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.

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 visit thekimberleyaustralia.com or Contact Us