Hello! Any advice on whether to see the outback in the Kimberly or Uluru areas? I plan to take a 3 to 5 day group tour of one of these areas. Please also let me know if any must sees in your preferred area. If it's the Kimberly should my base be Broome or Kununurra? I also plan to visit Kakadu, Kangaroo Island, and the Perth area. I will be flying from Houston, TX and am thinking I'd fly into Adelaide then Perth then Broome or Kununurra then Darwin OR Perth then Adelaide then Uluru then Darwin (all air travel). I am interested in seeing the natural beauty and wildlife of Australia rather than cities. I've been diving elsewhere and am not that much of a beach person so can skip the reefs (although an ocean view and stroll on a beach would be welcome say in Broome). I'll be spending some time in Bunbury with a friend and she plans to take me camping south of there. I want to see the most variety of terrain and wildlife that I can, so let me know if you think any of the places I've mentioned are too similar. Thanks on advance for your advice!

Okay, as an Australian I hang my head in shame for not having been to Uluru (it is on the list, a very long list). However, the Kimberley region is spectacular, very outback, remote and a place few get to see.

Broome is quite charming with an interesting history of pearl diving and beautiful Cable Beach where you can ride a camel at sunset as the sun sinks into the Indian Ocean.

There are companies that do small group tours in 4WD vehicles from Broome to Kunnanurra along the famous Gibb River Rd.

If you're into reading there's a book called The White Divers of Broome, which gives some insight into Australia in the early stages of settlement, and of course features Broome.

In my five trips to Australia I've never been to Uluru either, but I have been to Broome, and it is a fascinating area. Since you will be based near Perth I suggest you go there and see as much as you can of WA. Most North Americans (and lots of Australians) never get to that part of the continent and miss out on its many wonders. Don't try to fit in all your 'must sees' in one trip. You will probably be back and it will be easy enough to visit Uluru and some of the other sights which are the usual tourist destinations.

Camping south of Bunbury sounds like great fun and travelling with a friend living there will give you a unique perspective.

Thanks so much. I was leaning towards The Kimberly. If I spend one day in Broome and then took a 3 day 4WD tour of the outback, would that be enough? I know I wouldn't make it to the Bungles but would see the gorges and caves. Will I regret not seeing the Bungles?

Everyone is saying not to try to see too much, but so hard when you know you may not be back (sigh). I'll have 2 weeks. If I do 3 days KI, 4 days Broome/Kimberly, 3 days Kakadu and the remaining 4 days with my friend am I cramming too much in? I guess so, because I'm not planning in flight time in between the areas. If you had to give up one of these, which would it be? If I substitute Uluru for the Kimberly I could probably
shave off 2 days and maybe then it could work.

There is also a tour that goes from Perth to Broome along the coast mostly and takes 10 days. I could spend the first 4 days with my friend then take the tour and fly home from Broome. I'm just afraid the scenery will be mostly the same and I won't see much wildlife if I skip KI and Kakadu.

Calculate your flight times & see what is realistically possible with your timeframe.

I've been to Uluru and Kakadu, Litchfield and would love to have some time in the Kimberley. It would be great if you could do the 3 great "outback" areas.

I agree with the others - go for The Kimberleys as you're in the West. I loved Alice Springs/Uluru area, and it is quite different to Kakadu - but you can also do a quick trip out there at another time.

Delicious problem to have and I do empathise with you.

Thanks Bokhara, I didn't realize that Kakadu is considered part of the outback or is that not what you meant by the 3rd great outback area?

If wildlife is my goal, will I be disappointed if I skip Kangaroo Island and just see The Kimberly, Kakadu, and the Perth area? I'm getting the impression you all think that's what should skip. I don't know if I will see much wildlife in Kakadu/ the Kimberly other than birds. I know Kangaroo Island has koala, penguins, and fur seal. Is there anywhere out west to see these things? Sorry, but may be getting off topic. Maybe should do a separate post.

Anyway you've all convinced me to see the Kimberly instead of Uluru .

KI is great for wildlife, but so far away from the west, and logistically will eat two days in transit time.

I'd skip it, you will see different wildlife in the Kimberley, crocs, roos and loads of birds. I'm sure there will be options for native fauna South of Perth. I think you would be better off to fly Perth - Broome, 10 days will be largely bus time, and the highway doesn't always hug the Coast.

As far as the outback goes, it's a pretty loose term, but i consider Kakadu, Uluru and the Kimberley all to be outback.

Oh, and meant to say, there are scenic flights from Kunnanurra which go over the Bungle Bungles if that's within your budget. There are day trips from Kunnanurra (very long day) but the range is best seen from the air.

Certainly is, Sartoric - but some people consider "the outback" to be 50kms beyond their suburb, don't they?

Thanks sartoric, it sounds like I should fly into Perth and see that area with my friend, then fly to Broome to see the Kimberly and then fly to Darwin to see Kakadu and then fly home from Darwin. How long should I schedule for the Kimberly? I've read at least 3 days for Kakadu.

Oh and if you know a reputable tour company, please let me know. Thanks!

http://www.kimberleywild.com.au/bungle_bungles.html

Something like this? Seems expensive but maybe the going rate.

Funny Bokhara, 50 kms from my suburb (and yours) is still suburb to me. Who knows where the outback starts, different for everyone I guess depending on where you've been.

Tracey, hard to say how long for the Kimberley, as long as you've got really. Your plan sounds good though.

I don't know which tour companies are better, as we've always gone independant. The weekend Australian newspaper has a travel section, which has advertising for theses kind of tours. AAPT springs to mind, but google Broome to Kunnanurra and look at Tripadvisor for reviews.

I reckon you'll have a ball.

Good luck with planning, and comeback to us for any fine tuning.

Sorry, I didn't look at the link before replying. That tour goes down the Great Northern Highway, Fitzroy Crossing is okay, but Halls Creek is a bit of a dump. This is a sealed road with a few towns with facilities available.

There are two ways (only) to traverse the Kimberley, either Gibb River Road or Great Northern Hwy. I'd take the GRR for a more outback experience. It's a dirt road, few towns, but spectacular scenery.

It should still be open in September, but is pretty much a no go from Dec - Apr.

I've done both routes, and prefer GRR, but then I'm used to roughing it.

I personally would go with Uluru, you can fly or go on the Ghan from Adelaide! I have been twice there and could return a third time. It's amazing! I travel to Australia every year as I write about Australia. The Kimberley area is huge, the same size of Germany so if you have 3-5 days you will have to choose which part. Eastern Kimberley or the Northern or the Western part. If you decide for ULURU add the Kings Canyon, plan 2+2 days/nights as the minimum time. If you are planning to go to Bunbury you must go to Margaret River, it's a magnificient area! I call it the "Australian Tuscany" If you need more help you can check out my site/blog.
Cheers,
Miki

Thanks Miki. How do I get to your blog? So you are saying 2 days Uluru and 2 days King's Canyon? I will check that out. I am very intrigued by the Kimberly but must confess that I am having trouble figuring out an appropriate tour. I can't seem to find one that fits your description Sartoric, but I will keep looking. I also am a little concerned (probably unfounded) about being a woman on my own in such a remote area. Is that crazy? I know I will be in a tour! I'm sure Australia has way less crime than America!

Google Kimberley tours, you will see many options. APT is the one I was thinking of. You will be safe on a tour, otherwise just use common sense and take normal precautions. Don't hitchhike, and don't watch the movie Wolf Creek !

Thanks a Sartoric . APT is very high-end. I have emailed the Broome visitor's center so we will see!

Kiki, what do you think of the following tour?

http://www.adventuretours.com.au/nor...ngs-explorer-1

Hi Tracy, if you are travelling alone you will love Australia! I have been travelling on my own for 10 years and loved it. You can travel in the night and feel safe and Aussies are very friendly people and helpful. My blog is rockytravel.net/blog/ I write about my travel adventures as a solo traveller in Australia. If you need anything els drop me a mail info @ rockytravel dot net. Cheers, Miki

Thanks Miki! I will .