Darwin to Broome Self Drive Itinerary

Darwin

Darwin is nearer to Singapore than it is to Sydney, which gives you an idea of the sheer size of Australia. This multicultural, fast-developing city has a chilled-out feel and a beautiful climate.

Between cyclones and bombing by the Japanese in World War Two, Darwin has been rebuilt several times in its history. While the architecture is modern and stylish, it's still very much a "frontier town" with a small-town feel.

If your arrival flights permit - visit Crocosaurus Cove

After settling into your hotel it's time to meet the Top End's most unique inhabitants at Crocosaurus Cove. Armed with a VIP Pass, you can hold a baby crocodile, take part in feeding or simply watch some of the largest saltwater crocodiles in Australia as they interact with each other.

Later you can relax and see a movie at the outdoor Deckchair Cinema, catch the sunset over the Timor Sea, or try street food at the Mindil Beach Markets. You'll feel like a laid-back local in no time.

Accommodation: Darwin - 3 Nights (or similar)

Learn the real story on this small-group day tour from Darwin to Litchfield National Park. Explore the area with a personable Indigenous guide with countless generations of history in the region. Get hands-on as our guide demonstrates bush resources in season. See and refresh yourself at iconic waterfalls. Experience dramatic stone country as it comes alive in our tropical summer. Enjoy a flame-grilled lunch of ocean-caught barramundi, marinated kangaroo, and crocodile eye fillet, in beautiful shaded surrounds. Be treated to expert natural and cultural interpretation from guides with unrivalled knowledge of the area. Take home memories you’ll never forget.

Included Meals: Lunch

Spend a full day in Kakadu National Park. With the help of expert guides, you will experience for yourself the rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife that make Kakadu one of the world’s most special regions.

We make our way to Ubirr Rock, the site of some of the world’s oldest rock art. Your guide will take you on an interpretative walk through the ancient rock galleries, where you will hear about the history and culture of the traditional custodians.

Hearing from the traditional custodians of the land is one of the most unique elements of this tour. You will get the chance to take the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise on the East Alligator River with a local Bininj guide. The cruise is a great opportunity for visitors to hear about the area, history and culture directly from the traditional custodians. You will step into Arnhem Land with your Bininj guide and share an authentic cultural experience.
 

Included Meals: Lunch
 

Pick up your car today and head toward Katherine, at your own pace, taking in the stunning scenery along the way, passing through the townships of the Adelaide River, Burrundie and Pine Creek. They say Katherine is where the outback meets the tropics and you'll have time to explore all it has to offer this afternoon.

Approximate Distance: 317 km | 197 miles   Total Driving Time: 3 hours and 30 minutes

Accommodation: Katherine - 1 Night (or similar)

Continue South from Katherine until you get to drive through the vast Kimberley landscape to the east Kimberley hub of Kununurra, right on Lake Argyle.

The wildlife-rich waters of Lake Argyle, near Kununurra, is the biggest man-made lake in the southern hemisphere. Created by the Ord River Dam, it's classified as an inland sea and at its peak in the green season Lake Argyle holds a staggering 32 million cubic metres of water. That's more than 20 times the size of Sydney Harbour

Approximate Distance: 511 km | 317 miles   Total Driving Time: 5 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Lake Argyle - 4 Nights 

Kununurra has a lot to offer, no matter what you are interested in.

Fishing, swimming, nature, Aboriginal art, boat cruises, canoeing, caving and abseiling, four-wheel driving, hiking… Kununurra unfolds its beautiful Outback flair, the magnificent colourful landscape offering plenty of outdoor activities and natural attractions.

And it is also the perfect gateway for visiting the Bungle Bungle Range, Lake Argyle, the Argyle Diamond Mine and Ord River Irrigation Area.

The best (and only) way to experience the full length of Lake Argyle is on a cruise. From the rugged northern end to the vast expanses of the southern reaches and 120km in between, this is a must-do for anyone wanting to experience the heart and soul of this beautiful lake!

The bird is the word in the lake’s Southern wetlands, being home to a myriad of birdlife that sometimes numbers into the tens of thousands! Take a gander through the binoculars for an up-close look at the many different species of birds and other wildlife including wallabies and crocodiles.

Stop on a remote island to fossick for the intriguing Zebra Rock. Unique to Lake Argyle, this rock is alluring with its perfect stripes and spots that can appear to be painted on. We’ll cruise past the submerged site of ‘Argyle Downs’, the Durack Family’s Homestead, while listening to stories about the pioneering families and how they began the pastoral industry in the Eastern Kimberley.

Enjoy the changing colours reflecting across the lake near Monsmont Island, the best spot on the Lake for sunset! Enjoy some delicious local Ord River produce for afternoon tea before stopping for a refreshing swim (don’t forget your bathers!) and complimentary beer, wine or champagne – the perfect end to a magnificent day on Lake Argyle.

Includes: Complimentary lunch, afternoon tea and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Scenic Flight over the beautiful Bungle Bungle Range 

Take off in our fixed-wing aircraft for an amazing two-hour air adventure to see the famous Bungle Bungle Range, Lake Argyle and the Ord River Irrigation Area. The beehive-like orange and black striped sandstone domes of the Bungle Bungle Range are one of Kimberley’s favourite attractions

This is an unforgettable adventure over the Bungle Bungle Range, Lake Argyle, the Argyle Diamond Mine, and Ord River Irrigation Area. Your aircraft is an air-conditioned, high wing, beautifully presented aeroplane offering comfort, safety and spectacular viewing opportunities.

This award winning scenic flight from Kununurra to the Purnululu National Park is an exhilarating adventure taking in the Kimberley's best scenic views.

Today take to the road towards Halls Creek, the site of Western Australia’s first gold discovery in 1885, for a brief period it became prospecting grounds to more than 15,000 people from all over the world. 

By 1954, old Halls Creek was all but abandoned as people moved to the new town site, and now stands in ruins. Today you can see the foundations of the old mine shaft, sections of the old post-office and the cemetery, where many Kimberley pioneers were buried.

Halls Creek is now home to successful farming and mining industries and is a great base for exploring the area’s natural and historical attractions including the China Wall, Sawpit George and Caroline Pool.

Approximate Distance: 164 km | 131 miles   Total Driving Time: 4 Hours 45 mins

Accommodation: Halls Creek - 1 Night (or similar)

Fitzroy Crossing is one of only two "towns" along the over 1000 km stretch of highway between Broome and Kununurra. Today Fitzroy Crossing is a welcoming, pleasant little township with a mostly Aboriginal population.

Whilst it is not a big town don’t let size fool you, Fitzroy Crossing has all the main services and special one of a kind touristy treasures just for you; it is truly the perfect base to access the spectacular sights of Geike Gorge, Mimbi Caves , St George Ranges, Tunnel Creek, and Windjana Gorge.

Approximate Distance: 290 km | 180 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 Hours 57 mins

Accommodation: Fitzroy Crossing  - 1 Night (or similar)

Enjoy an evening sunset camel ride along beautiful Cable Beach. This iconic experience will leave you feeling relaxed, captivated and the team in red will ensure you leave with the most remarkable lifelong memories.

The friendly and professional staff will provide you with a wealth of information about the camels and their history. The comfortable leather saddles aboard the well-trained and friendly camels will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Approximate Distance: 396 km | 246 miles   Total Driving Time: 3 Hours 59 mins

Accommodation: Broome  - 2 Nights (or similar)

The Broome to Horizontal Falls half-day tour lets you experience the incredible Horizontal Falls and the pristine beauty of the Kimberley.

Enjoy low level flying over the amazing islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago and Cape Leveque before your seaplane lands safely in the calm waters of Talbot Bay right near the Horizontal Falls. Then enjoy a thrilling ride on the fastest boat in the Kimberley through the waterfalls, followed by a laid-back island cruise. Return to our luxury houseboat for a freshly prepared meal.

Return to Broome on the seaplane to complete your memorable Horizontal Falls seaplane adventure.

Depart Broome

Say farewell to Broome today as you board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Australian experience. We know you will enjoy your 13 Day Darwin to Broome Self Drive vacation and we hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.