darwin to broome backpacking trip
Darwin to Broome
Travel from Darwin to Broome with us and you’ll get to see the real outback of the Kimberley and Northern Territory. It’s time to watch out for crocodiles and relax in the paradise of beautiful gorges and waterfalls.
We’re not a tour – we’re a shared rental! So that means it works a little differently to any tour or car rental you’ve done before.
The people joining the trip share the driving, camping, trip planning and experience. This way of travelling offers a more flexible and self-guided trip.
However, you get everything you could need for a camping road trip plus an awesome group of travel mates! Plus, it’s a great option if you are looking for a budget option for backpacking in the Northern Territory.
about the
darwin to
broome trip
Start your trip by exploring some great National Parks in the Northern Territory. Here you can check out famous gorges, waterfalls, Aboriginal art and see some crocs and swimming holes (but not at the same time!). Then you’ll make your way south, stopping off at hot springs and beautiful hiking tracks. Afterwards, you’ll turn westwards, crossing the border into WA.
At this point you’ll get to travel back in time, allowing more hours to explore the awesome Lake Argyle. Hire a kayak to explore the lake, go swimming, or relax at the infinity pool overlooking the lake.
Next, take the highway from Kununurra towards Broome. There are some cool camps and a gorge to check out along the way.
Then make your way into Broome in time to watch a sunset on the 22.5km long Cable Beach, as camels pass in front. Expect to get fit with lots of hiking, snorkelling and exercise as you appreciate the natural sights. This is a no-frills adventure – you’ll be setting up your own tents, cooking your own dinner and sharing your tent with another person. The target age group is 18-35.
Things to note
inclusions and exclusions
about the bus and trailer
On this trip you will travel in a 12-seater Toyota Hiace Commuter with a custom-built trailer fully equipped with everything you need. All you need to drive the bus is a regular drivers license. You will have the option to sign up as a driver or non-driver when you book, although we do recommend signing up as a Driver if you can.
darwin to broome
backpacking trip highlights
nature adventures
Discover national parks, stunning gorges, crocodile habitats, and swimming spots
scenic wonders
Marvel at the breathtaking Emma Gorge
famous landmarks
Experience Lake Argyle
wildlife
Explore the diverse ecosystems of Kakadu and Litchfield National Park
Darwin to Broome backpacker road trip: explore your own way!
our recommended itinerary
Litchfield National Park
Visit Litchfield National Park close to Darwin. There are so many amazing sights close to each other. Swim in Florence Falls, Wangi Falls, see the magnetic termite mounds and go for a hike.
Kakadu National Park
Visit the famous Kakadu National Park. There are many gorges to see, some great lookouts, wetlands, opportunity to spot crocs snapping up fish and a town within the park.
Nitmiluk National Park and Mataranka Hot Springs
Here you can visit the town of Katherine, stock up, and make your way to the real attraction of Nitmiluk National Park and the gorge.
You can camp at a waterfall the first night, and visit the gorge to hike the second day. It’s worthwhile to detour to Mataranka and Bitter Springs Hot Springs after seeing the gorge: a detour an hour south.
Judburra and Gregory Tree National Park
You’re in the Victoria River Region. And now, you might want to start looking out for crocodiles – so don’t stay too close to the river!
Go for a hike if it’s not too hot, and visit the Gregory Tree and camp overnight before heading to the next destination.
Lake Argyle
Take a day to relax in Lake Argyle. You can kayak here, take a sunset cruise, or even jump on a canoe and spend two days canoeing down the Ord River to Lake Argyle on a self-guided adventure.
There’s plenty of nature and freshwater crocodiles (the non-biting) to see! After your adventure head towards your next destination and free camp.
Wyndham, The Grotto, Emma Gorge
Spend the day seeing some really beautiful places in the Kimberly. Stay near Wyndham the previous night, then visit the Grotto in the morning, a nice small natural waterhole, ideal for swimming and relaxing.
However, make sure you save most of the day for Emma Gorge which is the real beauty.
The Great Northern Highway and Geikie Gorge
Make your way toward Broome via Great Northern Highway (back in the Share Bus).
There are some stops along the way i.e. visit a working station at Larrawa Station stay or stop at Mary Pool.
Make sure to stop off Geikie Gorge – which is very close to the highway – to spend a few hours by the water, relaxing or exploring.
Then roll into Broome. Depending on what time you arrive, you can spend a few hours discovering Broome’s highlights like Cable Beach and Gantheaume Point.
Or just drive into the finish point before the end of the day – and then go to enjoy a beer at Matso’s Brewery.
Access Our
Early Bird Deals!
Book early (over 6 weeks in advance) to automatically receive an early bird discount.
If you're booking as a group, contact our team for a special group rate.
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