September and October: from Darwin to Perth or from Perth to Darwin?

Darwin–Perth or Perth–Darwin in September and October?

Are you planning to travel through the Kimberley and the Top End between early September and mid-October? If so, it is wise to start your route in Darwin and travel towards Perth, rather than the other way round.

The main reason is that temperatures in the Kimberley and the Top End rise quickly during this period. In the first weeks of September, conditions are often still quite pleasant, with temperatures of around 32 to 34 degrees Celsius and low humidity. Towards the end of September, however, temperatures start to climb, and in October it can become extremely hot, with temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius or more. October is the so-called build-up period before the wet season, when the first thunderstorms begin to develop and humidity increases sharply. By departing from Darwin (preferably no later than mid-September) you can visit the many highlights of the Top End and the Kimberley before the weather becomes less favourable.

The later in the dry season you travel (from May to September), the more dust you will encounter on roads such as the Gibb River Road and side tracks. Corrugations also become more common, which slows down driving speeds. If you are in the Kimberley in October, you may also experience smoke from natural bushfires caused by the heat or from controlled burns carried out by park rangers.

In addition, many waterfalls and natural swimming spots gradually dry up. The later you travel in the dry season, the more waterfalls will be almost or completely dry. This may include places such as Jim Jim Falls (see picture below) and Bell Gorge. If you depart from Darwin in early September and travel towards Perth, you still have a reasonably good chance of seeing many water-rich locations at their best.

Another advantage of September is that popular destinations such as Mitchell Falls are usually still accessible. The Mitchell Plateau Track normally closes in early October. If you do not wish to drive to Mitchell Falls but would rather see them on a scenic flight from Drysdale River Station, please keep in mind that this is only possible until the end of September.

From early October onwards, the first campsites, accommodation providers, roadhouses and other tourist facilities in the Kimberley also begin to close their doors for the wet season. By travelling through the north before it gets too late in the season, you will generally benefit from a wider range of facilities still being available.

There are, however, also a few advantages to travelling during the latter part of the dry season. Firstly, water levels in rivers and creeks are usually low, making crossings with a 4WD camper easier. Secondly, there are fewer tourists around. Thirdly, if you finish your trip in Perth around mid-October, you will arrive in the middle of spring, when pleasant temperatures are common. That is certainly better than ending your journey in hot and humid Darwin.