Halls Creek, located in the rugged Kimberley region of Western Australia, is a gateway to some of the most remote and exciting off-road adventures in the country. With its stunning landscapes, hidden gorges, and rich history, the area surrounding Halls Creek offers a range of 4WD experiences for adventurous travellers. Whether you're looking to explore ancient Indigenous sites, tackle rough outback tracks, or visit pristine waterfalls, there’s a 4WD adventure waiting for you in this remote corner of Australia. Here’s your guide to the top 4WD adventures around Halls Creek.
1. The Duncan Road: An Outback Adventure
The Duncan Road is a must-do for any serious 4WD enthusiast visiting Halls Creek. This remote track stretches for 429 kilometres between Halls Creek and the Northern Territory border, offering a true outback adventure with rugged landscapes, river crossings, and breathtaking views. Along the way, you’ll pass through some of the Kimberley’s most remote and beautiful country, including cattle stations, gorges, and historic sites.
One of the highlights of the Duncan Road is a visit to Sawpit Gorge, a picturesque swimming hole where you can take a refreshing dip after a long day of driving. The road is unsealed and can be challenging in parts, especially after the wet season, making it an ideal adventure for experienced off-road drivers.
What we love: The sense of isolation and the stunning natural beauty along the Duncan Road, offering a true Kimberley adventure.
Good to know: The Duncan Road is remote, with limited services, so be well-prepared with food, water, and fuel before setting out.
Location: Duncan Road, Halls Creek, WA 6770
Image © Tourism Western Australia
2. Purnululu National Park: The Bungle Bungle 4WD Experience
A 4WD adventure to Purnululu National Park (home to the famous Bungle Bungle Range) is one of the most iconic off-road experiences in Western Australia. The park’s remote location, 300 kilometres south of Halls Creek, requires a 4WD to navigate the rough access track, which includes creek crossings, rugged terrain, and steep inclines.
Once you arrive in the park, the rewards are immense. You’ll have the chance to explore the incredible beehive-shaped domes of the Bungle Bungles, hike through narrow gorges like Echidna Chasm and Cathedral Gorge, and camp under the stars in one of the Kimberley’s most breathtaking landscapes.
What we love: The challenging drive into Purnululu National Park and the awe-inspiring landscapes that await once you arrive.
Good to know: The access track is only open during the dry season (April to November), and it’s important to book campsites in advance during peak times.
Location: Purnululu National Park, WA 6770
Image © Tourism Western Australia
3. Wolfe Creek Crater: A Meteorite Impact Adventure
For an out-of-this-world 4WD experience, head to Wolfe Creek Crater, the second-largest meteorite crater in the world. Located about 150 kilometres south of Halls Creek, the drive to Wolfe Creek Crater takes you along the Tanami Road, a remote and often rough track that’s perfect for an off-road adventure.
The crater itself is an incredible sight—measuring 880 metres in diameter and 60 metres deep, it was created by a meteorite impact over 300,000 years ago. You can hike around the rim of the crater and take in the sheer size of this geological wonder, or camp overnight for a chance to experience the vastness of the outback under the stars.
What we love: The combination of a challenging off-road drive and the chance to explore one of the world’s most impressive meteorite craters.
Good to know: The Tanami Road can be rough and is best tackled with a well-equipped 4WD vehicle, especially after the wet season.
Location: Wolfe Creek Crater, Tanami Road, WA 6770
Image © Tourism Western Australia and credit @aeroture_au on social media
4. Ruby Plains Track: Following the Gold Rush Trail
For a historical 4WD adventure, take a trip along the Ruby Plains Track, which follows part of the old gold rush route used by prospectors in the late 1800s. This track takes you through remote cattle stations, across wide open plains, and past historical goldfields, offering a glimpse into the harsh conditions faced by those seeking fortune in the Kimberley.
The Ruby Plains Track is perfect for those looking to combine adventure with history, as you’ll pass by remnants of old gold mining camps and settlements. The track offers a mix of sandy and rocky terrain, with plenty of opportunities to stop and explore along the way.
What we love: The chance to follow in the footsteps of early prospectors while exploring remote and rugged landscapes.
Good to know: The track is unmarked in places, so make sure to bring a reliable GPS or map to navigate the route.
Location: Ruby Plains Track, Kimberley region, WA 6770
5. Caroline Pool: A Remote Oasis
If you’re looking for a more relaxed 4WD adventure, a trip to Caroline Pool offers a serene escape just outside of Halls Creek. This natural waterhole, surrounded by red cliffs and native vegetation, is a peaceful spot for swimming, picnicking, and enjoying the Kimberley’s beautiful landscape.
The unsealed track to Caroline Pool is accessible by 4WD and takes you through scenic countryside, with opportunities to spot wildlife along the way. It’s a great destination for families or those looking for a quiet day out in nature.
What we love: The tranquillity of Caroline Pool and the scenic 4WD drive through the Kimberley’s stunning countryside.
Good to know: The water levels at Caroline Pool can vary depending on the season, so it’s best to visit after the wet season when the pool is at its fullest.
Location: Caroline Pool, Halls Creek, WA 6770
Image © Tourism Western Australia
6. Mimbi Caves: An Indigenous Cultural Adventure
For a 4WD adventure that combines stunning landscapes with rich cultural history, take a trip to the Mimbi Caves, located about 90 kilometres from Halls Creek. These limestone caves are part of the ancient Devonian Reef system and are one of the most significant Indigenous cultural sites in the Kimberley.
Visitors to the Mimbi Caves can join guided tours led by local Indigenous custodians, who share the stories and traditions of their ancestors while exploring the caves’ unique formations. The 4WD journey to the caves takes you through remote and rugged terrain, offering a true off-road experience.
What we love: The chance to combine off-road adventure with a meaningful cultural experience, guided by Traditional Owners.
Good to know: The Mimbi Caves are accessible via the unsealed Great Northern Highway, and tours must be booked in advance.
Location: Mimbi Caves, Fitzroy Crossing Road, WA 6770
Image © Tourism Western Australia
7. Palm Springs and Sawpit Gorge: A Hidden Gem
For a lesser-known 4WD adventure, head to Palm Springs and Sawpit Gorge, two hidden gems located just off the Duncan Road. Palm Springs is a lush, permanent spring surrounded by palm trees—a true oasis in the outback. It’s a great spot for a swim or picnic, and the surrounding area is rich with birdlife.
Continue further along the track to reach Sawpit Gorge, a stunning gorge with deep rock pools perfect for swimming. The 4WD track to these remote spots is rugged and challenging, but the reward of discovering these hidden natural wonders is well worth the effort.
What we love: The remote beauty of Palm Springs and Sawpit Gorge, offering a peaceful and picturesque 4WD adventure.
Good to know: Be sure to bring plenty of water and supplies, as these locations are remote with no facilities nearby.
Location: Duncan Road, Halls Creek, WA 6770
Final Thoughts
Halls Creek and its surrounding region are a 4WD enthusiast’s dream, offering rugged tracks, historical routes, and breathtaking natural wonders. Whether you’re exploring the remote Duncan Road, visiting the awe-inspiring Bungle Bungles, or discovering hidden gorges and springs, there’s no shortage of off-road adventures to be had. So fuel up your 4WD, pack your camping gear, and get ready to explore the untamed beauty of the Kimberley.