Gibb River Road

Stretching 660 kilometres through the heart of the Kimberley, the Gibb River Road is one of Australia's most legendary outback drives. This unsealed route—originally built to transport cattle—cuts through ancient landscapes of red dirt, rugged gorges, and sprawling cattle stations. Travelling the Gibb is a true adventure: expect corrugations, creek crossings, and wildlife encounters, all rewarded with plunging waterfalls, swimming holes, and some of the most dramatic gorges in the country. This is a trip that demands preparation but delivers an unforgettable journey into the remote beauty of the Kimberley.

Highlights & What to See

• Windjana Gorge National Park: Walk along the Lennard River through a towering limestone gorge, home to freshwater crocodiles basking on the banks. The gorge walls are part of an ancient Devonian reef system.
• Tunnel Creek National Park: Explore a 750-metre-long water-worn tunnel through the Napier Range. Bring a torch, wade through cool water, and spot bats clinging to the ceiling—this was once a hideout for Indigenous outlaw Jandamarra.
• Bell Gorge: A spectacular multi-tiered waterfall plunging into a deep, crystal-clear pool perfect for swimming. The short walk to the top lookout offers sweeping views over the gorge.
• Manning Gorge: A popular campsite and a rewarding walk to a beautiful waterfall and swimming hole. The walk involves a short swim across the river at the start.
• El Questro Wilderness Park: A million-acre cattle station turned wilderness retreat, offering everything from luxury accommodation to basic campsites. Don't miss the thermal springs, Emma Gorge, and the Zebedee Springs.
• Mount Elizabeth Station: A working cattle station that welcomes visitors for camping and guided tours. Experience real outback station life and explore nearby gorges.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan at least 5 to 7 days to drive the Gibb River Road from end to end (Derby to Kununurra, or vice versa). This allows time to explore the major gorges, do a few walks, and camp for a night or two at key spots like Bell Gorge or El Questro. If you want to tack on side trips to Mitchell Plateau or the Bungle Bungles, allow 10–14 days. The road is rough—allow for slower travel speeds (60–80 km/h) and plenty of stops to soak in the scenery. Most travellers tackle the Gibb between May and September, when the weather is dry and the road is open.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Broome: The gateway to the Kimberley, with Cable Beach's sunsets, pearl history, and the famous staircase to the moon.
• Derby: The western start of the Gibb River Road, home to the Boab Prison Tree and huge king tides.
• Kununurra: The eastern end of the Gibb, a lush town on Lake Kununurra with options for Ord River cruises and visits to the Bungle Bungles.
• Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles): A World Heritage-listed landscape of beehive-shaped domes and deep gorges, accessible via a 4WD track from the Great Northern Highway.
• Mitchell Plateau & Mitchell Falls: A remote 4WD-only adventure with a stunning multi-tiered waterfall and ancient Aboriginal rock art.
• Horizontal Falls: A natural phenomenon in Talbot Bay where tidal currents create a 'horizontal waterfall'—best seen on a scenic flight or boat tour.

Please check official sources for current details.