the access road is a rugged and an unsealed track.
The Cathedral Gorge walk is particularly memorable, leading you to a natural amphitheatre with amazing acoustics. Stargazing here is also incredible, thanks to minimal light pollution. If time allows, spend a couple of days in the park to explore both the northern and southern sections, each offering different walks and vantage points.
For those in a 2wd hired campervan, you can arrange a 4WD day trip or helicopter flight to experience the region.
Halls Creek to Fitzroy Crossing
Heading west, make time for Wolfe Creek Crater, one of the largest meteorite craters on Earth, and the spectacular Geikie Gorge near Fitzroy Crossing. River cruises here are a great way to spot freshwater crocodiles and birdlife.
The town of Halls Creek itself is a fascinating stop with links to the region’s gold rush history. Meanwhile, Fitzroy Crossing offers a real taste of life in the Kimberley, with opportunities to learn about local Bunuba Aboriginal culture. The surrounding landscapes are rugged, remote, and strikingly beautiful.
Fitzroy Crossing to Broome
Finally, your journey ends in Broome, a tropical coastal town famous for Cable Beach sunsets, camel rides along the sand, and its pearling history. After days of red dirt and rugged landscapes, Broome is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Take time to explore the colourful history of Chinatown, visit Gantheaume Point at low tide to see 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints, and enjoy a famous “Staircase to the Moon” event if you’re visiting during a full moon between March and October. Broome offers the perfect mix of relaxation, culture, and natural beauty to complete your epic adventure.
Make the Most of Your Journey with Our Darwin to Broome Motorhome Plus Guide
Planning a Darwin to Broome adventure is exciting, but with so many incredible stops and experiences along the way, it can feel overwhelming to know where to begin. That’s why we’ve created our Darwin to Broome Motorhome Plus guide, designed to take the stress out of planning and ensure you don’t miss any of the highlights. Packed with insider tips, suggested routes, camping recommendations, and must-see attractions, this customisable route plan guide from Darwin to Broome is your go-to resource for turning a great trip into an unforgettable one.
What’s included?
- Concise summaries of the regions you will travel through Itinerary suggestions, including special events
- Journey planner, that can be customised for your own plan
- Editable maps and distance guides
- Must see activities and hidden gems
- Worthy detours and/or special day trips into more remote areas
- Comprehensive list of tried and tested campsites, including caravan parks, freedom camps and national parks
- Includes all contact details to allow you to book with ease
Ready to Start Your Darwin to Broome Adventure?
A Darwin to Broome roadtrip is one of Australia’s most rewarding journeys, showcasing the best of the Top End and the Kimberley. With a motorhome or campervan hire from Gallivanting Oz, you’ll enjoy the perfect mix of flexibility, comfort, and adventure. Our friendly team is here to guide you every step of the way with expert advice, vehicle options to suit every traveller, and if you would like it, our exclusive Motorhome Plus guide too.
Get in touch today and let us help you plan your dream adventure across one of Australia’s most iconic routes.
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