Travel Tips

The Kimberley is a remote, rugged destination and the distance between attractions can be vast. Allow enough time when planning your itinerary to comfortably travel the distances involved.

Broome enjoys a tropical climate with warm days and balmy nights for most of the year. During the summer months temperatures and humidity are high and it is important that enough fluids are consumed to avoid dehydration, especially when physically active. During exercise such as bushwalking or hiking it is recommended that a litre of water per person per hour is carried. Year round it is advisable to wear a hat and sunscreen when outdoors.

 During the months of November to April there is a possibility of cyclones off the Kimberley and Pilbara coasts. It is important that visitors are aware of the procedures to follow in the event of a cyclone alert. These procedures are provided in all accommodation houses and are also available at the Broome Visitor Centre or the Shire of Broome office. For cyclone watch and warning messages you can call 1300 659 210 or look at the website www.bom.gov.au

Mosquitos are at their most prevalent during the Tropical months of November to April. To avoid the discomfort of mosquito bites and any risk of infection it is advisable to cover up at dawn and dusk and apply insect repellant. Mosquito candles or coils are useful for burning if outside, but it is still advisable to cover exposed skin, as this is the best protection.

Sandflies become more active in Broome on high tides, however the same prevention methods are applicable as for mosquitos.

Tropical waters can contain various stingers. The two types of potentially dangerous jellyfish are the Chironex Box Jellyfish (this large but almost transparent Box Jellyfish is up to 30cm across and has up to 15 ribbon-like tentacles from each of the four corners) and Irukandji (A tiny transparent jellyfish 1-2cms across with four thin tentacles, this jellyfish is almost totally invisable in water) during the summer months of November to May. Care should be taken when swimming (wear protective clothing - wet suit or lycra stinger suit to reduce exposure to potential stings) and signs displayed on the beaches should be obeyed at all times. Medical advice (pour vinegar onto the sting and call 000 for an ambulance) should be sought should a person be stung whilst swimming.

Saltwater crocodiles are found in estuaries throughout the Kimberley and freshwater Johnsons crocodiles in some freshwater gorges and lakes. To a certain degree there are signs warning if there are signs warning if there is danger and these should be strictly adhered to. However, if not signposted, advice from a reliable local authority should always be sought before swimming in rivers and waterholes.

Caution should always be used when driving on the unsealed roads in the region. Be aware that many unsealed roads are inaccesiable in the tropical summer months. Some roads can be flooded during the Wet season. Do not try crossing flooded bridges/causeways unless certain of depth. Do not test depths of moving flood water, flow can vary rapidly and can sweep anything away in its path, including heavy vehicles. Current road conditions should be checked with the Broome Visitor Centre, Shire offices or Department of Main Roads (toll free number 1800 013 314 or www.mainroads.wa.gov.au) before departing Broome on any of the unsealed roads. Be ware of wildlife on the roads that may cross your path while driving (due to the size of the staions in the area, some stock may stray from these station properties). Slow down and be extra vigilant at dawn and dusk). Leaflets are availble which detail tips for travelling in the Kimberley region and include suggestions for minimal impact camping and travel. The Kimberley environment is a fragile one. To keep the beauty of this area pristine and intact requires the effort from all of us to preserve this area into the future.