Best 4x4 Road Trips from Broome: Gibb River & Dampier Peninsula
Broome isn’t just where the Outback meets the Indian Ocean; it’s where they high-five and dare you to follow. Whether you're conquering the legendary Gibb River Road or escaping to the stunning Dampier Peninsula, these road trips are guaranteed to leave you dusty, grinning, and already planning the next one.
Lucky for you, we’ve done the hard work and lined up two Broome adventures so good they should come with a warning label. These are packed with red-dirt drama, wild coastline and enough bucket-list spots to keep you buzzing. They’re hard to miss and even harder to forget.
Before you shoot off on any of these drives, it's worth knowing where your Wicked 4x4 campers can and can't go.
Wicked Campers are not allowed on sand dunes or beaches, so resist the urge to play hero and keep the wheels out of the soft stuff. You can cruise well-maintained unsealed roads, but off-road driving is still not allowed. And because the wet season can turn the Kimberley into a giant slip-and-slide, always check local conditions and make sure your route matches what your van can handle.
Option 1: Gibb River Road Loop
Distance: ~2440 km
Driving Time: ~33 hours
Recommended Trip Length: 12-14 days
If your dream road trip is about towering gorges, freshwater dips and red dirt that leaves your socks permanently sunburnt, then this route is for you!
Windjana Gorge
Start your trip by cruising to Windjana Gorge from Broome. Here you can marvel at the 300-meter-high limestone walls that make you feel like a tiny ant in a giant’s bathtub. Wander the easy trails and spot the freshwater crocs stretched out on the sandbars.
Bell Gorge
Bell Gorge is one of Gibb's absolute show-stoppers. Explore the multi-tiered waterfall cascading over red sandstone cliffs, swim in the natural rock pools and witness the panoramic gorge lookout.
Mount Barnett
The crown jewel of Mount Barnett has to be the Manning gorge. Along the trail is ancient Aboriginal Rock Art hidden under nearby rock overhangs and cliff faces.
Home Valley Station
Things to explore here include views of the Cockburn Range, Pentecost River and Barramundi Fishing and Balanggarra Cultural Experiences.
El Questro
You’ll probably wanna spend at least a couple of days here. There's loads to explore:
- World class gorges like Emma Gorge, El Questro Gorge, Chamberlain Gorge and Amelia Gorge.
- Take a relaxing dip in the Zebedee Thermal Springs.
- Epic 4WD Tracks: Saddleback Ridge, Branco’s Lookout, Explosion Gorge and Pentecost River Crossing.
Lake Argyle
Australia's largest freshwater lake is so enormous it contains enough water to fill Sydney Harbour more than 20 times. Take a sunset cruise or insta-worthy photos of the infinity pool at Discovery Resorts.
The Bungle Bungles (Purnululu)
Those famous orange-and-black striped domes you've seen in travel magazines? They're even better in person. Explore Cathedral Gorge, Echidna Chasm, and some of Australia's most unique landscapes inside this World Heritage-listed national park.
Fitzroy Crossing
Your last major stop before returning back to Broome and ending the best outback adventure. You can loop back to Broome on the highway through Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing. Visit the Danggu Geikie Gorge National Park, stroll along the riverbanks, spot sunbaking ‘freshies’ on the sandbars, and check out the historic Crossing Inn.
Instead of looping back to Broome you can also choose to skip this step and continue the road trip up North to Darwin. If you choose Darwin as your drop off spot, allow around 6 additional days to make your way there, giving you plenty of time to explore the extra stops and scenery along the route.
Note: The Gibb River Road is remote and conditions change constantly so always check beforehand.
Option 2: Dampier Peninsula Adventure
Distance: ~1350 km (including return)
Driving Time: ~20 hours
Recommended Trip Length: 6-7 days, 10 days to relax along the way
If beaches, culture and pearl farms sound like your vibe, head north, this trip is criminally underrated.
Willie Creek
Just outside Broome is this pearl farm. Take a guided tour, watch the live pearl harvests and you can also taste the fresh pearl meat.
James Price Point
It's one of those coastal headlands that will make you go “WOW” out loud even if you’re travelling solo. The dramatic contrast of the red cliffs falling into white sand and turquoise water is something you have to witness. The drive in is an adventure on its own. It's mostly unsealed, red dirt that can get heavily corrugated or washed out after the rainy season.
Beagle Bay
Home to one of the most beautiful churches in Australia, Beagle Bay’s Sacred Heart Church with its famous mother of pearl shell altar is a must visit!
Middle Lagoon
The road to Middle Lagoon is restricted to just 4WD as it can be very sandy and corrugated in places. It’s also recommended to reduce your tyre pressures once you leave the bitumen. It's the perfect place to enjoy the peace and switch off. You can go for a swim, even snorkelling and fishing. Remember: admire the beach but don't drive on it.
Pender Bay
Best for just sitting and watching the humpback whales specially in the month of August. Afternoon reef walk during low tide could also reveal smaller marine life like octopuses, crabs and sea urchins.
Lombadina community
It is known for its coastal scenery, rich Bardi culture and welcoming atmosphere. Also a good spot to stock up before heading even further North.
Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm
Watch a live pearl harvest, learn how South Sea pearls are cultivated and understand what gives them their values. You can even get your hands into Pearl Grading and Technician classes.
Ardyaloon
The coastal beauty you’ll see here is unmatched. It also offers an expansive mangrove network and the colossal tidal environments of King Sound.
From Ardyaloon, you’ll need to make your way back to Broome via the same route. This is the only route available for returning your Wicked Camper to Broome, so factor the return journey into your plans and give yourself enough time to enjoy the stops along the way.
Now, the choice is yours. Either go on the Gibb River Road and explore some of the stunning gorges, bucket-list hikes and multi-day adventure, or go for the Dampier Peninsula to indulge in coastal scenery, cultural experiences, pearl farms and some of the best 4x4 adventures.
Ready to hit the road?
Grab your mates, stock up and crank the road trip playlist. Your Wicked Camper is waiting for the ultimate Broome adventure!
When is the best time to visit Broome and the Kimberley?
The dry season (May to October) is the best time for road trips, with cooler temperatures, open roads, and easier access to major attractions.
How many days do you need for the Gibb River Road?
It will take 10-15 days to explore all the major highlights. This will give you enough time to see gorges, swimming holes and national parks without rushing.
Can you drive the Gibb River Road in a 2WD?
No. While some sections of the route are sealed, Wicked Campers does not allow 2WD vehicles to travel the Gibb River Road region. If you're planning to tackle the Gibb, you'll need to hire one of our 4WD campers.
Can I drive on beaches in Broome with a Wicked Camper?
No. Beach driving and driving on sand dunes are not permitted in any Wicked Campers vehicle.