Travel Information
Driving in the Kimberley
The Kimberley is remote, and distances between towns, roadhouses and fuel stops are genuinely large, plan your driving days around this rather than treating it like highway driving down south.
Road conditions vary
Sealed highways (like the route between Derby, Broome and Fitzroy Crossing) are straightforward. Unsealed roads, including the Gibb River Road and most gorge access tracks, are a different story: corrugations, dust, creek crossings and variable surfaces are normal, and conditions change with recent weather.
Fuel and supplies
Fuel stops are limited once you leave the highway. Fill up in Derby before setting out, and plan your route around roadhouses like Mount Barnett if you're travelling the Gibb River Road. Don't assume the next fuel stop will be open or stocked, carry a margin.
Driving hours
Avoid driving at dawn, dusk or after dark where possible. Wildlife (cattle, kangaroos, wild dogs) is a real hazard on Kimberley roads, and it's much harder to see and react to at low light.
Communication
Mobile phone coverage drops out quickly once you leave town. A UHF radio (fitted standard on our 4WDs) and knowing roughly where you'll be each night is good practice, let someone know your plan.