Have you been dreaming of an epic Australian adventure, mate? Well, buckle up because you're in for the trip of a lifetime. A journey from Broom to Darwin showcases some of the planet's most stunning and diverse scenery. From the lush Kimberley wilderness to the red rock formations of Kakadu, this is a visual feast for the eyes. This is your invitation to discover the real Australia.
Overview of the Broom to Darwin Tour Route
The Broom to Darwin tour route offers some of the most stunning scenery in Australia. This self-drive adventure begins in the picturesque port town of Broom, the gateway to the Kimberley region, and ends in the tropical city of Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory.
Along the way, you'll traverse a dramatic landscape ranging from rugged gorges and massive waterfalls to golden savannah grasslands. Some of the natural highlights include:
- Windjana Gorge National Park, where you can spot freshwater crocodiles in their native habitat and hike through an ancient Devonian reef system.
- Tunnel Creek National Park features an underground cave system you can explore by torchlight. Look for rare black-footed rock wallabies along the trail.
- Purnululu National Park, home to the Bungle Bungle Range with its iconic orange and black striped sandstone domes. Take a scenic flight over the beehive-shaped formations for a bird's eye view.
- El Questro Wilderness Park, over one million acres of pristine bushland surrounding the Chamberlain River. Try your hand at bushwalking, horseback riding or 4WD adventures.
Top Attractions and Landmarks Along the Way
The scenic drive from Broom to Darwin showcases some of the Top End's most breathtaking natural wonders. Here are a few must-see attractions along your road trip adventure:
Kakadu National Park
Covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres, Kakadu is Australia's largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take advantage of Ubirr Rock, where you can view Aboriginal rock art dating back 20,000 years. Take a cruise on Yellow Water Billabong to spot saltwater crocodiles, colourful birds, and other native wildlife in their natural habitat.
Litchfield National Park
Just over an hour south of Darwin, Litchfield National Park is home to gorgeous gorges, refreshing waterfalls and scenic bushwalking trails. Dip in the pristine swimming holes at Florence Falls, Tolmer Falls or Wangi Falls. The Tabletop Track offers panoramic views of the park from its sandstone plateau.
Planning Your Broom to Darwin Road Trip Itinerary
Here are some tips to help you create an unforgettable itinerary:
Determine your must-sees
With over 2,000 miles of open road ahead of you, narrow down the attractions you want to take advantage of. Some highlights include:
- Pinnacles Desert - An otherworldly landscape with thousands of limestone formations jutting from the sand. It's incredibly stunning at sunset.
- Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve - One of the only places on Earth where you can see living stromatolites, the oldest life forms on the planet.
- Karijini National Park - Featuring massive gorges, secluded swimming holes, and ancient Aboriginal rock paintings. One of Australia's most spectacular parks.
Leave room for spontaneous discoveries.
While having a loose itinerary is good, pack your schedule sparingly. One of a road trip's best parts is the unplanned adventures you discover. Stop at roadside attractions that pique your interest or take detours down side roads that look inviting. You never know what hidden gems you might find!
Book accommodations in advance
Towns and campsites along the route can fill up quickly during the high season. Book your hotels, motels and campsites several months ahead, especially if you're travelling in the summer. Nothing puts a damper on a road trip faster than not having a place to rest your head at the end of a long day of driving!
Photo Spots Not to Miss on the Broom to Darwin Drive
When driving the scenic Broom to Darwin route, there are several must-stop photo spots along the way. Here are a few you will want to take advantage of.
Purnululu National Park
Home to the Bungle Bungle Range with its distinctive orange and black striped sandstone domes, Purnululu National Park is one of the highlights of the drive. You can capture stunning panoramic views of the beehive-shaped formations in many lookouts.
Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater
One of the most well-preserved meteorite craters in the world, Wolfe Creek is an impressive sight. The massive crater stretches 880 feet across and is almost perfectly circular. There are viewing platforms where you can take in the enormity of this geological wonder.
Kununurra
The picturesque town of Kununurra on the banks of the Ord River is filled with photo opportunities. Capture the sunset over the Diversion Dam, stroll along the river on one of the walking trails or check out the rock art at Mirima National Park. The leafy palm-lined streets, historic buildings and scenic lakeside locations make Kununurra a photographer's paradise.
Geikie Gorge
Located in Fitzroy Crossing, Geikie Gorge National Park is a stunning natural attraction with 30-meter-high cliffs, sandy beaches and abundant wildlife. Take a boat tour to spot freshwater crocodiles, turtles and birdlife in their native habitat. The scenic gorges are made of ancient limestone, and the cliffs change colour with the shifting sunlight, creating a magical effect.
Conclusion
You've now seen some of Australia's most stunning natural scenery on this epic road trip adventure from Broom to Darwin. The massive sandstone monoliths of Kakadu, the thundering waterfalls of Litchfield, the sprawling Kimberley coastline - this is a journey you'll never forget. As the sun sets over the ocean in Darwin, casting an orange glow over the city, you can smile knowing you've experienced the best of Australia's Top End. The dramatic landscapes, Aboriginal rock art, crocodiles, and wallabies will be seared into your memory. Start planning your next Australian adventure!