Bungle Bungles in a Rav4?

by Jacqui
(Sydney)

We're planning a trip to the Kimberley in July/August and have been looking into flying to Darwin & hiring a 4WD for the trip - which is getting more expensive by the day! We live in Sydney and have a 3 door Rav 4 which we're now contemplating driving through Alice Springs & up into the Kimberley instead. Just wondering whether this would survive the road into the Bungle Bungles?? It is a 4WD, but only a small one? Any ideas?

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Bungle Bungles in a Rav4?

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Jun 20, 2009

My favourite answer: it depends.
by: Birgit

Hi Jacqui,
Whether the car survives depends on the driver :-).
(I've seen too many people do too many stupid things to ever say, oh yeah, no worries... It's always easier to get yourself into trouble in a car like that than in a big 4WD.)

But by July/August none of the creek crossings on the Bungles access road will have enough water (if any) to cause you trouble.

As long as you are aware of the limitations of the vehicle (already discussed in different question threads, in the free guide and the full Kimberley guide), drive to the conditions and take care at the creek crossings, you should be fine.
I would take it.

Jun 21, 2009

Take it easy
by: Brad myers

No problem at all. I saw a Suzuki Jimmy in there in May so no problems if you take it easy and it's one of the most scenic drives anyway so it's not hard. My tip is to camp at the Bungles and not try to drive in and back in a day. If you take your time you'll save your tyres and car. By the way I saw a Nissan Xtrail cross the King Edward River in may too so don't underestimate your cars abilities.

Jul 18, 2010

Rav4 - No problems
by: Viv - Perth

Hi Jacqui

We drove to the Bungle Bungles in a Rav4 and we had absolutely no trouble. We even negotiated a water crossing, no problems.

You do have to drive with caution because of the road condition and also because the larger 4WD's think they own the road. You get funny looks from them too!

We stayed overnight which I think is preferrable.

The main thing is to ensure you have enough fuel. We filled up at Turkey Creek, drove in and out of Bungles and then drove to Halls Creek with fuel left. Keep in mind also that there are a few kms to cover driving from car park to car park once inside the park.

Well worth the effort, it was magnificent.

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