Driving Tips

Refer to the tide chart before venturing north of Broome as tides can affect flooding of roads. North of Prices Point the road deteriorates with many tidal creeks and obscure tracks. Extreme caution and local knowledge is required and you must respect the land, culture and privacy of the local people. Beyond Broome, you should be self-sufficient with the essentials food, water, supplies, spares, emergency aids and fuel. You must be prepared!

Be sure of your routes and itinerary before you leave, and always check the weather forecasts. Drive with caution particularly in the hours between dusk and dawn. Drivers should travel in accordance with road conditions at all times.

Do Not Drive into Water of Unknown Depth and Velocity. Be Aware road surfaces may be slippery when wet so slow down and drive to the conditions.

RoadWise have information about driving safely in the Kimberley region on their website.

MAIN ROADS TRAVEL MAP

The Main Roads Travel Map is the most up to date resource for checking road closures and roadworks in Western Australia.
Remember to plan your journey. Please be advised of the Main Roads Travel map Disclaimer before using the online travel map.

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Shire Road Condition Reports for Broome, Wyndham/West Kimberley, Derby/East Kimberley and Halls Creek.

SHIRE OF BROOME
Click here for the Shire of Broome road conditions

SHIRE OF WYNDHAM / EAST KIMBERLEY
The Shire of Wyndham / East Kimberley Road Conditions page provides a list of current known road conditions and closures in the region.
This is updated frequently during major weather events and on an as-needed basis at other times.

SHIRE OF DERBY / WEST KIMBERLEY
The Shire of Derby / West Kimberley also provides a road condition report.
Please be advised that this advice is only updated when conditions have changed.

SHIRE OF HALLS CREEK
Road conditions website page here.

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Travelling with a caravan?

Main Roads Western Australia put together some handy tips to help you take off on your road trip without a hitch!

✅ Check your caravan and vehicle prior to setting off to ensure the towing combination is secure, the electric plug operates correctly, the brakes and lights are working properly, and the tyre pressure is adequate.

✅ If you have loaded up your caravan, ensure that it is evenly distributed with heavier items placed closer to the axle.

✅ Remember that towing a caravan will impact the handling of your vehicle so allow extra room for stopping and turning.

✅ Stick to the speed limit! In WA the maximum speed you can travel while towing a caravan is 100 km/h.

For more tips and information for your next road trip, visit the Driving in Western Australia Guide

We recommend you check in with local visitor centres before you travel for up to date information that may affect your driving experience in the Kimberley.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services have prepared some handy factsheets.

• Driving in floodwaters
• Travelling during the wet season
• View more information about travelling during cyclone season

Tips from the Shire of Derby/ West Kimberley

• 4 x 4 High clearance vehicles are recommended on all gravel roads
• Caution at Floodways and Creek Crossings - Conditions may Change Rapidly
• Caution is recommended when travelling on roads that are classified open
• Please drive with headlights on when travelling on gravel roads

The Shire of Derby/West Kimberley recommends a maximum safe speed at any time of 80km/hr and drivers should travel in accordance with the road condition at all times. In addition, all safety requirements and adequate water supplies should be carried in the vehicle in case of break down, bogging or delays.

Severe weather can wash away your travel plans

Stray animals

If you’re travelling on regional roads, remember to slow down at dusk and dawn and keep an eye out for straying animals. Live stock collisions can be fatal, so remember to give animals a ‘brake’ if you see them on or near the road when you’re driving.