Kimberley Tours Australia, Nordterritorium, Western Australia

Best time to visit the Kimberley

September 28, 2022 / by Carla Rissmann

So you are planning to travel to the far north west of Australia. Find out how to get to The Kimberley's from Darwin and Broome. What is the best time of year to visit the Kimberley? What are the best months to visit the Kimberley's?

Find out here the best time to visit the Kimberley region in Australia.

Always wondered how to get to The Kimberley’s from Darwin? Or when is the best time to visit the Kimberley. In this blog we explain more about the distance between Darwin city centre and The Kimberley Region. Is it best time to visit the Kimberley? Should i start from Broome or Darwin? Plus the best ways to get there. 

Find out how far is it from Darwin to The Kimberley. The distance from The Kimberley to Broome and do you need a 4wd for The Kimberley?

We have the answers to help you plan the best Kimberley itinerary. 

In this blog we will answer a few of our most asked questions about The Gibb river Road and the Kimberley. Including What is the best time of year to visit the Kimberley? What are the best months to visit the Kimberley’s? 

Find best time to visit the Kimberley

 Read on to find out more.

Why Visit the Kimberley?

The Kimberley, also known as The Kimberleys, is a remote and rugged region in Western Australia that offers some of the most spectacular landscapes in the country. Known for its towering red cliffs, deep gorges, and thundering waterfalls, the Kimberley is a nature lover’s paradise.

Hiking and swimming in the pristine natural environments is a must-do activity. The Kimberley is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, crocodiles, and a diverse range of bird species. Visitors can also explore the rich cultural heritage of the region, including the art, stories and customs of the traditional owners of the land.

The Kimberley is also a popular destination for adventure-seekers, offering activities such as rock climbing, fishing, and boating. The region is also home to many luxury resorts and wilderness lodges, providing visitors with comfortable accommodation options to make the most of their holiday.

Visitors to the Kimberley will be treated to an authentic Australian outback experience, with beautiful natural landscapes and a rich cultural heritage.


How big is the Kimberley region?

Kimberley covers an area of more than 424,517 square kilometers and has fewer people per square kilometer than almost any other place on Earth. The Kimberley population is 36,230. 

Who owns Kimberley?

Named ‚The Kimberley District‘ for the Earl of Kimberley, secretary for the colonies, in 1880. The traditional owners are the Ngarinyin people. The Ngarinyin represent about 60 clans that belong to four larger nations: Arawarri Nyawngara, Walinjara Burri, Werangarri Nyuwelngana, and Wurlajaru Marrangarna. The region has over 150 Aboriginal Communities.

Emma Gorge, El Questro Wilderness Park on our Darwin to Broome Kimberley tour. Best time to visit the Kimberley? 

How to get to Kimberley from Darwin

There are a few different ways to get from Darwin to Kimberley.

Drive from Darwin

You could drive yourself towards Katherine then onto Kununurra. The distance between Darwin and Kimberley is around 784 km. We would recommend a 4WD for Gibb River Road.

Or, if you don’t have your own vehicle, you can hire a 2WD, 4WD, or motorhome in Darwin. You may be limited in a 2WD to only the sealed roads from Darwin to Broome through the Kimberley.

The journey from Darwin to Broome takes around 20 hours. But we woudl say plan alot of overnight stops and exploring en route. There are some great sights along the way in the Northern Territory and into Western Australia.

Take a Tour

From Darwin to Broome on tour is more comfortable, sit back relax and let us guide you through the Kimberley. On tour you have the ability to see a lot in a short time frame, meet like-minded travelers, and have an expert itinerary planned for you so you don’t miss any of the highlights. 

Tours from Darwin to The Kimberley.

Check out our best tours from Darwin to the Kimberley: 

10 Day Darwin to Broome tour

How long to drive from Darwin to Broome?

The drive from Darwin to Brome directly is 20 hours. But we recommend planning many overnight stops and hiking on the way. The best way to see Kimberley is to do the journey in around 10 days.

How to get to the Kimberley?

There are several options for getting to the Kimberley region of Western Australia:
 
Flights: The main airport serving the Kimberley region is Broome International Airport, which is located in Broome, Western Australia. There are regular flights from major Australian cities such as Perth, Darwin, and Sydney to Broome. From Broome, visitors can take connecting flights or bus services to other destinations in the Kimberley.
 
Buses: There are several bus companies that operate services to the Kimberley region. These services run between major cities such as Perth, Darwin, and Broome, and stop at various destinations within the Kimberley.
 
Car rentals: Visitors can rent a car or campervan in Broome, Darwin or Perth and drive to the Kimberley. This option gives visitors the flexibility to explore the region at their own pace and make stops along the way.
 
Road trip: Visitors can also drive to the Kimberley region from other parts of Western Australia, and Northern Territory. The roads leading to the Kimberley are sealed roads but during the wet season some of the roads may be closed or have conditions that might require a 4WD vehicle.
 
Train: Visitors can also take a train from other parts of Australia to Darwin. The Ghan, then take a tour to the Kimberley from there. No trains go through the Kimberley for visitors. 

“What are the best months to visit the Kimberleys?„

Real Adventure Group

What are the best months to visit the Kimberleys?

The best months to visit the Kimberleys are June, July, and August. July is the most popular tine but with school holidays in Australia and Europe, we fill fast on tours over this time. A very popular time to visit the Kimberley. 

 

What is the best time of year to visit the Kimberley?

If you want to be on tour when its a little quieter consider booking for June or September. July and August is the best time to visit due to the weather. This is when our tours are the most fully booked. 

How many days do you need in the Kimberley?

If you are traveling from Broome to Darwin or Darwin to Broome we would recommend at least 10 days. 

On our Kimberley tours let our guide drive you and sit back and enjoy the nature and vast landscape of the Kimberley from the bus window. 

10 days is enough time to camp, hike, swim and explore the Kimberley region on a tour.

If you are thinking of self driving we recommend 14-18 days to drive and explore this area. Especially if you are not an expereinced 4WD driver. 

Real Aussie Recommendations

  • Book your Kimberley tour early in the dry season as we fill fast. Especially June and July! 

Do you need a 4WD to travel the Kimberley region?

There are many popular attractions that can be accessed with just a car/ 2WD vehicle. The main sealed road from Darwin to Broome can be travelled in a car. However, you will not be able to access the highlights of the region. To explore the best of the Kimberley’s attractions you will need a 4WD.

We recommend jumping on one of our tours if you do not have a 4WD vehicle.

10 Day Broome to Darwin Kimberley tour

10 Day Darwin to Broome Kimberley tour

Can you take a 2WD on the Gibb River Road?

No, you can’t! Hiring a car can be expensive at the best of times, especially a 4WD. Plus you have to have the experience to drive a 4WD vehicle. So just either take your 2WD vehicle and not travel on the Gibb River Road or you take a tour.

Or join us on one of our tours from Darwin or Broome so you don’t have to worry about driving at all. Let us do the hard work.

Kimberley Tours

Best time to visit the Kimberley?

So now we know the best time to visit Kimberley is in June, July or August of the weather. The shoulder months of May and September are ok, a little quieter but the weather can be extreme at those times of year.

The Kimberley region in Western Australia is a unique and beautiful destination that offers a wide range of experiences for visitors. The best time to visit the Kimberley depends on what you are looking to see and do, as well as the type of weather and conditions that you are comfortable with.

When is the Dry Season in the Kimberley?

The dry season, which runs from May to October, is the best time to visit the Kimberley if you want to see the region’s famous waterfalls, such as the Mitchell Falls and the Horizontal Falls. During this time, the water flow is at its highest, and the falls are at their most spectacular. Additionally, the dry season offers the best conditions for activities such as hiking, camping, and exploring the region’s many gorges and canyons.

When is the Wet Season in the Kimberley?

The wet season, which runs from November to April, is the best time to visit the Kimberley if you want to see the region’s wildflowers and wildlife. The wet season is also the best time to see the Bungle Bungle Range, which is only accessible by air during the dry season. The wet season is also the best time to see the Kimberley’s famous tidal waterfalls, such as the King George Falls.

Another important thing to keep in mind when planning your visit to the Kimberley is the heat. The region can be extremely hot during the day, and it’s best to plan your activities for the early morning or late afternoon when the temperatures are cooler.

Overall, the best time to visit the Kimberley is during the dry season, but the wet season also offers its own unique experiences. With a variety of activities and experiences to be had, the Kimberley is a destination that is well worth a visit, regardless of the time of year.

Book far in advance for the Kimberley season if you plan to go next year. We will get fully booked very early as our Kimberley tours are small group adventures, 

The Kimberley is a must visit! We look forward to showing you our backyard soon.  

Tours to the Kimberley for 2023

The Kimberley is a vast and remote region, and many visitors choose to take tours or go on guided experiences to make the most of their trip. 
Types of popular tour sin the Kimberley

4WD Tours: 4WD tours are a popular way to explore the Kimberley. These tours take visitors on an adventure through the rugged terrain of the region, visiting remote locations and scenic spots that are inaccessible by other means. Some popular 4WD tour destinations in the Kimberley include the Bungle Bungle Range, El Questro Wilderness Park, and the Kimberley’s many gorges and waterfalls.

Helicopter and Air Tours: Another popular way to see the Kimberley is by taking a helicopter or air tour. These tours offer visitors a bird’s-eye view of the region’s rugged landscapes and stunning waterfalls.

Boat Tours: Boat tours are a great way to explore the Kimberley’s waterways, including the famous Horizontal Falls. Visitors can take a boat tour to see the falls, or take a scenic cruise along the Kimberley coast.

Fishing and Adventure Tours: For visitors looking for a more action-packed adventure, the Kimberley offers a range of fishing and adventure tours. These tours include activities such as fishing, hunting, and rock climbing.

Cultural Tours: The Kimberley is also home to many Indigenous communities, and cultural tours offer visitors the opportunity to learn about the region’s rich cultural heritage. These tours include visits to Indigenous rock art sites, and interactive experiences with traditional owners.

 

For the season from April to October 2024 we have our Kimberley tours.

11 Day Kimberley Tour

This tour is from Broome to Broome and includes our comfort camping options

12 Day Broome to Broome Kimberley Tour 

5 Day Kimberley tour

10 Day Darwin to Broome Tour

10 Day Broome to Darwin Tour

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