best time for traveling in the kimberley and NT

Old Nov 12th, 2009, 04:46 PM
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best time for traveling in the kimberley and NT

Spent a great 3 weeks exploring WA and SA in Aug/Sept of this year. Now considering the top end. Haven't planned anything specific yet but would like to get to Darwin, explore Litchfield and Kakadu NP and down to Katherine. Probably would spend 7-8 days in this area. Then, we're considering driving to Broome (flying isn't out of the question) and taking our time, enjoying the land down under. Figure it would take about 5 days if we didn't push ourselves (is this about right)? What I was wondering is what would be the best time of year to attempt this? Haven't made reservations yet but would like to avoid the rainy period, especially if we do the drive between Darwin and Broome. If anyone has done this, would appreciate hearing your advise and/or suggestions. Qantas is having a great sale from the US that I would like to take advantage of if I can narrow down the timeframe.
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Old Nov 12th, 2009, 05:13 PM
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Hi lovingretirement -

I don't have a clue, but I hope someone has an answer - we're hoping to visit the Broome area ourselves next winter (Jun-Aug).

Hey, where's that trip report?
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Old Nov 12th, 2009, 05:22 PM
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My husband and I went to the Kimberley region in August 08 and loved every minute of it!! What spectacular scenery! We were there for 10 days and only scratched the surface.

We flew into Kununurra via Darwin, rented a car and drove to Purnululu NP. We stayed there for a few nights (luxury tents in the park itself)....the hiking was unbelieveable! If you've seen the new Qantas ad...that's where they filmed a large portion of it.

We then hopped in our trusty 4WD and doubled back and stayed a few nights at Home Valley Station and few more nights at El Questro.

I know we missed a great deal of what the area has to offer and are hoping to return see more of the area.


Here's a link to my trip report:

http://www.fodors.com/community/aust...rip-report.cfm

Let me know if i can answer any more specific questions for you
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Old Nov 12th, 2009, 05:38 PM
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Thanks for posting that dkw - great report.
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Old Nov 12th, 2009, 05:49 PM
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We left Melbourne mid-July 2009, drove via Alice Springs and Katherine and arrived in Broome late August. We had sunshine all the way ranging from sun and cold wind in Alice to sun and hot hot in the Bungle Bungles. I think Broome was in the low thirties and I know it was 35/36 while we were in Fitzroy Crossing. We've been to the Kimberley region and the Kakadu area several times in the June/July/August/September season and the weather has always been in the low to mid thirties, no rain and brilliant sunshine.
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Old Nov 12th, 2009, 06:12 PM
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Oh ick. Does it ever get cool up there?
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Old Nov 12th, 2009, 06:16 PM
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Hahaha....when it rains
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Old Nov 12th, 2009, 11:25 PM
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at night in July it can get down to 8 at night!!!!!
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Old Nov 12th, 2009, 11:26 PM
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oops in Broome I meant to add
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Old Nov 13th, 2009, 12:12 AM
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Well, that more's like it northie. Sorry for the hijack lovingretirement.
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Old Nov 13th, 2009, 12:36 AM
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It was absolutely chilly at night! I slept a couple of nights (in the tents) in trackpants, heavy hiking socks and a sweatshirt!!
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Old Nov 13th, 2009, 01:18 PM
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I second Melnq8's thank-you to dkw for a great report. I've started taking copious notes. Since we probably won't be going till July/August, 2010 I've got plenty of time to organize. I create the best itineraries from the suggestions of all you fodorites so keep your advise coming. However, I'm the worst when it comes to writing up what we've seen and done. Melnq8, I could never top what you've written about WA. Don't know how you remember the fine details but they've certainly helped us out.
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Old Nov 13th, 2009, 01:32 PM
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Ah, come on lovingretirement...we really could use some more insight/opinions on WA and SA here...pretty, pretty please? Maybe just a recap to give us a tiny taste?

As for remembering, I take notes. My memory is but a shadow of its former self.

We're off to Denmark today for a week of hiking amongst tall trees, sampling wine and good old relaxing. Cross your fingers that it stays cool.
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Old Nov 14th, 2009, 03:53 AM
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Denmark, Melnq8. I'm jealous. We had a great time there. Stayed at the Karma Chalets (Joy and Zen) and OMG, that's the exact feeling you have staying in these chalets. The owner's, Beverly and Don were great. I think we were their first American tourists. Dinners were great as well but I didn't take the delicious notes that you do about what we ate (your's make me hungry). We ate next door to the Karma Chalet at the Forest Hill winery but they only serve on Friday nights (you might miss it this trip since you're already there). We also ate at the Mary Rose and the Southern End restaurants. All meals were great. The Green Pools and Elephant Rocks were something to behold but I'm sure you've already seen these fantastic signts. Enjoy. Can't wait to hear about your adventures.
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Old Nov 16th, 2009, 11:06 PM
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You definitely weren't the first American tourists at Karma Chalets...nor were we...we stayed there this time last year. We've since found a nicer, cheaper alternative, which has worked out well for us this trip (we're currently in the Telecentre in Denmark). We visited Green Pool and Elephant Rocks again this morning, but unfortunately got rained out (at least its cool!). We had coffee and cake at the Southern End the other day...sadly, they've sold off the accommodation and plan to develop it as private lots - it's gorgeous up there though, we stopped by again this afternoon - I could certainly go for a lot up there, but I'd have to rob a bank first! We called into Forrest Hill winery this morning, with plans to book for Friday night, but a bit worried about the menu (I'm the fussy one). We'll see how I feel come Friday...fantastic wine though, oh my goodness...a beautiful lunch at Lake House today, oink, oink...and the views!

We'll definitely look into Mary Rose, as we have a few more days here.

Gotta go, this place is closing - it's 4 pm in Australia!
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Old Apr 21st, 2015, 02:31 PM
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Remember that these are around all the time -

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-04-2...p-site/6410132
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