Kalumburu Road
The Kalumburu Road spans 267 kilometres of rough road passing the turnoff to Mitchell River National Park and ending at the Aboriginal Community of Kalumburu. The Kalumburu Road turnoff is 406 kilometres north of Derby on the Gibb River Road.
Although many visitors travel the Gibb River and Kalamburu Road to experience the outback Kimberley, they are still primarily in 'Cattle Country', so please beware of the cattle and road trains.
The Kimberley Region experiences two seasons being the Dry and the Wet (Green Season). Access to the Kalumburu Road is impossible during the Green Season due to flooding.
The recommended time to travel this road is between April and November. For up-to-date road conditions, ring the Main Roads Department.
Road Conditions and Terrain:
Large sections of the Kalumburu Road are unfenced, so beware of livestock and
wildlife. Reduce speed if driving at night.
Derby to Kalumburu Road Turn-Off 406 Kilometres:
- Graded road in poor to good condition, depending on travel time.
- Caution required at river crossings.
- Recommended maximum speed limit is 70 kilometres per hour.
Kalumburu Road 270 Kilometres:
- Formed natural earth road in fair condition over rugged terrain.
- High clearance vehicle is necessary.
- Resist the desire to speed, as sudden changes in road conditions are
frequent. Recommended maximum speed limit is 60 kilometres per hour.
- Towing caravans is not advised on this section of the Kalumburu Road.
Preparation:
Due to the isolation of this area, your vehicle must be in First Class condition. Repair facilities are both limited and costly - it may take a week or more to obtain spare parts.
Have your vehicle thoroughly checked prior to departure, by a competent mechanic with specific attention to battery mountings and tyres. A comprehensive Tool Kit, Puncture Repair Kit and First Aid Kit are essential, along with spare tyres, radiator hoses, fan belt and high lift Jack.
Carry sufficient water and food to last three to four days longer than anticipated.
Code Of Conduct:
The Kimberley region is vast, rugged and beautiful. To visit the region is
an experience like no other. To make the most of your journey please observe
the following helpful hints to ensure that your Kimberley adventure is both
safe and enjoyable.
Driving:
- Be self sufficient.
- In case of vehicle breakdown, stay with your vehicle and conserve water.
- Be prepared to stop for Cattle that stray onto roads, especially at night.
- Road trains loads often dictate that they stay on the road. Take care
when approaching or overtaking, and make sure the driver has seen your
car.
- Kalumburu roads are surrounded by pastoral leases which are Private
Property. Seek permission before entering, and leave gates as you find
them.
- Not all marked roads are for public access, many are for Private Pastoral
use only.
- Take extreme care for the prevention of bushfires, especially throughout the
dry season.
- No fires are permitted on Pastoral Properties. Gas stoves are recommended
as an alternative.
Camping:
- Camp in designated areas only.
- Rubbish removal from isolated areas is very expensive. Please take all
your rubbish with you when you leave and do not bury it. Your cooperation
is sought in keeping these River road areas clean.
- Legally, camp fires must not be within three metres of vegetation or left
burning. Try to use a place already cleared. A small spark can start a
devastating bushfire. Collect firewood, do not chop down trees.
- When entering Pastoral Property, you must gain permission from the Station
Owner.
- Do not camp in a Creek or River bed, as they can be subject to flash flooding
- Do not use soap in Creeks or Rivers.
- It is illegal to carry a firearm on pastoral properties without the Land
Owners consent.
Take Care In Crocodile Areas:
There are two crocodile species in the Kimberley. The Saltwater or Estuarine
Crocodiles are dangerous, while the fresh water variety are considered harmless. Treat all Crocodiles over one and a half metres as dangerous. Saltwater Crocodiles can be found in Salt or Fresh Water, long distances from the sea.
There is potential danger anywhere Saltwater Crocodiles occur. If there is
any doubt, do not swim, canoe or use small boats in Estuaries, Tidal rivers,
deep pools or Mangrove shores.
Along The Kalumburu Road:
Distance from the junction of the Gibb River and Kalumburu Road to Destination in kilometres (km)
0 km Junction of Gibb River Road and Kalumburu Road
3.1 km Gibb River crossing (picnic - day use only)
15.8 km Plain Creek (picnic - day use only)
57.9 km Drysdale River Homestead left one kilometre (Store, fuel, emergency vehicle repairs, rubbish disposal, phone and camping.)
Drysdale River Homestead is the last service point and information stop before the turn-off to the Mitchell Plateau.
Trailers & Caravans can be left at the Homestead; the road past this point is unsuitable for most caravans.
Drysdale store is open daily from 0800 to 1700 each day. It is a general store with a wide range of goods.
Bread and Ice are available at most times.
Petrol/diesel and unleaded fuel are sold here.
60.2 km Miners Pool, turn right (picnic and camping). Campers check in at homestead first.
Three and a half kilometres sharp left turn, through open gateway, slow 200 metres to the River.
60.3 km Drysdale Cattle yards - right 200 metres. If in use visitors allowed. 'Danger' - wild Cattle do not climb rails.
60.6 km Drysdale River crossing (picnic - day use only)
97.3 km Doongan Station (no access).
132.4 km Old Mitchell River Station Road (no access).
158.1 km Mitchell Plateau turn off left 70 kilometres.
The Mitchell Plateau area is one of extreme importance from a biological viewpoint, including the striking Livistona Eastonii Palm.
The area includes the spectacular Mitchell Falls, King Edward River and Surveyor's Pool.
This is an isolated area, you must be totally self-sufficient before entering. See the Mitchell Plateau Resources Guide.
193.6 km Theda Homestead (no access).
241.0 km Carson River crossing (picnic/camping).
241.5 km Carson River Homestead turn off (no access).
Drysdale National Park (no road access).
261.0 km Kalumburu Mission and Aboriginal Community.
Accommodation, store, food and fuel available.
Beware of Saltwater Crocodiles.
Kalumburu Aboriginal Community is situated five kilometres from the mouth of the King Edward River and King Edward Gorge. It provides a picturesque setting with giant Mango Trees and Coconut Palms surrounding the historic Kalumburu Catholic Mission. You must have two entry permits; Aboriginal Land Trust permit available by phoning 08 9235 8000 or from www.aad.wa.gov.au/alt, and an entry permit available from the Kalumburu Community Office on arrival which is open Monday to Friday or from the established campsites at McGowan's Island Beach or Honeymoon Bay. These are accessible by driving through the community and following the signs to the camp sites. Kalumburu is a dry community so please respect their by-laws.
Kalumburu offers visitors a variety of exciting activities such as fishing and trekking trips, and scenic flights at reasonable rates. Camping is available ($AUD20.00 per person, per week).
Stores and fuel are available Monday to Saturday between 0700 and 1600.
Aboriginal artefacts are also on sale.
An Entry Permit is required prior to arrival at Kalumburu and can be arranged by phoning 08 9161 4300 or 08 9483 1222 (Aboriginal Planning).
Information provided from the 'Gibb River and Kalumburu Road Travellers Guide' which can be purchased from the Kununurra or Derby Visitor Centres.
 |
Phone: 08 9161 1281 | Don't forget to mention about-australia.com when you call! |
The listing you are trying to contact hasn't supplied an email address.
Feel free to let them know you found them on about-australia.com. |
Facilities | |
| |
Experiences | |
| |
