Planning trip to the Kimberly from the southern highlands of NSW.

Hi Stu

The Kimberley is not one would say a rugged area in comparison to what you may have seen the the Snowy Mountains and across the border in the Vic high country and even Bendethera would be about the worst you will strike unless you go to those rugged tracks in Home Valley Station.. So as far as suspension and lift is concerned get yourself a good set of shockies and don't worry too much about a lift. We took our standard cruiser there and up the Mitchell Plateau, the Bungles. And also the gorges of El Questro and the karunji track. I could have driven the Kingswood there. But the standard Kingswood's suspension wouldn't be worth much when we got home. The Nav will go to the Bungles without a worry.

Tyre pressures will need changing so a compressor would be very handy.

You can pick your own camping. We used a tent and it did us well. We also stayed at Home Valley in a spa room to "rough it". Don't stay at El Questro though. The entry and fees came to $66 for one night unpowered tent site in a heavily crowded area and freezing cold showers. Shower early is best before the bus loads hit the showers.

UHF radio, a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher wont go astray. Mainly for the drive there and back. Fuel was readilly available when we went.

Over to others for their ideas.

Phil

Agree with Phil except for El Questro. We stayed there for 4 nights in a private bush camp beside the Pentecost River. Absolutely loved the place. The place was busy when we were there but still heaps of hot water? But each to their own, just don’t write the place off. Just don’t put the trip off too long, just get there, allow heaps of time and try and do it all.
It is truly a magic place. And if you want a real treat, do the Horizontal Waterfalls trip, the overnight stay one! Kevin

If the car is maintained in good overall order, you can take off now Stu ! Just ensure you have decent light truck tyres. Wet weather aside, outback gravel roads are generally in good overall condition to cater for the peak tourist season. IF you wanted to cover some of the roads that are notorious for their bad corrugations (such as the Tanami road - Kalumburu / Mitchell Falls etc. roads) , it would be best to fit new robust shockers and take a couple of the old ones as field spares. Once mobile up there, your greatest asset will be a sensible driving attitude for the conditions ! Most folks who have horror tales to tell often travel on town tyres, may be overloaded, and / or go too fast and don't watch for those particularly nasty sharp stones that lay in wait for all of us :-o).

Hi Stu

We did a couple of blogs on a trip that we did to the Kimberley in 2008. The first one is here. Its a magical part of the world and very do-able, just a long drive from home. Im sure your partner would love it.
The route that Phil suggested is a good one for a first go with plenty to see and do along the way, and your 8 weeks will go by very quickly. Apart from tyre plugs and a compressor a standard 4x4 that is well maintained is all that you need. More important is to get well organised for camping so that that side of things doesnt become a chore. With two years to plan and prepare you should be able to set out in a very well set up rig!

Cheers,

Val