PERFECT Darwin to Broome Road Trip (14-day Itinerary + 4WD vs 2WD routes)

A Darwin to Broome road trip is the ultimate outback adventure! This one-way journey will take you across 1,800 km of Australia’s most stunning and remote landscapes.

You’ll see incredible gorges, waterfalls, ancient Aboriginal art, and will have plenty of opportunities to experience the country’s wild side.

If you follow the itinerary, you’ll visit hotspots like Litchfield National Park, Katherine, Kununurra, and more.

But let’s be clear – this is not a trip you want to rush through. The road is long, and careful planning is key, especially when it comes to choosing the right route for your vehicle.

This journey is best tackled with a 4WD with a 14-day itinerary (detailed below). You’ll be able to visit gems like El Questro and Purnululu National Park. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you could even take the Gibb River Road!

But if you’re driving a 2WD, don’t worry – we’ve got an alternative 9-day route that still packs in plenty of adventure.

We’ll guide you through everything you need to know, from where to stop, what to see, and how to make the most of this unforgettable road trip across the Top End and the Kimberley.

And don’t miss the section on how to plan the road trip. We included things we wished we knew before heading the road.

Let’s get started!

We recognise the traditional owners of all the lands explored in this itinerary – the Larrakia, Wagait, Jawoyn, Dagoman, Wardaman, Ngaliwurru, Nungali, Miriwoong Gajerrong, Gija, Jaru, Wunggurr, Balanggarra, Kija, Kukatja, Walmajarri, Gooniyandi, Bunuba, and Yawuru peoples.

4WD: 14-day Darwin to Broome road trip

This 14-day itinerary is jam-packed with things to do and takes you to the must-see attractions in the area, while being short enough to be doable for most people:

Day 1-2: Darwin to Litchfield National Park (115km, 1h 30m)

The first leg of this road trip takes you south towards Litchfield National Park, a perfect introduction to the stunning landscapes of the Top End.

We recommend spending 2-3 days in Litchfield. The park is known for its stunning waterfalls and swimming holes, as well as its incredible hikes – it’s ideal to start your trip on the right foot!

Regarding swimming holes, always stick to designated swimming areas. Park rangers have monitored those to make sure there aren’t any crocodiles around.

Make sure to visit the Lost City, too. It’s a group of sandstone formations that look like the remnants of an ancient civilisation!

Where to stay in Litchfield National Park

There are several campgrounds in the park. The most popular is the Wangi Falls Campground – the location is perfect, it’s 2WD-accessible, and has the most facilities (even a café).

If there aren’t any sites available in that one, other 2WD-accessible campgrounds are Florence Falls and Walker Creek campsites. The remaining campgrounds are 4WD-only.

Regardless of the campground you choose, you have to book your site online, here (you can’t pay at the park).

If you don’t want to camp, the best stay is Litchfield Tourist Park. It’s a 5-km drive from the park with bungalow-type accommodations that fit up to 6 people. There’s also a pool and a restaurant!

Day 3: Litchfield to Katherine (255km, 2h 45m)

Wake up early and leave Litchfield behind, driving southeast towards Katherine. On your way, you can stop at:

• Mayse’s Café in Pine Creek, midway between Litchfield and Katherine, to grab a bite and stretch your legs.

• Edith Falls (Leliyn), a short detour on Stuart Highway, for a refreshing swim (entry fees to Nitmiluk National Park apply).

Depending on the time you reach Katherine, head to one of these spots and leave the other one for the next day:

• Katherine Hot Springs. It’s a series of beautiful thermal spring water-fed pools. They are open daily from 7 am to 7 pm. Besides swimming, there are also hikes and other great things to do there, which we detail in this guide!

• Nitmiluk National Park, home to the famous Katherine Gorge. There are heaps of things to do there – hiking, camping, cruises, swimming, canoeing… there’s something for everyone.

🤩 Take this 2-hour cruise through the gorges of Nitmiluk National Park, with short walks to further appreciate the landscape: Nitmiluk Gorge Cruise

Where to stay in Katherine

Katherine is the third biggest city in the Northern Territory, so there are plenty of accommodation options.

We recommend staying at the Riverview Tourist Village because it’s within walking distance from the Hot Springs. It has rooms and cabins.

If you feel like splurging a bit, Cicada Lodge offers a touch of luxury in the wilderness.

Click here to find more accommodation options in Katherine!

Day 4: Katherine to Timber Creek (290km, 3h)

Refuel and restock before leaving Katherine, then start driving west along the Victoria Highway to Timber Creek, a tiny outback town that gives you a glimpse into the remote Northern Territory life.

The drive is a bit monotonous but there are several places along the way to stop and stretch your legs.

When you reach Timber Creek, check out the local attractions like the old police station or take a short drive to Policeman’s Point for a spot of fishing. Here are more things to do there if you’e interested!

The area is well known for its barramundi, so if you’re keen on fishing, pack your gear. Just be croc-wise – this is saltwater crocodile territory, and they are known to lurk in the waterways here.

If you’re on a 4WD, don’t miss the Judbarra/Gregory National Park, it has a few epic 4WD tracks! Entry fees to the park apply.

Where to stay in Timber Creek

This is a small town and there are only two campgrounds in Timber Creek at the moment:

• Big Horse Campground, best for self-contained campers, it’s near the river and the boat ramp.

• Timber Creek Hotel (Travellers Rest), it has cabins, rooms, and camping sites. The local petrol station is there, too.

Another option is staying at Judbarra/Gregory National Park, which has several campgrounds. Or stay at Victoria River Roadhouse, it’s a 1-hour drive east of Timber Creek.

Day 5-6: Timber Creek to Kununurra (226km, 2h 30m)

Set off early today as you cross the border into Western Australia and head towards Kununurra, a bustling town that serves as a gateway to the Kimberley region.

It’s worth taking the detour to Keep River National Park on your way to Kununurra. It’s on the Nothern Territory side and it’s known for the Aboriginal rock art and scenic walking trails (entry fees to the park apply).

Then continue towards Western Australia!

You’ll go through a checkpoint when crossing the border, to identify potential risk products that can bring pests, weeds, and diseases that can potentially damage the environment of WA.

The full list is here, check it carefully to avoid problems.

Kununurra is a 30-minute drive from the checkpoint. Get ready because there are heaps of things to do in town. We recommend staying at least 2 days to explore.

We have a full guide with all the things to do in Kununurra, but the highlights include:

• Lake Argyle, the largest man-made lake in the Southern Hemisphere. You can go kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and even on a cruise there!

• Ord River, a 650-km-long river filled with barramundi, perfect for fishing.

• Mirima National Park, also called the “mini Bungle Bungles,” it offers spectacular walks close to town.

• Ivanhoe Crossing, a historic river crossing that’s often submerged, but when the water levels are right, you can cross it in your 4WD.

• Hoochery Distillery for some of the best rum you’ll ever taste.

Don’t forget to set your clocks back 1h 30min! Western Australia has its own time zone.

S&C Travel Tip

Where to stay in Kununurra

Kununurra has heaps of accommodation options.

For caravan parks, the Kimberleyland Waterfront Holiday Park has an ideal location – in front of the Lily Creek Lagoon to enjoy nature but still at walking distance from the town centre. It has cabins and chalets that can accommodate up to 9 people.

If you’re looking for a hotel, the Kimberley Croc Motel would be our go-to. If you’re looking for something more luxurious, go straight to Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments.

Click here to find more accommodation options in Kununurra!

Day 7-8: Kununurra to El Questro Wilderness Park (103km, 1h 20m)

Wake up early and go to El Questro, one of the most famous outback retreats in the Kimberley! It’s a must-visit if you’re on a 4WD.

The park covers 283,000 hectares of land, so there’s plenty to explore. Some highlights include:

• Emma Gorge, one of El Questro’s most famous attractions. The gorge features a waterfall that cascades into a clear pool, surrounded by towering red cliffs.

• Zebedee Springs, a natural hot spring tucked away in a lush pocket of the wilderness.

• Chamberlain Gorge, where you can go on a boat cruise deep into the gorge and marvel at the towering sandstone cliffs on either side, plus the chance to spot local wildlife, including freshies!

• Several walking trails, 4WD tracks, fishing spots, lookouts, and activities like scenic flights, helicopter tours, and more!

Honestly, you can easily spend 1 week in El Questro without ever getting bored. But if you want to stick to the schedule, allow for at least 2-3 full days here.

Where to stay in El Questro Wilderness Park

El Questro has options for all budgets – from powered and unpowered campsites for tents and campervans, to luxurious accommodations with views of the Chamberlain River.

Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong! Book your stay at El Questro Station here.

Day 9-10: El Questro Station to Purnululu National Park (340km, 5h)

Today you’ll head south to one of the most iconic sites in Australia – Purnululu National Park, home of the Bungle Bungle Range. Entry fees apply.

It’s a long drive, but you can stop at Durack and Warmun on your way. That’s your last chance for restocking because services are non-existent in the park, so make sure to bring plenty of water, extra fuel, food, etc.

Once you reach the turnoff, you’ll switch to a rougher 4WD track for the last stretch. Make sure your vehicle is equipped for off-road driving, and check the conditions before you go, as the road can be challenging at times.

The Bungle Bungles themselves are incredible to see up close, with their orange and black beehive-shaped domes rising dramatically from the earth!

Also, there are several sites worth exploring, with the most incredible views of the gorges and the landscape, like Cathedral Gorge, the Echidna Chasm, or the Mini Palms Walk.

Where to stay in Purnululu National Park

The camp has designated two designated campgrounds (Walardi and Kurrajong campgrounds) as well as glamping. You have to book the site beforehand, here.

The two campgrounds are unpowered, with pit toilets and limited facilities, so you’ll be relying on what you brought with you. But the payoff is huge – being able to camp under the stars in such a remote and beautiful location is a special experience!

Day 11: Purnululu National Park to Halls Creek (210km, 3h 30m)

Leaving the ancient domes behind, it’s time to head further into the heart of the Kimberley towards Halls Creek!

Halls Creek is a historic gold rush town, and while small, it’s the gateway to some of the Kimberley’s most remote and fascinating sites, like:

• China Wall, a natural quartz ridge that looks like a man-made wall. It’s an easy drive from town and offers some great photo opportunities.

• Old Halls Creek, the old gold mining ghost town a short drive from Halls Creek.

Where to stay in Halls Creek

There are rest areas near Halls Creek where you can stay overnight. There are two hotels in town as well, the Kimberley Hotel and the Halls Creek Motel.

Both are great options if you want a break from the caravan! Plus both have outdoor pools, perfect for a refreshing dip in the middle of the outback.

Day 12: Halls Creek to Fitzroy Crossing (290km, 3 hrs)

From Halls Creek, head west to Fitzroy Crossing. The drive is straightforward but keep an eye out for wildlife – this stretch of highway is known for roaming cattle, kangaroos, and emus.

Once in Fitzroy Crossing, most people head straight for Danggu Gorge National Park, which is one of the Kimberley’s most accessible and beautiful gorges.

But at the time of writing, the park is temporarily closed due to flood damage. Check if it reopened by the time of your visit here, on the official website.

If it’s still closed, consider checking out the nearby Mimbi Caves for an Aboriginal tour or even camping!

Where to stay in Fitzroy Crossing

This remote town has two hotels, the most popular is the Fitzroy River Lodge, which offers a range of rooms, caravan sites, and camping facilities.

Day 13: Fitzroy Crossing to Windjana Gorge National Park (150km, 2h)

You could drive from Fitzroy Crossing to Broome, it’s a 4-hour drive. But that doesn’t mean you should…you’d be missing out on an absolute gem – Windjana Gorge.

It’s a bit of a detour, but absolutely worth doing, more so if you’re not planning on ever doing the Gibb River Road.

Windjana Gorge is a massive gorge carved by the Lennard River, and it’s famous for its towering cliffs and abundance of freshwater crocodiles.

It’s one of the most stunning attractions in the Kimberley, don’t miss the opportunity to visit! The iconic Tunnel Creek is a short drive from there as well.

Where to stay in Windjana Gorge

There’s a large campground at the gorge, book your spot here. The area is well-maintained, with flush toilets, showers, and firepits. There’s usually plenty of room as it’s a bit off the beaten track!

Day 14: Windjana Gorge to Broome via Derby (367km, 4h 40m)

Your final day of driving takes you from the rugged beauty of Windjana Gorge to the coastal town of Broome.

Stop off midway in Derby for a visit to the Boab Prison Tree, a giant, hollow boab tree once used as a holding cell for Indigenous prisoners in the late 19th century.

It’s a sobering piece of history, and the tree itself is impressive to see in person, with its massive trunk and unique shape.

As you continue towards Broome, the landscape gradually changes from the red dirt and rugged cliffs of the Kimberley to the coastal plains of the northwest.

When you arrive in Broome, you’ll be greeted by the turquoise waters and white sandy beaches the town is famous for!

There are heaps of things to do in Broome, but we recommend heading first to either Coconut Wells for a refreshing swim, or to Cable Beach to watch the sunset and see the camels.

Broome offers plenty of options for accommodation, from luxury resorts to caravan parks. After 14 days on the road, a bit of luxury might be just what you need! Click here to see all the accommodations available in Broome.

Celebrate the end of your road trip with a nice dinner. Matso’s Brewery is a popular choice for both food and drinks, offering a laid-back vibe and views over Roebuck Bay.

Alternative: Go to Broome via the Gibb River Road (4WD only)

If you want to have the adventure of a lifetime (and know how to drive a 4WD like a champ) get to Broome via the Gibb River Road!

This 660-km-long road is the ultimate Australian adventure. You’ll see epic gorges, waterfalls, and remote landscapes that you just can’t get anywhere else.

You’d need 10-14 days just for the Gibb. This means you’d have to allow for a 17-day-long road trip from Darwin to Broome.

It’s rough and remote – that’s part of the fun! Camp under the stars, visit the most beautiful gorges, swim in freshwater pools, and catch sunsets that’ll blow your mind.

Your itinerary would look pretty much the same, but instead of driving from Kununurra to El Questro, you’d continue towards the unsealed roads of the Gibb River Road.

The 17-day itinerary would be like this:

• Day 1-2: Darwin to Litchfield National Park (115km, 1h 30m)

• Day 3: Litchfield to Katherine (255km, 2h 45m)

• Day 4: Katherine to Timber Creek (290km, 3h)

• Day 5-6: Timber Creek to Kununurra (226km, 2h 30m)

• Day 7-16: Gibb River Road, from Kununurra to Derby (660km, 10 days)

• Day 17: Derby to Broome (222km, 2h 30m)

If you want to do this, the preparation for the road trip would be completely different.

Our complete guide to the Gibb River Road will help you with everything you need, including permits, essentials, camping spots, and more! Check it out here.

2WD: 9-day itinerary for a Darwin to Broome road trip

If you’re on a 2WD, you’ll be driving most of the time along the Great Northern Highway. Nothing wrong with that, but you won’t be able to visit iconic spots like El Questro, Purnululu, or Windjana Gorge.

Your itinerary would look like this:

• Day 1-2: Darwin to Litchfield National Park (115km, 1h 30m)

• Day 3: Litchfield to Katherine (255km, 2h 45m)

• Day 4: Katherine to Timber Creek (290km, 3h)

• Day 5-6: Timber Creek to Kununurra (226km, 2h 30m)

• Day 7: Kununurra to Halls Creek (358km, 3h 50m)

• Day 8: Halls Creek to Fitzroy Crossing (289km, 3h)

• Day 9: Fitzroy Crossing to Broome (396km, 4h 20m)

You could look into full-day tours from Kununurra to El Questro (here) so you don’t miss out on that. It would be worth staying an extra day in Kununurra to do it.

And if you want to visit the Purnululu National Park, there are several full-day tours departing from Broome. This one is excellent as it also includes a scenic flight!

BUUUT. If you’re not very interested in visiting Litchfield NP, Katherine, and Kununurra, honestly it’s best (and cheaper) to fly directly to Broome. You can rent a car at the airport or hire a caravan and explore the town.

Keep reading: More epic full-day tours from Broome for non-4WD drivers.

Have more days? Add these spots

This region of Australia is quite remote, so why not make the most while you’re there? Consider adding these destinations for an epic outback road trip:

Kakadu National Park

If you can add at least 3 days to your road trip, use them to stay in Kakadu National Park.

When you leave Darwin on day 1 of your road trip, you can either go to Litchfield National Park or take the detour to Kakadu National Park.

Kakadu is much bigger than Litchfield and has more to explore in terms of culture and wildlife.

You’ve got Ubirr and Nourlangie for ancient Aboriginal rock art – some of the best in the country. Then there’s Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls, both epic sights.

Kakadu also gives you wetlands like Yellow Water, where you can take a cruise to see crocs and birds in their natural habitat. Plus, there’s the vastness – different ecosystems like savannah woodlands, floodplains, and stone country.

You’ll get that “outback wilderness” vibe more in Kakadu!

It’s a bit of a detour as you leave Darwin, but it’s incredibly worth it.

Keep reading: Guide to Kakadu National Park – things to do, where to stay, and more.

Wolfe Creek National Park

This place is a 4-hour drive from Halls Creek, and it’s home to the second largest meteorite crater in the world – the Wolfe Creek meteorite crater.

The road is 4WD-only, it’s a bit dusty and rough, but the impressive crater makes it all worth it. Plus, the park is free to enter and has a campground, so you can stay overnight near this jaw-dropping attraction.

Continue towards Exmouth

If you really want to make it the road trip of a lifetime, continue your road trip to Exmouth!

It has some of the best snorkelling in Australia, as the Ningaloo Reef is right there. You can also swim with whale sharks (when in season), manta rays, and turtles.

There’s also the iconic Cape Range National Park, home to the world-famous Turquoise Bay.

Getting to Exmouth from Broome is also half the fun. The route will depend on your vehicle:

• 4WD: Allow for 10-14 days just for the road trip to Exmouth, taking the inland route via the beautiful Karijini National Park. It’s rough but absolutely worth it, Karijini is a truly special place.

• 2WD: Allow for 7-9 days for the road trip. Stick to the scenic North West Coastal Highway. It’s sealed all the way and more straightforward, passing through places like Eighty Mile Beach and Karratha.

Planning your road trip from Darwin to Broome

Follow these tips to help you plan this epic road trip:

Duration of the road trip

The road trip will last at the very least 9 days. Honestly, it’s not worth trying to do it in a shorter amount of time because you won’t be able to see anything, you’ll spend most of your time driving.

Also, consider whether you’ve been to Darwin and/or Broome. We recommend spending at least 2-3 days in Darwin and/or Broome if it’s your first time visiting.

Take that into consideration when planning your road trip!

Best time to visit Broome

May to October is the BEST time to visit Broome, as it’s the dry season. The weather is perfect and nights are cool, but it can get busy with tourists.

The wet season runs from November to April. We don’t recommend visiting during that time if you want to do a road trip, even less if you’re on a 2WD.

There’s lots of rain and the heat is very humid, it’s quite uncomfortable if you’re camping.

However, accommodation and flights tend to be cheaper. Plus the wet season is perfect for scenic flights to Mitchell Falls and Horizontal Falls, they’ll be overflowing due to the rains.

How many days to stay in Broome?

3 days is a good sweet spot, as there are heaps of things to do in Broome, but most are either in the town centre or at a short driving distance.

But if you have a 4WD, definitely consider spending 2-3 extra days to explore James Price and the Dampier Peninsula, where Cygnet Bay is.

Keep reading: 15 bucket-list things to do in Broome

Buy a park pass

For the parks in the Northern Territory, residents of the NT are exempt from paying the entry fee, but still have to book online.

The parks in NT that require a pass are:

• Litchfield National park

• Nitmiluk National Park

• Judbarra/Gregory National Park

• Keep River National Park

At the time of writing, the entry fee is $10 per day for each one. There’s a 2-week park pass that costs $30, it’s worth paying if you’re visiting all the parks. Check the latest prices for NT passes here.

Kakadu requires a separate park pass, which you can purchase here.

As for the parks in Western Australia mentioned in this itinerary, these are the ones that require an entry fee:

• Purnululu National Park

• Windjana Gorge National Park

• Karijini National Park

• Cape Range National Park

At the time of writing, the entry fee for WA parks is $17 per day per car. There’s a 5-day pass that costs $30, but if you’ll do the trip all the way to Exmouth via Karijini consider purchasing the 14-week pass ($50). Check the latest prices for WA passes here!

Considering renting a car or caravan? Read this first

Be VERY careful when renting a car for this road trip, more so if you want to go to places with unsealed roads.

Carefully read the fine print and look into their policies regarding unsealed or unpaved roads. Not doing it can be a costly mistake.

The most popular car rentals (like Rental Cars or Discover Cars) have great deals but you cannot drive the cars on unsealed roads (not even SUVs).

The same goes for caravan rentals. But if you’re driving on sealed roads throughout your whole road trip, these are the campervan rentals we recommend:

• Travellers Autobarn is the cheapest option that doesn’t sacrifice quality. Check Autobarn rentals here.

• JUCY campervans is the middle ground. Their caravans are often bigger than Autobarn’s while still keeping good prices. Check JUCY rentals here.

• Star RV is the best for premium campervans. If you want to go on an adventure without sacrificing comfort, this is it. Check Star RV rentals here.

Free downloadable map

Top Tips

Don’t 100% rely on roadhouses for groceries. They might be out of stock on certain products, more so in high season, and what they do have is often overpriced. So before leaving big towns like Katherine or Kununurra, stock up on water and food.

If you don’t have a car fridge, get dry ice. It lasts way longer than regular ice in an esky – worth the investment if you’re camping.

Between Katherine and Timber Creek, you’ll see a lot of cattle roaming around. Around sunset, they become almost invisible, so make sure you’re off the road by then.

After Kununurra, there’s pretty much zero reception until you’re near Broome, so don’t rely on your phone. A UHF radio is a solid investment if you’re heading off-road.

Did you know?

The road from Darwin to Broome takes you near the site of one of Australia’s most significant civil rights movements, the Wave Hill Walk-Off.

Led by Gurindji leader Vincent Lingiari, over 200 Aboriginal stockmen and their families walked off Wave Hill cattle station in protest against poor working conditions and pay.

The strike lasted 9 years, becoming a pivotal moment in the Aboriginal land rights movement, which eventually led to the return of land to the Gurindji people by Prime Minister Gough Whitlam in 1975.

This was symbolised by the iconic moment when Whitlam poured earth into Lingiari’s hands.

FAQs

The bottom line

This Darwin to Broome road trip itinerary includes all the highlights – from the stunning waterfalls of Litchfield to the incredible rock formations of the Bungle Bungles, and finally landing in the laid-back coastal town of Broome.

The journey is packed with jaw-dropping experiences, where you’ll swim in beautiful natural pools, hike through breathtaking gorges, and take in the wild, remote beauty that makes this part of Australia so special.

If you’re craving adventure, nature, and a good stretch of road, this Darwin-to-Broome road trip itinerary will give you all of that and more!