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The West Kimberley Crossing

Horizontal Falls Buccaneer Archipelago Tourismwa +11 Gallery
Trail difficulty
Moderate
Trail difficulty

Low Range 4WD vehicles required with standard clearance. 4WD experience or training required.

  • Length 1135km
  • Est. time Multiple day
  • Circuit / loop

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Leg 1 Broome to Derby 222km. Visit the Boab Prison Tree, Wharfinger's House Museum, Mowanjum Art and Cultural Centre, the Royal Flying Doctor Base and School of the Air.  Take a scenic flight over the world's only Horizontal Waterfalls and the islets of the Buccaneer Archipelago.

Leg 2 Derby to Fitzroy Crossing 295km. Visit Bandiln͟gan (Windjana Gorge) National Park, Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek) National Park is WA's oldest cave system. Take a torch lit walk through the 750 metre tunnel and its subterranean world of bats and freshwater crocodiles.

Leg 3 Fitzroy Crossing to Geikie Gorge 40km (return) experience the impressive gorge by walking on the sand bank, listening to birds and spotting wildlife.  There is one trail to follow and appreciate the view, flora and fauna.

Leg 4 Fitzroy Crossing to Broome 396km (+180km return to Mimbi Caves) Venture into the enchanting labryinths and cultural sites of Mimbi Caves with an indigenous guide.  Explore the exotic pearling town of Broome. Take in the beauty of a Cable Beach sunset from a camel train and witness the natural phenomenom of the Staircase to the Moon.

Broome Parks and Wildlife Office

(08) 9195 5500

Visitor Information Centres

National Parks

Other Links

Be trail ready

Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.

Time / Duration

4 - 5 days

Length

1135km return

Fees

National Park and camping fees apply.

Trail Access

Drive from Perth to Broome, or fly from Perth to Broome.

Trail Start

Broome, 2200km north of Perth

Get directions

Trail End

When to go

May to September

What’s the weather like?

4WD

More Difficult

Low Range 4WD vehicles required with standard clearance. 4WD experience or training required.

What To Pack

Prohibited items

No pets in National Parks.

Facilities

  • Camping
  • Visitor Information Centre
  • Car Park
  • Picnic Area
  • Public Toilet
  • Shaded Area
More tips for being Trail Ready

Important weather note for this trail.

Due to this trail spanning multiple regions, we recommend use of your own weather app for localised information, or visiting bom.gov.au for accurate updates.

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1 trail goers have rated this trail as 4 out of 5!

We love to hear from people who've been on our Western Australian trails, so it would be most appreciated it if you wanted to leave a review.

Profile photo for Martin Hadley
Martin Hadley

Reviewed 10 Sep 2023, 11:38pm

This is a very long drive that should be spread over a few weeks at least to get the best enjoyment from it. The Great Northern Highway has long stretches of fairly monotonous scenery interspersed with areas that really are worth stopping for a break and maybe some photos. So anytime you see somewhere attractive just stop and enjoy it. Also be aware that because the Great Northern Highway isn't exactly a busy one at times you can on occasions come across foreigners who have forgotten which side of the road they should be driving on so if you see a car coming at you on the wrong side of the road, believe it and pull over. Broome and Derby are both very interesting towns with lots to offer as well and a diversion from Broome up to Cape Leveque is definitely not to be missed. The final warning is be crocodile aware when you are near water and crocs love dogs so look after your best friend if he or she is travelling with you.

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