Blog Kimberley Off Road Camping – What to Know Before You Go

If exploring some of the world’s most remote and untouched wilderness is on your bucket list, then Western Australia’s Kimberley region is unmissable. Situated at the northernmost tip of WA, the Kimberley is so vast you could fit roughly three countries the size of England inside it. And hidden within the Kimberley’s awe-inspiring landscapes, you’ll find Indigenous cave art that experts estimate was created about 40,000 years ago.

But this ancient place faces thoroughly modern problems, including energy companies pursuing fracking rights. As locals fight to protect the pristine Kimberley, the message to visitors is clear: leave it as you found it.

Here’s what you need to know before embarking on an epic Kimberley off-road camping trip.

When To Visit

Timing is important, especially when visiting a location with a tropical monsoon climate. So, forget four seasons; the Kimberley only has two – wet season and dry season.

WET SEASON – From November to April, the Kimberley experiences extremely hot days, high humidity, and monsoonal rains – in fact, the Kimberley squeezes most of its yearly rainfall into this six-month period, which can make camping challenging (to say the least). Much of the Kimberley is inaccessible during the wet season, and many roads and national parks are formally closed at this time.

DRY SEASON – Running from May to October, the Dry offers lower humidity and relatively comfortable daytime temperatures (between 25 – 35 degrees Celsius), making it the preferred and most practical time to tour the Kimberley with a caravan in tow.

Caravanning Essentials

The Gibb River Road is at the heart of any Kimberley off-road adventure, so you’ll need to be sure you come prepared to tackle the almost-700-kilometre stretch of dirt.

You’ll need:

• a heavy-duty 4WD with high clearance
• two spare tyres on board, just in case
• extra fuel in approved jerry cans
• recovery gear and satellite communication
• clean drinking water – experts recommend 20 litres per person per day.

Take the time to run through the calculations to ensure your off road camper and towing vehicle are capable of handling the weight of extra gear.

Gibb River Road signage. Photo by W. Bulach, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Respect Culture and Country

Off-roading is the best way to see the Kimberley in all its rugged and remote glory, but remember to be respectful of the local communities who call it home.

• Stay on designated tracks. Leaving them can destroy the fragile ecosystem and damage sacred cultural sites.
• Always check whether you need permission or a permit to access remote regions in the area.
• Do not take videos or photographs of cultural rock art sites unless you have explicit permission.
• Leave no trace – enjoy your time, respect the locals, and ensure that when you leave, nobody can tell you were ever present.

Safety in the Kimberley

Beware of the wild! The Outback may be beautiful, but there are dangers to be aware of.

SALTWATER CROCODILES – Unless a waterway has been explicitly marked as safe by local authorities, do not swim in the water.

MOBILE COVERAGE – The Kimberley region is rural, and that means patchy mobile coverage. Main towns like Broome and Halls Creek offer coverage, but you can expect no signal when you venture into remote locations. If you run into an emergency, the response options are limited, and response times are slow as a result. Always carry a satellite phone to ensure you can reach out for help. Heading somewhere remote? Let family or friends know how long you’ll be uncontactable for.

Camping Rules

To protect the fragile environment, camping is highly restricted in the Kimberley region. Pitching a tent wherever the mood strikes or pulling up on the side of the highway to sleep in your van is illegal if it’s not an approved area, so always plan your stays ahead of time.

You can find accommodation at caravan parks, cattle station campgrounds and national park camping sites across the region. Always book your national park campsite in advance to avoid disappointment. Every site has different facilities, and you should know in advance what to expect so you can plan accordingly. For instance, Purnululu National Park (home to the Bungle Bungles) is only accessible by 4WD, so travellers towing off-road campers are okay, but those with traditional caravans should look elsewhere.

The Perfect JAWA Off Road Camper for Your Next Off-Road Adventure

Take your travels to places unknown without sacrificing comfort! Explore the JAWA range of off road campers in Perth – you’ll find our showroom in Canning Vale.