Current Travel Conditions due to the Kimberley Flooding 2023

In January 2023 the Kimberley region experienced flooding from heavy rainfall caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie. Rainfall during the Wet Season (November to April) often causes localised flooding in the Kimberley, however the significant rainfall due to ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie caused some damage. The Martuwarra Fitzroy River and its catchment area is worst affected, with damage to the road infrastructure in Fitzroy Crossing, parts of the Great Northern Highway and the Gibb River Road.

Preparations are currently underway for the upcoming Wet Season, involving changes to the temporary river crossings at Fitzroy Crossing. The dual lane crossing is now closed to all traffic to allow cruical embankment works to take place to protect the Fitzroy River Lodge and new bridge works in advance of any rains.

All traffic is now using the single lane crossing, which is open 24 hours a day (except for Road Trains and certain other large vehicles over 20m which are restricted to daytime hours). This situation will remain in place until the river levels rise following rain. Once the river is navigable, the barge crossing system will recommence.

The new bridge is on track to become operational in mid 2024.

More information is available on the Main Roads Travel Map here.

[Updated on 15 September 2023]

Gibb River Road - Accommodation, Camping and Gorge Openings

Below are the expected closing dates for accommodation and camping along the Gibb River Road for the 2023 season. Please note that these dates may be brought forward due to weather or other reasons. If travelling at the end of the season we recommend that you contact locations directly.

El Questro Wilderness Park - The Station closes for the season on 19th October.

Balanggarra Home Valley Station - closing for the season on 31st October.

Ellenbrae Station - closing for the season in early to mid October - please contact Ellenbrae directly if travelling at this time.

Drysdale River Station - closing for the season at the end of September for room accommodation, licensed restaurant and meals; camping, fuel and shop are open until November.

Mt Elizabeth Station - closing for the season at the end of September.

Mt Barnett Roadhouse: Manning Gorge Campground and Day Access - closing for the season at the end of September.

Charnley River - closed for 2023.

Mornington Wilderness Lodge - closed for 2023.

Imintji Roadhouse and Campground - closing for the season at the end of September.

Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge) and Dulundi (Silent Grove) Campground - open.

Lennard Gorge - open.

Mt Hart Wilderness Lodge - open from 1 May for Homestead and campground.

Walarra Mindi (Mt Hart) day use sites - open, 4WD access only.

Bandilgnan (Windjana Gorge) - currently open for day visitors only.

Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek) - open from Monday 15 May 2023. Fairfield-Leopold Road is single lane in some sections and 4WD access only. Please see Parks and Wildlife Service, Kimberley's advice on visiting this site.

Birdwood Downs Station - open.

Check Main Roads WA for road condition reports, and DBCA Park Alerts for the latest updates on park openings, closures and conditions at https://alerts.dbca.wa.gov.au. You can subscribe to Main Roads flood updates here.The Shire of Derby West Kimberley website and Facebook page, and the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley website and Facebook page are also good sources of information on road conditions in the area.

For your safety and out of respect for Traditional Owners, please do not attempt to access closed parks. Parks and Wildlife Service staff are busily preparing parks to ensure visitor safety, they will announce opening dates as soon as possible.

Current Travel Conditions

The Great Northern Highway is open between Broome and Kununurra.
On the Broome to Derby section, a two lane gravel road is open to all traffic while repairs to a 10km stretch of roadway are underway.
At Fitzroy Crossing, one low level water crossing is open to all vehicles.
The pedestrian and 4WD ferry service at Fitzroy Crossing is no longer operating, however it is anticipated that it will recommence operations during the next Wet Season.
Construction of the new bridge is underway. It is envisaged that the new bridge will be completed by mid 2024.
The Gibb River Road is now open to all traffic.

Kimberley National Parks Update

The majority of the Kimberley’s national parks will be open this tourism season, including Purnululu National Park World, Dulundi (Silent Grove), Walarra Mindi (Mt Hart), Lennard Gorge, and Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek).

Significant flood damage to visitor infrastructure and post-flood visitor safety risks at Danggu Geikie Gorge National Park which means it remain closed for the rest of 2023. Bandilngan (Windjana Gorge) National Park has reopened to day visitors only.

For more information please see here.

Mornington Wilderness Camp

Significant damage to the research and tourism infrastructure at Mornington Wilderness Camp means that sanctuary will be closed to visitors for the 2023 season. For more information please see here.

[Updated as at 15 September 2023]

Follow local Visitor Centres for up to date information

As repairs to the region get underway, local Visitor Centres will continue to provide up to date information on roadworks, road closures and opening dates for attractions, station stays and more. Follow them on social media, sign up for newsletters and have a look through their websites!