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Kalumburu
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Kalumburu

Difficulty: Trek rating 4 of 5 - Click for detailsTrek rating 4 of 5 - Click for detailsTrek rating 4 of 5 - Click for detailsTrek rating 4 of 5 - Click for details   Suitable for: 4WD AWD Camper Boat 
Kalumburu is a unique aboriginal settlement in the far northern Kimberley. With an entry permit, the Kalumburu community welcome visitors to visit their beaches and to enjoy superb reef and river fishing.
StartClick to Reverse the Dynamic Map and Driving NotesGibb River Rd & Kalumburu Rd
Trek
FinishHoneymoon Bay
Distance297.67 kmMinimum Days1
Average Speed57.6 km/hrDriving Time5 hr 10 min
Article By: ExplorOz Team   Updated: 24 Apr 2008
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 Description

The Kalumburu township is located in the far northern Kimberley and is a modern aboriginal community. This community was originally established at Pago and known as the Drysdale River Mission but was relocated to the present Kalumburu township site in 1927.

The Kalumburu community is run by the Kalumburu Aboriginal Corporation themselves. Visitors are welcomed by the community and a number of services operate to enable you to enjoy your stay for an extended period if you wish. When visiting Kalumburu, make sure you go see Father Anscar's museum. People continually report that the tour guided by Father Anscar is the best part of their visit to the area. The Kalumburu Mission also offers camping for those preferring to stay in town, otherwise there are campsites available at one of the private beach camps such as Honeymoon Bay or McGowan Island.

 Interactive Route Map

Gibb River Rd & Kalumburu RdGibb River, Kalumburu RdKalumburu Rd & Drysdale River Station AccessDrysdale River StationKalumburu Rd & Drysdale River Station AccessDrysdale CrossingKalumburu Rd & Port Warrender RdKalumburu Road & Carson CreekKalumburuKing Edward RiverKalumburu Rd & Honeymoon Bay AccessHoneymoon Bay
Gibb River Rd & Kalumburu Rd
This junction is located 415km east of Derby and 290km west from Kununurra. This is a major intersection of 2 heavily corrugated dirt roads in the Kimberley. Both roads are subject to seasonal flooding and occasional closure during the monsoonal wet season.
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 126.5210ºE   16.1185ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Gibb River, Kalumburu Rd
Distance: 3.06km
Average Speed: 67.51km/h
Gibb River, Kalumburu Rd
The Gibb River is wide and very sandy at this point but travellers will find the crossing of the Kalumburu Road has a concrete causeway, although this is often covered with water.
Features: River CrossingPoint of Interest
Position: 126.5123ºE   16.0960ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Kalumburu Rd & Drysdale River Station Access
Distance: 54.64km
Average Speed: 73.2km/h
Kalumburu Rd & Drysdale River Station Access
The Drysdale River Station Homestead and its tourist facilities is just 1km from this junction along the signed access track. This is a working cattle station however it's undoubtedly the most visited of all the stations on the Kalumburu Rd.
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 126.3854ºE   15.7089ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Drysdale River Station
Distance: 1.79km
Average Speed: 49.65km/h
Drysdale River Station
Phone: (08) 9161 4326 Mailing Address: PMB 9 Kununurra, Western Australia 6743. Location: 59kms north of the Gibb River Rd & Kalumburu Rd junction and 1 km off the Kalumburu Road.
Features: Populated PlaceAirstrip Camp Fee ExplorOz Advertiser Food,Shopping Fuel Pub Service Station,Roadhouse Rubbish Bin,Tip Toilet Water Supply
Position: 126.3774ºE   15.7088ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Kalumburu Rd & Drysdale River Station Access
Distance: 1.79km
Average Speed: 49.65km/h
Kalumburu Rd & Drysdale River Station Access
The Drysdale River Station Homestead and its tourist facilities is just 1km from this junction along the signed access track. This is a working cattle station however it's undoubtedly the most visited of all the stations on the Kalumburu Rd.
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 126.3854ºE   15.7089ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Drysdale Crossing
Distance: 1.84km
Average Speed: 73.2km/h
Drysdale Crossing
Major waterway with concrete causeway, although prone to major flooding and often impassable in the wet season. A beautiful area to explore, however this is private property and there is strictly no camping allowed.
Features: River Crossing
Position: 126.3791ºE   15.6860ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Kalumburu Rd & Port Warrender Rd
Distance: 106.19km
Average Speed: 68.36km/h
Kalumburu Rd & Port Warrender Rd
This junction is well signed and provides the only access to the Mitchell Plateau region (allow at least 3 hours one way driving). Sites of interest on the Mitchell Plateau are Mitchell Falls, Surveyors Pool and Port Warrender.
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 126.2350ºE   14.9290ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Kalumburu Road & Carson Creek
Distance: 82.92km
Average Speed: 62.9km/h
Kalumburu Road & Carson Creek
The point at where the Carson Creek cross the Kalumburu Road is quite lovely and could be a good area to pull over on rocky banks beneath shady trees. The crossing usually remains wet all season and can be quite deep although the base is rocky.
Features: River Crossing
Position: 126.6629ºE   14.4527ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Kalumburu
Distance: 19.75km
Average Speed: 56.13km/h
Kalumburu
The Kalumburu township is located in the far northern Kimberley and is a modern aboriginal community. This community was originally established at Pago and known as the Drysdale River Mission but was relocated to the present Kalumburu township site in 1927.
Features: Populated PlaceCaravan Park Rubbish Bin,Tip Fuel Water Supply Toilet Food,Shopping Aboriginal Lands,Communities Camp Fee Police Station Medical Services Restricted,Permit Access Point of Interest
Position: 126.6428ºE   14.2963ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: King Edward River
Distance: 6.29km
Average Speed: 32.57km/h
Features: Water Body,River,Stream,Falls
Position: 126.6115ºE   14.2520ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Kalumburu Rd & Honeymoon Bay Access
Distance: 11.07km
Average Speed: 54.08km/h
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 126.6768ºE   14.1755ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Honeymoon Bay
Distance: 8.33km
Average Speed: 46.37km/h
Honeymoon Bay
Owned by Les French, this campground is operated by the family's rather large local family. Very basic facilities are available and fees apply.
Features: Point of InterestBeach Camp Fee Restricted,Permit Access Rubbish Bin,Tip Toilet
Position: 126.6801ºE   14.1038ºS (GDA 94)

Route Control

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 Permits

Permits are necessary to visit Kalumburu because you are entering Aboriginal Land. Although you can arrange your permit in advance, there are no problems obtaining one on arrival. Permits are $25 valid for one vehicle for a maximum of 21 days. A permit consists of a windscreen sticker, received after completing some forms, and a handout on the region, including regulations and touring information. You can purchase your permit from the Kalumburu Aboriginal Corporation Office, Honeymoon Beach or McGowan Island.

If you wish to arrange your permit in advance, you can contact the community direct on: (08) 9161 4300 or (08) 9332 7044
Fax: (08) 9161 4331

If you wish to write to Kalumburu Aboriginal Corporation, address the letter to: Kalumburu Community, PMB 10 Via, WYNDHAM WA 6740

Important

Your permit states that you are only allowed to camp within designated areas, which are the Kalumburu caravan park or the Mission Camping Ground - both in town, or head out to the coast to either Honeymoon Bay or McGowan Island which are run by Aboriginal families. No bush camping elsewhere is allowed. Fines and evictions are enforced.

 Things to See & Do

Honeymoon Bay   RatingRatingRatingRatingRating
Point of Interest Beach Camp Fee Restricted,Permit Access Rubbish Bin,Tip Toilet
Owned by Les French, this campground is operated by the family's rather large local family. Very basic facilities are available and fees apply. Visitors arriving with their own boat will find access to the water is also basic but the available bounties must be worth it because this spot is very popular for fishing and people continue to come back year after year.
Kalumburu   
Populated Place Caravan Park Rubbish Bin,Tip Fuel Water Supply Toilet Food,Shopping Aboriginal Lands,Communities Camp Fee Police Station Medical Services Restricted,Permit Access Point of Interest
The Kalumburu township is located in the far northern Kimberley and is a modern aboriginal community. This community was originally established at Pago and known as the Drysdale River Mission but was relocated to the present Kalumburu township site in 1927.
Gibb River, Kalumburu Rd   
River Crossing Point of Interest
The Gibb River is wide and very sandy at this point but travellers will find the crossing of the Kalumburu Road has a concrete causeway, although this is often covered with water. This major causeway allows local traffic (cattle trucks and supply trucks) to access Drysdale and other stations north towards Kalumburu.
King Edward River   
Water Body,River,Stream,Falls 
No description entered. Enter description or photos.

 Preparation

If you're planning a trip to Kalumburu, you've already planned to take in at least some of the Gibb River Road and probably another few thousand kilometres from home just to get there so hopefully your vehicle is already well setup and you've got spares and parts sorted out.

When you reach your final destination, you're really ready to do something other than driving, so make sure you have some rods and lures and have enough time in your itinerary to take a rest. It's quite an effort to get to Kalumburu, so plan to stay at least 3 nights at either Honeymoon Bay or McGowan Island. However, the ideal way to visit Kalumburu is to take your own boat.

We have seen people setup for over a month - a few advance arrangements and you can get yourself really setup, as you will see for yourself on your first trip. Our advice is to do some research and go prepared - who knows when you'll ever get the chance to go back again. Make your first trip as best as you can. Try to talk to other people who have been there a few times with their boat and learn from their experiences.

If you can't/don't want to take a boat, then the next best option is to spend a few nights at each McGowan Island and Honeymoon Bay and pay to be taken fishing. Costs vary from $50 - $70 pp for a half day but you must supply your own fishing gear and baits (although you will be shown how to catch live bait). A word of advice - take HEAVY fishing gear, and lots of it - as a gauge, the locals use 200lb line!

As most barra fishermen will already know, the best fishing time is usually at the most difficult times for vehicle access - either side of the wet season. However, Kalumburu offers excellent coastal fishing, with reef fish and pelagics being caught year-round. Spanish Mackeral, Queenfish, Golden Trevally, Threadfin Salmon, Coral Trout and Cod are all the usual catches from the sea, with barra and bream from the river (the mouth of the King Edward River is just 5km from Kalumburu).

Fuel Supplies & Usage

Fuel SymbolDrysdale River Station, Kalumburu Diesel4cyl 42 litres ULP4cyl 48 litres LPG4cyl 60 litres
6cyl 46 litres6cyl 54 litres6cyl 52 litres
8cyl 51 litres8cyl 49 litres
Usage is averaged from TrekFuel (* specific to trek) submissions and calculated based on trek distance.
Drysdale River Homestead and Kalumburu depot. Both no gas.

Best Time To Visit

May to November would be the best time to visit Kalumburu since very heavy rains occur during the summer months.

Closest Climatic Station

Doongan
Distance from Trek Mid Point 31.71km SW
 JanFebMarAprMayJun JulAugSepOctNovDec
Mean Max. °C 33.432.733.133.2 31.129.129.631.5 35.337.136.734.5
Mean Min. °C 22.822.621.819.0 14.511.410.512.3 18.021.422.923.0
Mean Rain mm 280.6221.9194.144.3 10.76.50.40.4 4.333.0119.3202.0
    Best time to travel      Ok time to travel      Travel NOT recommended

Services & Supplies

The following locations have various services and supplies: Drysdale River Station, Kalumburu
Very good supermarket in Kalumburu - no supplies at coastal camping areas. Fuel and basic supplies at Drysdale Station plus takeaway and counter meals.

 Camp Sites & Accomodation

Honeymoon Bay   RatingRatingRatingRatingRating
Point of Interest Beach Camp Fee Restricted,Permit Access Rubbish Bin,Tip Toilet
Owned by Les French, this campground is operated by the family's rather large local family. Very basic facilities are available and fees apply. Visitors arriving with their own boat will find access to the water is also basic but the available bounties must be worth it because this spot is very popular for fishing and people continue to come back year after year.
Kalumburu   
Populated Place Caravan Park Rubbish Bin,Tip Fuel Water Supply Toilet Food,Shopping Aboriginal Lands,Communities Camp Fee Police Station Medical Services Restricted,Permit Access Point of Interest
The Kalumburu township is located in the far northern Kimberley and is a modern aboriginal community. This community was originally established at Pago and known as the Drysdale River Mission but was relocated to the present Kalumburu township site in 1927.
Drysdale River Station   
Populated Place Airstrip Camp Fee ExplorOz Advertiser Food,Shopping Fuel Pub Service Station,Roadhouse Rubbish Bin,Tip Toilet Water Supply
Phone: (08) 9161 4326 Mailing Address: PMB 9 Kununurra, Western Australia 6743. Location: 59kms north of the Gibb River Rd & Kalumburu Rd junction and 1 km off the Kalumburu Road.

 Environment

Kalumburu Road

A considerable traffic load uses this track and the local cattle stations require that the track be in the best possible condition for the season to ensure that supplies and cattle trucks are not delayed. Grading is done on a regular basis during the dry season although conditions quickly deteriorate. Please read our road conditions for more information.

Due to the increased popularity of 4WD vehicles and the allure of self-sufficient camp/drive holidays, visitors numbers have boomed in even the most remote areas of Australia's outback. Kalumburu is certainly less visited than the Mitchell Falls, however it is well known that the waters off the Kalumburu coast hold great bounties for fishermen and so visitors of the fishing-type are prolific.

The extensive river crossings on the Kalumburu Road make travel impassable for much of the wet season, yet from around April the first tourists will start attempting to push through to the north. Drysdale River Homestead, can offer accommodation to those that cannot get through and find bush camping too wet at this time. Generally most travellers come once conditions have begun to dry - usually towards the of end May.

 Driving Directions

Time
Direction
Distance
Gibb River Rd & Kalumburu Rd to Gibb River, Kalumburu Rd 3.06 km N 340° 2 min
Gibb River, Kalumburu Rd to Kalumburu Rd & Drysdale River Station Access 54.64 km N 342° 44 min
Kalumburu Rd & Drysdale River Station Access to Drysdale River Station 1.79 km W 271° 2 min
Drysdale River Station to Kalumburu Rd & Drysdale River Station Access 1.79 km E 91° 2 min
Kalumburu Rd & Drysdale River Station Access to Drysdale Crossing 1.84 km N 345° 1 min
Drysdale Crossing to Kalumburu Rd & Port Warrender Rd 106.19 km N 350° 1 hr 33 min
Kalumburu Rd & Port Warrender Rd to Kalumburu Road & Carson Creek 82.92 km NE 41° 1 hr 19 min
Kalumburu Road & Carson Creek to Kalumburu 19.75 km N 353° 21 min
Kalumburu to King Edward River 6.29 km NW 326° 11 min
King Edward River to Kalumburu Rd & Honeymoon Bay Access 11.07 km NE 40° 12 min
Kalumburu Rd & Honeymoon Bay Access to Honeymoon Bay 8.33 km N 10 min
Gibb River Rd & Kalumburu Rd to Honeymoon Bay 297.67 km     5 hr 10 min
Distance is GPS recorded driving distance (not straight line), Direction is straight line from start to end, Time is calculated from actual GPS driving data.

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