We know you'll be hiking into gorges and having some refreshing swims along the way, but what else can you do on the Gibb?
Here are some of our top picks, and different ways to explore!
1. Save some room to indulge – you won’t be short of tempting food options as you travel along the Gibb.
We’re dreaming of a giant Kimberley Beef Burger at Drysdale River Station and yummy tea and scones at Ellenbrae Station!
How about a hearty homestead dinner at Mt Hart and Digger’s Rest Stations, or your choice from the restaurant menus at El Questro, Home Valley Station, Drysdale River Station, or the APT Wilderness Camps at Bell Gorge and on the Mitchell Plateau?
2. Make those outback sunsets even better
There’s really no bad place to catch a sunset on the Gibb, but there are some spots that are just that bit special. Some of our tops picks are:
- Derby Jetty – home to the largest tides along the Kimberley Coast, you’ll enjoy a stunning outback sunset whether the tide is out or in!
- Windjana Gorge – the sheer limestone cliffs provide a stunning backdrop to the changing colours of the afternoon sun (also spectacular at sunrise!)
- The aptly named Sunset Hill on Mt Hart Station is just a short drive from the homestead – perfect for a relaxing sundowner before dinner.
- The Pentecost River campsite at Home Valley Station offers an amazing vantage point for sunset over the Cockburn Ranges.
- The Pigeon Hole and Branco’s Lookouts overlook a bend in the Pentecost River, with sweeping views across El Questro.
- Five Rivers Lookout in Wyndham
You could also enjoy a sunset horse ride at El Questro and Diggers Rest Station, or book a private 4WD trip to ‘secret’ sunset lookouts at Home Valley Station and El Questro. For a romantic sunset, a helicopter flight from Home Valley or El Questro and landing on the Pentecost or Cockburn Ranges to enjoy the sunset with champagne in hand would be completely unforgettable!
3. Do a trip with a difference – you don’t have to be in a car to experience the Gibb!
If you’d prefer to see the Kimberley on horseback, trek the ancient river systems and old stock routes used by drovers of yesteryear on extended horse treks with Diggers Rest Station. With trips lasting from 3 to 9 days you’ll ride deep into the extraordinary landscapes of the Kimberley, spending your nights in swags beneath the stars. There’s also a Women’s Kimberley Riding Adventure – guests are based at Digger’s Rest for the duration of the adventure, taking daily horse rides into the surrounding country.
Ready to get your creative juices flowing? On the Verandah run a small number of creative adventures each year – these small group experiences allow keen photographers, writers and artists a chance to participate in expert-led workshops, staying on a remote station and being inspired by the magical Kimberley landscapes around them.
4. Itching to twitch?
You’ll spot plenty of birds along your travels, but there are a couple of birding hotspots, such as the Mornington Wildlife Sanctuary and Parry Lagoons Nature Reserve.
Parry Lagoons Nature Reserve is home to a wetland of international importance with a bird hide and boardwalk located at Marlgu Billabong. The nature reserve is situated along the unsealed Parry Creek Road, an alternative route from Wyndham into Kununurra. You’ll see some spectacular scenery along the way, including House Roof Hill – memorable for being the backdrop to many scenes in the movie ‘Australia’. Accommodation and camping is available nearby.
5. Experience the Gibb port to port
Did you know the Gibb River Road was built to allow pastoralists access to the port towns of Derby and Wyndham? Both towns have a rich history and are worth allowing some time to discover – take a wander around and follow the heritage trails, or visit the Wharfinger House Museum in Derby and the Wyndham Historical Society Museum for a deeper dive into their stories.
