This 660-kilometre (410-mile) journey through the vast Kimberley region of Western Australia is a great 4WD adventure. See freshwater crocodiles in the Windjana Gorge National Park and swim, bushwalk and camp at Lennard and Bell gorges. View Mitchell Falls and the vast Mitchell Plateau and stay in the sprawling El Questro Wilderness Park.

Day 1: Derby to Windjana Gorge National Park

Start out in Derby, on the edge of King Sound, before driving 144 kilometres (89 miles) east to Windjana Gorge National Park, one of the best places in Australia to see freshwater crocodiles in the wild. Walk around Windjana Gorge, carved out of the Napier Range by the Lennard River. You'll see abundant birdlife and crocodiles sunning themselves near waterholes. From Windjana, make your way to Tunnel Creek, about 33 kilometres (21 miles) away, which in the late 1800s was used as a hideout by the Aboriginal leader Jandamarra. Follow the creek through a 750-metre (0.5-mile) tunnel to the other side of the Napier Range. Take your torchlight and camera to capture many species of bats and limestone reefs at least 350 million years old. 

Day 2: Windjana Gorge National Park to Bell Gorge

Leave Windjana Gorge for Lennard River Gorge, a 1.5-hour drive away. Follow the two-kilometre (1.2-mile) walking track from the car park along a creek line and up to the King Leopold sandstone, before reaching a lookout with dramatic views over the gorge and waterfalls. The track to the car park is 4WD only. Further along the Gibb River Road is picturesque Bell Gorge, the road's most famous gorge. To reach it, take a short walk alongside, and then cross, pretty Bell Creek (be careful because it can be slippery). Watch waterfalls cascade 100 metres (328 feet) down perfect U-shaped cliffs, into a deep pool, which is popular for swimming. 

Day 3: Bell Gorge to Manning Gorge

It is another 100 kilometres (62 miles) from Bell Gorge to the horseshoe shaped Galvans Gorge, the most accessible gorge along the Gibb River Road. Swim in the Isdell River, swing over it on a rope or simply sit under the waterfall and look at the boab trees clinging to the escarpment above. From here it’s a short 21-kilometre (13-mile) drive, via the Mount Barnett Roadhouse, to the Manning Gorge campground, which sits next to the tranquil pools of Lower Manning Gorge. From here the walking track winds past Aboriginal rock art to the spectacular waterfall and Yallamia Pool of Upper Manning Gorge. 

Day 4: Manning Gorge to Drysdale River

Turn off the Gibb River Road to explore the spectacular Mitchell Plateau in the Kimberley's northwest. Stay at Drysdale River Station, 171 kilometres (106 miles) from Manning Gorge. From here, take a scenic flight (from May to August) over the Prince Regent River and Mitchell Falls. Flights run for two hours and can seat five passengers in each aircraft. If you have a few days to spare, continue your drive up to the Mitchell Plateau, where you can bushwalk and see Aboriginal rock art. Allow at least two nights at Mitchell Falls campground. 

Day 5: Drysdale River Station to Home Valley

From Drysdale River Station head nine hours east to Home Valley Station, at the foot of the majestic Cockburn Range, crossing the Durack River on the way. Home Valley Station is an outback playground, where towering gorges meet sparkling waterfalls and billabongs. Follow gentle gorge walks, see the Cockburn Range from horseback or try barramundi fishing – you can even arrange for a chef to cook your catch. Experience an awesome sunset from the station's private lookout over the Cockburn Range, taking in sweeping views of the Durack and Pentecost rivers.

This article was originally published on www.australia.com.