Tackle one of Australia's most iconic outback drives, the Gibb River Road, soaking in all that the Kimberley has to offer.
The Gibb is a 660-kilometre track accessible between April and October, weather dependent.
This itinerary is based on visiting the major attractions along the Gibb River Road. Allow 7-14 days to experience all the Gibb has to offer, or choose your "must-see" locations for a shorter trip!
Call into the Derby or Kununurra Visitor Centre before beginning your journey for up-to-date details of road conditions. For detailed information on the Gibb River and Kalumburu Roads, purchase a Gibb River and Kalumburu Roads Travellers Guide to the Inland Kimberley and Mitchell Plateau from the Derby or Kununurra Visitor Centre. Also available to purchase online: www.derbytourism.com.au
Derby - Windjana Gorge National Park
Derby - Windjana National Park – 157km
Departing Derby in the morning head towards Windjana Gorge National Park. Stop off on the way to visit the Mowanjum Aboriginal Art and Cultural Centre.
From Windjana choose to take the 37km drive out to Western Australia’s oldest cave system Tunnel Creek, famous as a hideout last century by Aboriginal warrior Jandamarra.
At Windjana, follow the Gorge Walk trail which begins at the camping area and winds through the gorge for 3.5km each way. At the end of the gorge walk marvel at the freshwater crocodiles basking in the area.
Spend the night at the Windjana Gorge camp site.
Windjana Gorge National Park - Bell Gorge/Mount Hart Homestead
Windjana Gorge National Park - Bell Gorge - 158km
Follow the road into the Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges, stopping at Lennard Gorge for a swim, or at Inglis Gap to take in the view from the lookout.
You can choose to stay overnight at Mount Hart Homestead 50 kilometres from the turnoff at the Gibb River Road or to head to Bell Gorge to stay at Silent Grove Campground, APT Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge or Imintji Campground.
Mount Hart Homestead is a good base to explore nearby Matthew Gorge and the pocket of rainforest below Mt Matthew is a great spot for birdwatching.
If you have time, take a couple of days to explore both the areas of Mount Hart Homestead and Bell Gorge. Swimming at the spectacular Bell Gorge is a must!
Bell Gorge/Mount Hart Wilderness Lodge - Manning Gorge
Bell Gorge - Manning Gorge - 126 kilometres
Stop at the spectacular Galvans Gorge on the way to Mount Barnett roadhouse and the camping ground at Manning Gorge (fees payable). Join a guided walk (operated by Mount Barnett roadhouse) up the river to Upper Manning Gorge.
Alternatively, 34km from Bell Gorge, take the turn off onto the 82km drive to Mornington Wilderness Camp. Enjoy a range of guided tours and self-guided activities amongst the 3,000sq km of spectacular gorges and tropical savannah, including birdwatching and canoeing Dimond Gorge. Camping and Safari Tents available.
Manning Gorge - Drysdale River Station
Manning Gorge - Drysdale River Station - 165 kilometres
From Mt Barnett Roadhouse, it's just 39km to Mt Elizabeth Station, who welcome travellers along the Gibb with camping, accommodation and dining options and the opportunity to visit Wunnumurra and Warlu Gorges.
Head for Drysdale River Station - the gateway to the Mitchell River National Park, Mitchell and Merton Falls, Surveyors Pool, Mitchell and King Edward rivers as well as many historical Indigenous sites. Stay for two nights in cabin-style accommodation or camping in the station grounds to explore the rainforests and open woodlands surrounding the area, or go fishing on the riverbanks.
From Drysdale River Station you can choose to drive further up to Kalumburu and the Mitchell Plateau. If time is limited, Drysdale River Station also offers scenic flights over the Prince Regent River and the Mitchell Falls.
Drysdale River Station – Home Valley Station
Drysdale River Station – Home Valley Station - 239 kilometres
Head towards Home Valley Station. An outback oasis nestled at the foot of the spectacular Cockburn Ranges, the station offers a wide range of guided tours, activities, and accommodation options.
About 64km from the Gibb River Road/Kalumburu Junction (123km from Drysdale River Station), Ellenbrae Station offers a welcome and relaxing rest, whether you are popping in to savour their famous scones for morning tea, or staying in the campground or Stockmans Cabins.
Home Valley Station – El Questro Wilderness Park
Home Valley Station – El Questro Wilderness Park - 106 Kilometres
The journey to El Questro Wilderness Park takes you past the popular swimming spot at Durack River crossing, Jack’s Waterhole (famous for its barramundi fishing), the Cockburn Ranges and the stunning Pentecost River. Arriving at El Questro Wilderness Park you’ll find a wide range of guided nature experiences and accommodation options. Spend a few days exploring the park. Visit the thermal ponds at Zebedee Springs, take a boat down the Chamberlain Gorge, try barramundi fishing, swim in Emma Gorge, or explore the remote reaches of the park by tour or 4WD.
El Questro will reopen in 2021.
El Questro Wilderness Park – Kununurra
El Questro Wilderness Park – Kununurra - 103 kilometres
From El Questro depart for Kununurra. Using Kununurra as your base for a few days explore the surrounding areas of Wyndham, Lake Argyle and the Bungle Bungle.
The Bungle Bungle turn off is about 250 km from Kununurra. Once off the highway, it is a 53 km drive on an unsealed road to the national park entrance. If time limited, take a scenic flight from Kununurra over the Bungle Bungle Range.
Adventure on the Gibb River Road
Gorges, station stays and truly awe-inspiring landscapes - the Gibb is an adventure to remember!
You can self-drive (please be self-sufficient with food, water and fuel, although supplies are available along the way), or take a 4WD tour from Broome to experience a magic Western Gibb itinerary. Read on for your camping and accommodation options, as well as the gorges you'll discover along the way.
