Fitzroy Crossing

Fitzroy Crossing, a rugged outpost in Western Australia’s Kimberley region, is the gateway to some of the continent’s most dramatic gorges and ancient landscapes. This tiny town straddles the Fitzroy River and serves as a vital stop on the Gibb River Road and Great Northern Highway, offering a genuine frontier experience with a rich Aboriginal heritage.

Highlights & What to See

• Geikie Gorge National Park (Danggu) – A spectacular 30-metre-deep gorge carved by the Fitzroy River, with sheer limestone walls that glow gold at sunset. Join a boat cruise with an Aboriginal guide to learn about the region’s cultural significance and spot freshwater crocodiles.
• Gibb River Road – One of Australia’s great 4WD adventures, this unsealed route begins near Fitzroy Crossing and winds through dramatic ranges, remote cattle stations, and gorges like Windjana and Tunnel Creek.
• Tunnel Creek National Park – Explore a 750-metre-long water-worn tunnel, once a hideout for the legendary Aboriginal outlaw Jandamarra. Bring a torch and sturdy shoes for this unique underground walk.
• Mowanjum Aboriginal Art & Culture Centre – Located in Derby but worth the detour, this centre showcases vibrant Wandjina and Gwion art and offers insights into the region’s Indigenous stories.
• Fitzroy River – The mighty river is a lifeline for the area; during the Dry season, you can swim, fish for barramundi, or simply enjoy the vast floodplains and birdlife.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers spend 1–2 nights in Fitzroy Crossing, using it as a base to explore Geikie Gorge (half-day) and the nearby gorges on the Gibb River Road. If you’re self-driving the Kimberley, allow at least a full day for a boat cruise and a drive to Tunnel Creek (1.5 hours east). With more time, add a day for the full Gibb River Road experience or a cultural tour.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Broome – The pearling town with Cable Beach and a vibrant multicultural history, 4 hours west on sealed road.
• Derby – Australia’s oldest pearling port, known for the Boab Prison Tree and incredible horizontal falls, 2.5 hours north-west.
• Windjana Gorge – A stunning gorge on the Gibb River Road, home to hundreds of freshwater crocodiles, 1.5 hours north-east.
• Halls Creek – A remote town on the edge of the Tanami Desert, with the famous Wolfe Creek Crater nearby, 3 hours east.
• Kimberley Coast – Accessible via scenic flights from Broome or Derby, offering the Horizontal Falls, the Buccaneer Archipelago, and the Mitchell Plateau.

Please check official sources for current details.