Travelling with Dogs in the Kimberley

Republished with permission from Kimberley Australia Guide

Many people love to travel with dogs, but finding pet friendly accommodation can be an issue in the Kimberley. The good news is if you plan ahead, you should be able to manage these restrictions.

There are very limited places along the Gibb River Road that will allow you to travel with a dog, so you will need to plan ahead.

Dog Friendly Accommodation in Broome and Surrounds

Not all caravan parks in Broome will accept dogs. The only dog friendly park located within Broome itself is the Taranagau Caravan Park at Cable Beach. Outside of Broome there are some other options.

Tarangau Caravan Park at Cable Beach, Broome (Phone | 08 9193 5084)
Broome’s Gateway Caravan Park (20km from Broome | Phone: 0437525485)
Roebuck Plains Roadhouse (30km east off Broome on the Great Northern Highway | Phone: 08 9192 1880)
Barn Hill Station (128km south of Broome | Phone: 08 9192 4975)
Port Smith Caravan Park (160km south of Broome | Phone: 08 9192 4983)
the Manari Beaches just north of Broome – Willie Creek, Quandong, James Price Point and Columb Point

Just north of Broome, you are not allowed to take your dog into the Dampier Peninsular and Cape Leveque. However, you can take a dog to the Manari Beaches – Willie Creek, Quandong, James Price Point and Columb Point). These beaches are slightly closer to Broome and are a good alternative for dog owners.

Dogs on the Gibb River Road

Despite what you may have heard or read, it is possible to drive the Gibb River Road with your dog.

However, not all stations and campsites are dog friendly, and national park restrictions along the way will mean that you are unable to visit certain areas.

If you are travelling with a dog or pet, accommodation is available at the following stations:

Ellenbrae Station, Gibb River Road (Phone: 08 9161 4325)
Mt Elizabeth Station, Gibb River Road (Phone: 08 9191 4644)
El Questro, Gibb River Road (Phone: 08 9426 7550)
Mt Barnett and Manning Gorge

Dogs are not allowed at the following stations and campsites on the Gibb River Road:

Home Valley Station
Mornington Wilderness Camp – Sir John Gorge and Dimond Gorge
Charnley River Station

Unfortunately, due to national park restrictions, you won’t be able to visit the following attractions with a dog:

Visiting the Bungle Bungles with a Dog

You can’t take your dog into the Bungle Bungles because it is part of Purnululu National Park.

But dogs are allowed at the Bungle Bungles Caravan Park, so long as they are well behaved and kept on a leash.

Many people also choose to stay just outside the national park at the free camping area at the start of the Spring Creek track. Officially it is just a highway rest stop, but it is a popular place for people to stay for a night or two. There are basic toilet facilities here. You can leave your van and your dog in the care of fellow travellers while you visit the Bungles on a day trip.

There is more information about camping in the Bungle Bungles here: Bungle Bungles – Camping and Accommodation

Other Dog Friendly Accommodation in the Kimberley

Kimberley Entrance Caravan Park, Derby (Phone: 08 9193 1055)
Lake Kununurra Holiday Park, Kununurra (Phone: 08 9168 1031)
Wyndham Caravan Park, Wyndham (Phone: 08 9161 1064 )
Fitzroy River Lodge, Fitzroy Crossing (Phone: 08 9191 5141)
Halls Creek Caravan Park, Halls Creek (Phone: 08 9168 6169)

Boarding Kennels

If you are traveling with a pet and want to leave them for a short time at a boarding kennel or pet motel, there are facilities in Broome.

The Broome Veterinary Hospital (Ph: 08 9192 1319)
Broome Pet Motel (Ph: 9193 5384)

Hazards

Another thing to be aware of is that you will be traveling in a remote outback region. To make sure your dog is well looked after make sure you plan ahead and think about the following issues that can affect their health and safety: