Kimberley trip timing

No I dont think so, I have been up there many times in May and always go thru.

Graders hadn't been thru on the way up but roads were very good on return about 2 weeks later.

we are heading that way june 2004 also might see you on the trackoff to googs track & gawler ranges................Sept hol's.

Mel, We prefer to as early in the season as possible. The roads probably haven't been graded but there is less traffic and you're more likely to have the place to yourselves.Alpaca

You should also check school holiday timings. Especially when the Territorians get 4 weeks around then. It will have an impact on accomm in places like Broome.

Cheers,
Stuart
- To err is human, to moo bovine -

Monitor the Kimberley wet season via the Bureau of Met web site and you will build a picture of how the wet season is closing and when and where. Try Table 3 on this page http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/climate/rainmaps.cgi?page=top

You need to look at nthn wet season cummulative rain (vs the long term average) and the weekly and month by month rainfall. This helps you build a good picture of how the season has run and how it is closing off.

This year the GRR was open about by Easter. Apr-May can be really good because there is a lot more water and greeness around and not many tourists.
July-Aug it is just packed out in the towns, but if you are an independent bush camper you won't have much trouble.

The GRR is in a good a condition as you will find ... these days it is just a very long corrugated road with plenty of bends and creeks to catch out the unwary speeding driver.

As always my advice for this country is...
a) keep your weight down & ensure suspension matches load
b) carry a second spare tyre (or used casing)
d) keep your speed down to match the very unpredicatable conditions

Have fun!

JohnS
Derby, WA