Reconstructed in the 1950's under the Commonwealth Beef Roads scheme as a beef road to transport cattle from surrounding cattle stations to Derby and Wyndham, this old stock route spans over 660 kilometres. Prior to this, although stock were walked (for example) from stations to the Wyndham Meatworks, the trip was extremely arduous and only heavier cattle over 5 years old could endure the rigors of the journey.

Today "The Gibb" offers one of the last true outback drive adventures and is considered one of the true outback iconic drives.

It has spectacular scenery with many gorges, waterfalls and rivers along its length including Windjana Gorge (part of the Windjana Gorge National Park), Tunnel Creek, the King Leopold Range National Park and Drysdale River National Park. The mighty Fitzroy River and the towering cliff faces of the Cockburn Ranges. Allow yourself time to explore at leisure, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking and a refreshing swim in cool pools beneath plunging waterfalls, but as always be crocodile aware and only swim where it is safe to do so.

The Gibb River Road takes the traveller through the heart of the Kimberley and to some of the most remote areas of the world, so it is important to plan your trip, take your time and please ensure your vehicles are properly prepared and that you carry the appropriate spares. The Gibb River Road, the Kalumburu Road and the Port Warrender Road to the Mitchell Plateau are recommended four wheel drive only and any trailer/van is specifically built as "off road."

The Gibb River Road can be accessed from the west via the township of Derby, or if traveling from the east, through Kununurra/Wyndham. From the East Kimberley, you will drive alongside the Cockburn Range and cross the Pentecost River. Following the Gibb, you can visit Barnett River Gorge, Manning Gorge, Galvans Gorge, Adcock Gorge, Bell Gorge, Silent Grove and Lennard River Gorge. Out at the Mornington Wilderness Lodge, you can take guided or self-guided activities and tours at Sir John Gorge and Dimond Gorge. The road conditions vary from bitumen, to natural rocky earth, to gravel and, at times, becomes quite rough and corrugated.

Before you head off, familiarise yourself with what to expect and plan for any potential issues, so that you can safely enjoy this incredible experience.

Here are some tips to help you enjoy your trip:

First hot tip! Make sure your car is suitable for the big adventure. We recommend travelling in high clearance 4WD vehicles. Caravans - unless they are off-road of course, motorhomes and some camper trailers are not recommended on unsealed roads. Refer to your vehicles user guide or phone the manufacturer if in doubt. If you are hiring a vehicle, it is also worth checking that you are able to take it off-road.

Here are a few other things to consider:

• Plan your trip and let others know of your plans
• Pack essential equipment for your vehicle - spare tyres, portable air compressor etc. Its common to adjust your tyre pressures to suit the conditions and be prepared to change a tyre or two on your trip. If in doubt, reach out to local tyre retailers or other 4WD enthusiasts for advice
• Carry your own water, extra fuel and take some cash with you just in case the facilities along the way are having issues with connectivity
• Stay alert - slow down on bends and approaches to floodways - drive to the conditions
• Do not brake suddenly - you may skid and lose control
• Keep your headlights on low beam
• Do NOT overtake vehicles in dusty conditions. If you have the opportunity to overtake, ensure you have good visibility and a long, clear stretch of road ahead of you. Remember to check behind you too, if others are being impatient, pull over and allow them to pass - you are on holidays, why rush!
• Watch out for animals, especially when travelling at dusk and dawn
• Do not travel through water of unknown depths and learn what to do if your vehicle gets bogged or stranded at river crossings
• Stay on the roads. The land on either side is either private property (even if there is no fence) or National Park

The Pentecost River is the major river crossing on the Gibb River Road. If you haven't heard about it - well, lets just say you should also be aware of hidden dangers. River levels can rise very quickly and there will definitely be a saltwater crocodile (or two) looking at you, even if you cant see them, they are there!

GIBB RIVER ROAD - ROAD CONDITION

We cant really answer this question as the conditions may change rapidly and will vary throughout the length of the road. It depends on weather conditions, when the road was last graded and how much traffic is using the road.

The unsealed sections are graded a number of times throughout the year (when accessible) and a full grade takes some weeks to complete. The road condition may degrade rapidly depending on how much traffic is on the road and by the time the grade reaches the end of the road, it will turn around and do it all again.

While the sealed sections of the road are typically in good (ish) condition, the unsealed sections may have a good gravel surface or will be corrugated and rocky. The condition of and depths of water at floodways will also vary quickly.

We suggest you make sure you are prepared by knowing the abilities of your vehicle, driving to the conditions and ensuring your tyre pressure is suitable for the weight you are carrying, towing and surface of the road you are travelling on. Driving on the Gibb River Road can be unpredictable and presents unique challenges for even the most experienced travellers.

Gibb River Road Accommodation

All along the "Gibb" it is possible to overnight stay in comfort, relaxing at a number of station stays along the way. Fuel is available as are some minor vehicle repairs at certain stops.

Camping is also possible for the more adventurous, however only in designated areas. When camping, please follow the safe travelling principals in order to protect and preserve the environment - and your own safety. Only swim where it is safe to do so, only light fires in dedicated fire places and please ensure that all rubbish is brought out with you or placed in the appropriate bins.

Accommodation options along the Gibb are many and varied and include (but are not limited to) the following:

El Questro Wilderness Park
Home Valley Station
APT Kimberley Wilderness Adventures (for Imintji Wilderness Camp)
Mornington Wilderness Lodge

Charnley River Station

Kalumburu Road

The Kalumburu Road travels 267 kilometres from the Gibb River Road junction north to the Kalumburu Aboriginal Community and provides access to the Kimberley coast from within the community.

Accommodation and touring is available at Drysdale River Station, including flights over the Mitchell Falls, Prince Regent Nature Reserve & Prince Regent River and the Kings Cascades. Accommodation along the way is also available at Muranbabidi Wilderness Camp.

Two permits are required prior to entry into the Kalumburu community. A permit is required to travel upon the section of the Kalumburu road identified as Aboriginal lands, and this can be obtained free of charge by contacting the Department of Indigenous Affairs on +61 8 9168 2550. Travellers will also need to purchase a Kalumburu Community entry permit on arrival to the Kalumburu Community (conditions apply).

Port Warrender Road/Mitchell Plateau

This remote and rugged 115,000 hectare wilderness area boasts the spectacular Mitchell and Merton Falls, the Mitchell and King Edward Rivers and the Surveyor's Pool. It is also a significant Aboriginal heritage site.

The turnoff to the Mitchell Plateau is 162 kilometres from the Gibb River Road junction and is considered an extremely rough and sometimes steep track. Four wheel drive is essential and the traveller needs to allow sufficient time to fully experience and part-take in the numerous and spectacular walks that the region has to offer. Visitors will also need an Uunguu Visitor Pass to travel to Ngauwudu (Mitchell Plateau) which you can purchase at the visitor centre. Camping at Mitchell Plateau is also available at Munurru (King Edward River) Campground, where guided rock tours can be taken with a Traditional Owner.

Camping is allowed but only in designated campsites as are campfires, and all caution should be considered as the area is extremely remote. Accommodation is also available at the spectacularly remote and unique Kimberley Coastal Camp. As the camp in only accessible via helicopter or boat, please contact the Kununurra Visitor Centre for further information and bookings.

Gibb River Road Map

To view a map of the Gibb River Road and plan your trip to the East Kimberley region of Western Australia, visit the Gibb River Road Map page or to purchase the best guide book for the Gibb River Road, contact the Kununurra Visitor Centre and ask for a copy of the Gibb River and Kalumburu Roads Travelers Guide at a cost of $5.

For more information Contact Us