Gibb River Road

Stretching 660 kilometres through the heart of the Kimberley, the Gibb River Road is one of Australia's most legendary outback adventures. This unsealed 4WD track cuts through rugged gorges, ancient cattle stations, and sweeping savannah, offering a raw immersion in the country's northwest. Originally built to transport cattle, the road now draws travellers seeking remote waterfalls, swimming holes, and the chance to experience Indigenous rock art and station life. It's a journey that demands preparation but rewards with unforgettable landscapes and a profound sense of isolation.

Highlights & What to See

• Windjana Gorge National Park – Walk along the Lennard River between towering limestone walls, with a high chance of spotting freshwater crocodiles basking on the banks.
• Tunnel Creek National Park – Wade through a 750-metre-long cave system carved through the Napier Range; bring a torch to see stalactites and the bat colony that calls it home.
• Bell Gorge – A stunning tiered waterfall plunging into a deep, emerald pool – one of the best swimming spots on the road, with a short walk to the lookout and to the plunge pool.
• Manning Gorge – A popular campground with a beautiful waterhole and a challenging but rewarding walk to the upper falls and swimming holes.
• El Questro Wilderness Park – A sprawling station offering accommodation from camping to luxury, with the famous Emma Gorge and its thermal springs, plus the Zebedee Springs and El Questro Gorge.
• Mount Barnett Roadhouse – A key resupply point and gateway to the Manning Gorge area; don't miss the nearby Barnett River Gorge for a quiet swim.
• Indigenous rock art – At sites like Galvans Gorge and along the road, you'll find ancient Wandjina and Gwion Gwion paintings that speak to the deep cultural history of the region.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least 5 to 7 days to drive the full length of the Gibb River Road from Derby to Kununurra (or vice versa) without rushing. This gives you time to stop at major gorges, take side trips to Mitchell Plateau (if you have the time and a high-clearance 4WD), and enjoy a few rest days at stations like El Questro. A slower pace of 10 days lets you explore more remote tracks and truly soak in the outback atmosphere. The road is typically open from April to October; check conditions before setting out, as creek crossings can be impassable after rain.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Broome – The pearling town with Cable Beach and a vibrant multicultural history, a great start or end point for your Kimberley adventure.
• Kununurra – The eastern gateway to the Kimberley, near Lake Argyle and the Ord River, offering cruises and scenic flights over the Bungle Bungles.
• Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles) – The iconic beehive-shaped sandstone domes, accessible via a 4WD track from the Great Northern Highway; best visited as a side trip from Kununurra.
• Mitchell Plateau National Park – Remote and spectacular, with the Mitchell Falls and Aboriginal rock art; requires a high-clearance 4WD and can be accessed via the Kalumburu Road from the Gibb.
• Derby – The western terminus of the Gibb River Road, known for its boab prison tree and huge tides.
• Drysdale River Station – A working cattle station offering accommodation and the chance to see the King Edward River and the remote Carson River Escarpment.

Please check official sources for current details.