Kakadu end of April

Thanks for this. Would we miss some of the best places by being restricted to not being able to drive on the dirt roads?

Diana

Hi Diana

The bitumen road is basically a big loop through woodlands. Apart from getting into Cooinda where the Yellow Waters boat cruise is (a must do), and perhaps the road into Nourlangie Rock Aboriginal rock painting site, most of the side roads are dirt, although the only ones we found with real four wheel drive need are the tracks into Jimjim Falls and Twin Falls. Access to these is usually a bit later when the water subsides and by that time the flow over the falls is very small. Taking a flight over these falls when in full flow would be spectacular.

Motherhen

Thanks. I guess for us, it's not whether a 4 wheel drive is necessary but whether the rental agreement on a motorhome allows us to go on the dirt roads, which I understand they don't.

I'm afraid with the awful exchange rate of British Pound which I don't think is going to change dramatically for the better for a long time, a flight is probably out of the question.

We'll have to give it some thought.

Diana

Hi Diana,

As you said 'normal' motorhomes are not allowed of sealed roads, so your only real option is a 4x4.
I have used http://camperworld.com.au/4WD_bush_cruiser.html in the past, but renting out of Perth. They also have a depot in Darwin. Their 4x4's are allowed on dirt tracks, but still have conditions.
"Limitations of Use
It is a condition of the Rental Agreement that vehicles cannot be driven in certain areas of Australia. For your own protection, please ask. For example, 4WD Campers may only travel to the following areas with the written permission of Camperworld:

Simpson Desert, Strzelecki Track, Gunbarrel Highway, Cape York, the Bungle Bungles, Oonadatta Track, Birdsville Track, Tanami Track and the Gibb River Road. Permission being granted is subject to weather conditions.

The distance to nominated destinations in relation to the length of the hire period will also be considered. Our vehicles are not permitted on the Canning Stock Route, the Lost City in Lichfield Park and the Telegraph Road section of the road to Cape York. Camperworld reserves the right at its sole discretion to restrict vehicle movements in certain areas due to adverse road or weather conditions, and the distance to nominated destinations in relation to the length of the hire period."

I have no affiliation to them, just a satisfied past customer!

Thanks for this. Although the 4WD Bush Cruiser would not be suitable for 4 adults to sleep in, perhaps that and a rented tent might be the answer. I have emailed them to get a quote and check whether they do rent out of Darwin.

Diana

Hi Diana

Do a search for other rental companies. I have seen various types of Landcruiser based hire campers, including one the had a sort of pull out annex and looked quite roomy - but that was some years ago.

Another alternative is to go on one of the adventure tour coaches into the off road sights - no idea of costs though. If they went out of Cooinda (or at nearby parks campground Mardugal if you didn't need power) you could stay there and drive to the easy places.

Mh