16 Unique Gibb River Road Accommodations

Rich pickings await those who brave the 660 kilometres of mainly unsealed road that is affectionately known as “The Gibb".

Originally built to transport cattle from surrounding stations to the ports of Derby and Wyndham, the 4WD trail is the best way to discover the Kimberley’s rugged landscapes, cascading waterfalls and rich Aboriginal heritage. But where to rest amidst all this natural splendour? Here is our list of Gibb River Road accommodation, from campsites to station stays and glamping.

1. Drysdale River Station

Drysdale River Station is the last refuelling stop on your way to the magnificent Mitchell Falls. Whether you’re an adventurer keen on exploring nearby gorges or a birdwatcher eager to spot endemic species, Drysdale River Station serves as a convenient base.

With oodles of rustic charm and warm hospitality, it offers 40 campsites and 10 rooms, from small and basic cabins to larger spaces with queen beds and private bathrooms. The station also offers scenic flights, making it easier for you to delve into the area’s treasures.

2. APT Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge

A further 170 kilometres on from Drysdale River Station, nestled beside a billabong at Camp Creek you will find APT Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge. Offering 24 tented cabins, the lodge features a lounge, bar, library and natural waterhole with a swimming platform.

Guests can enjoy a three-course dinner and a hearty breakfast, making it a culinary highlight along the Gibb River Road. The lodge is accessible via the remote Kalumburu Road, offering a journey past breathtaking scenery and extraordinary Aboriginal art.

3. Windjana Gorge Campsite

Please note: Windjana Gorge Campsite is currently closed due to flood damage.

Located 144 kilometres east of Derby, Windjana Gorge Campground offers 50 campsites, plus there are bathrooms with showers. While the campsite is basic, it compensates with its proximity to the awe-inspiring Windjana Gorge, which runs for 3.5 kilometres through the Napier Range.

Popular among hikers and photographers, the campsite is an ideal spot for capturing the gorge’s towering limestone cliffs, tranquil pools and wildlife, such as fruit bats and freshwater crocodiles.

4. Munurru (King Edward River) Campground

When visiting Mitchell Falls, a handy place to stay is Munurru Campground, which is the first campground when you cross over the King Edward River. Managed by Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera people and their Uunguu Rangers, the 30-site campground provides an authentic cultural experience, complete with guided tours to nearby Wandjina and Gwion rock art.

a tent under the trees at Munurru Campground

Pitch your tent by the river at Munurru Campground. (Image: Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation)

Well-equipped with basic amenities like toilets and fire pits, Munurru will suit adventurers who are keen on fishing, swimming and relaxing by the river.

Go fishing or relax and take in these scenic views. (Image: Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation)

5. Imintji Campground

Located near the stunning King Leopold Ranges, Imintji Campground offers 25 campsites and is well situated to explore nearby attractions like Bell Gorge, Tunnel Creek and Windjana Gorge.

People gather at the store at Imintji Campground

Find the necessities at Imintji Community Store.

Managed by the Ngarinyin Aboriginal people, the campground boasts a large camp kitchen, toilets and fire pits. Imintji Community Store sells fuel, basic staples, wi-fi and decent coffee.

the entrance to Imintji Campground, Kimberley

Embrace the rustic charm of wilderness camping at Imintji Campground. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

6. Balanggarra Home Valley

Located near the stunning Pentecost River, Balanggarra Home Valley boasts two campgrounds. If you want to be close to the action, the Homestead Camp offers powered and unpowered sites with easy access to Dusty’s Bar & Grill, the Station Store, laundry, bathrooms with hot showers, playground and lagoon pool. The Pentecost River Bush Camp is four kilometres away on the banks of the river with spectacular views of the Cockburn Range.

a couple dining by the side of the river at Home Valley Station

Leave the stresses of the modern world at Balanggarra Home Valley. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Take it up a notch and book into a Riverside Suite featuring a king-size bed, verandah with a daybed and floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors with a direct view over the water. Whether you’re interested in fishing, swimming, or simply relaxing by the river, Balanggarra Home Valley offers a peaceful retreat.

the in-house restaurant at Balanggarra Home Valley

Dine at the rustic, in-house restaurant. (Image: Balanggarra Aboriginal Corporation)

7. Ellenbrae Station

Situated five kilometres off the Gibb River Road and 230 kilometres from Kununurra, Ellenbrae Station offers bush campsites, homestead rooms and safari tents. Wash away the Gibb dust and soak in one of the open-air claw baths with a grazing platter at hand’s reach.

Soak the red dust away in an outdoor bathtub.

The station also features a popular bakery, known for its delicious homemade scones, adding a touch of comfort to your wilderness adventure.

Find bush campsites, homestead rooms and safari tents at Ellenbrae Station.

8. Silent Grove Campground

Located near Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge) in the Wunaamin Conservation Park, Silent Grove Campground offers 50 campsites. Managed by the Ngarinyin people, the campground features a generator area and a quiet (no generator) area, flush toilets, showers, picnic tables, benches and communal firepits.

The campground serves as a great base to explore the nearby Bell Gorge, offering a range of activities from hiking to swimming. With its natural beauty and serene atmosphere, Silent Grove Campground is an ideal spot for those looking to disconnect.

9. Mt Elizabeth Station Stay

First established in 1945 and located halfway between Kununurra and Derby, Mt Elizabeth Station offers 30 campsites and 10 homestead rooms with dinner and breakfast options available.

the exterior of Mt Elizabeth Station Stay

Stay for the night at Mt Elizabeth Station.

Visitors can explore the station by 4WD, hike, swim, fish, and visit exceptional rock art sites with an Aboriginal guided tour. Enjoy floating away at Warla Gorge with its white sandy ‘beaches’ along the riverbank or head out on a challenging 4WD track to Wunnamurra Gorge.

a couple sitting on the white-sand beach at Warla Gorge

Sit on the shore along the riverbank at Warla Gorge.

10. Mt Hart Lodge

Mt Hart Lodge is a wilderness oasis situated on the bank of the Barker River. Managed by the Ngarinyin Aboriginal people, the lodge offers safari tents with ensuites, deluxe tents and elegant homestead rooms, with rates including a hot breakfast and dinner.

It also features shady riverside camping facilities, and the area is particularly popular among birdwatchers and bushwalkers. Don’t miss a swim at Annie Creek Gorge or the Barker Pool, a short walk from the campground.

11. Birdwood Downs Station

Just 20 kilometres from Derby, Birdwood is a great place to relax before or after a Gibb River Road adventure. The station boasts shady bush camping for tents and caravans, plus several Savannah Huts with double beds and shared bathrooms.

Birdwood Downs Station has all the necessary comforts.

Fill your Kimberley days with self-guided boab walks on the station or take a day trip to Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek.

Stay in a Savannah Hut at Birdwood Downs Station.

12. El Questro Homestead

If you’ve ever wanted to live like a celebrity, El Questro Homestead, located within the expansive El Questro Wilderness Park, is the place to do it. This 10-suite hideaway provides an array of high-end amenities, including deluxe double baths overlooking the Chamberlain Gorge, private thermal springs and gourmet dining.

But luxury doesn’t mean isolation from nature. The Homestead offers a range of activities, from helicopter tours to guided bushwalks, ensuring guests can fully engage with the surrounding landscapes. It’s a perfect blend of comfort and adventure, making it a must-visit for those looking to splurge.

an outdoor tub at El Questro Homestead during sunrise, Gibb River Road accommodation

Step outside for a soak in the tub. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

13. El Questro Station

A more budget-friendly option within the El Questro Wilderness Park, El Questro Station offers riverside bungalows and bush campsites.

an aerial view of the El Questro Wilderness Park, Gibb River Road accommodation

El Questro Wilderness Park is hidden within rainforests and by deep gorges. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

The Station is particularly popular among families and groups, offering a range of activities that cater to different interests and fitness levels. Whether you’re interested in fishing, hiking, or simply soaking in the thermal springs, El Questro Station provides a versatile and engaging experience.

a couple sitting outside their tent at El Questro Wilderness Park, Gibb River Road accommodation

Sip your morning coffee in the wilderness. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

14. El Questro Emma Gorge

A sister property to El Questro Homestead, Emma Gorge offers 60 tented cabins. Nestled in the heart of the wilderness park, the resort features a unique blend of rustic charm and modern comfort.

a tented cabin at Emma Gorge Resort, Gibb River Road accommodation

Emma Gorge Resort provides modern comfort and rustic charm.

Emma Gorge is popular among hikers, serving as the starting point for the trek to the stunning Emma Gorge waterfall. After a day of exploration, guests can unwind at the resort’s pool and restaurant, which offers a range of local and international cuisines.

15. Mornington Wilderness Camp

One to watch, Mornington Wilderness Camp is currently closed due to damage from ex-tropical cyclone Ellie. It’s owned and managed by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy and offers 40 campsites, all set against the backdrop of the stunning Annie Creek.

16. Ngauwudu Safari Camp

The most lavish tented camp facility in the Kimberley, Ngauwudu Safari Camp offers unparalleled luxury in the Top End. Stay in one of 14 chic ‘Safari Suites’ outfitted with stylish furnishings, ensuite bathrooms, and linen bedding. The tents blur the line between indoors and out with a wide veranda equipped with outdoor furniture for relaxing in nature with a tipple in hand.

It’s no secret that Broome is one of the most beautiful places in Australia. Think ancient Indigenous culture, azure waters and award-winning restaurants, all surrounded by rugged Kimberley landscapes. Bliss. Broome hotels and resorts are no different.

Being one of Western Australia’s prettiest towns, hotels here are blessed with good views, tropical vibes and a hearty dose of history. From the timeless wonder of Pinctada McAlpine House to the Mangrove Hotel’s bayside escape, we’ve picked the best hotels and resorts.

1. The Billi Resort

Address: 97 Oryx Road (Lullfitz Drive)
Price: $$

Stay in a luxe safari tent or chic villa. (Image: Taryn Yeates)

Glamping is a wonderful way to experience Broome’s natural beauty and salty ocean air. The Billi Resort has a handful of luxe safari tents with timber floors, private bathrooms and a kitchenette.

Situated within walking distance of Cable Beach, this retreat also boasts chic villas, ranging from one bedroom to three. Relax at the central pool area or hire an electric bike and explore the shoreline.

2. The Pearle of Cable Beach

Address: 14 Millington Road
Price: $$ – $$$

Swim right up to The Pearle of Cable Beach. (Image: Taryn Yeates Photography)

If you adore swimming, this resort is for you. Stroll from Cable Beach to your one-, two- or three-bedroom villa at The Pearle of Cable Beach and cool off in your very own private pool. Whip up a cocktail in the designer kitchen then sip it on the deck while dipping your toes into the plunge pool.

This Southeast Asian-inspired resort has a cafe serving a continental breakfast buffet overlooking the communal pool, which is heated for comfort during the cooler dry season.

Just be aware, the villas have some semi-detached bedrooms (under the same roof line). This might not suit families with young children.

3. Beaches of Broome

Address: 4 Sanctuary Road
Price: $ – $$

guest room in beaches of broome hotel and backpackers

Relax in a private room between swims. (Image: Facebook/Beaches of Broome)

This hostel is the perfect base for exploring the abundance of adventures on offer at Cable Beach. Located just metres from the ocean, Beaches of Broome offers both dormitory accommodation and private rooms.

The piece de resistance, however, is the sparkling pool – the ideal locale for a cool drink with new or old friends.

4. Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa

Address: Cable Beach Road
Price: $$$$

Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa is the epitome.

If you know anything about Broome, chances are you’ve heard of the grand dame of hospitality, the Cable Beach Resort & Spa. You can really live it up at this iconic resort where the vibe is unmistakably zen.

Find four restaurants, two large pools (one adults-only), a spa and salon, a gym to get stuck into and a cocktail menu that’s as long as your arm. The eight-hectare property also offers a refresher room so you can use the resort facilities if you arrive or depart outside of check-in and out times.

When you’re not pool-hopping or playing tennis, you can take a boat tour, scenic flight, fishing charter or camel ride on Cable Beach.

5. Pinctada McAlpine House

Address: 55 Herbert St (Corner Louis St)
Price: $$$

Enjoy the heritage style of Pinctada McAlpine House. (Image: Facebook/Pinctada McAlpine House)

For fans of places with a past, Pinctada McAlpine House was constructed during the heyday of Broome’s pearl shelling industry. Located within walking distance of the town centre, the property now delivers the same historic charm in a more elegant setting.

Guests can choose from a variety of suite styles, from the Garden Suite, with its peaceful atmosphere, to the exclusive McAlpine Suite with its four-poster bed and claw foot bath.

6. Eco Beach Resort Broome

Address: Lot 323 Great Northern Highway
Price: $$$ – $$$$

woman swims in the infinity pool at Eco Beach Resort Broome

Swim the day away. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Gaze the afternoon away with unrivalled views across the Indian Ocean at the secluded Eco Beach Resort in your solar-panel-charged eco villa, glamping tent, or two-bedroom house.

When you can peel yourself away from your lodging, there is an onsite spa, complimentary daily yoga sessions, paddle boards and kayaks, shaded hammocks on the beach, an alluring infinity pool with comfy sun lounges and an incredible restaurant dishing out local produce.

To totally unwind don’t miss Eco Beach’s signature activity ‘Mud & Bubbles’ where you paint yourself with mangrove mud and sip bubbles while waiting for the mud to dry, before rinsing off in the Indian Ocean.

Eco Beach Resort is a 130km self-drive or shuttle bus south from Broome, or opt for a 25-minute helicopter transfer over some of the most spectacular coastline in the world.

7. Bali Hai Resort & Spa

Address: 6 Murray Road
Price: $$$ – $$$$

Step foot into Bali without leaving Broome. (Image: Facebook/ Bali Hai Resort & Spa)

Like being in the Bali of a bygone era, the relaxed Bali Hai Resort & Spa has a centre-piece swimming pool, lush grounds and spa treatments using traditional Balinese recipes. It’s impossible not to unwind here.

Set a couple of blocks back from Cable Beach Resort and adjacent to Kimberley Sands Resort, you have four self-contained villas to choose from, all with private courtyards and outdoor bathrooms. The restaurant (dinner only) has a great selection of dishes featuring Western Australian produce, such as prawns, beef eye fillet and pork belly. Dine inside or opt for a table on the deck that has been built around a shiny boab tree.

8. Mangrove Hotel

Address: 47 Carnarvon Street
Price: $$$ – $$$$

an outdoor pool with palm trees and sun loungers at Mangrove Hotel, Broome

Plunge straight into the pool at Mangrove Hotel.

Home to arguably Broome’s best view, Mangrove Hotel is polished down to the last detail. Along with two pools, the breezy hotel has a lively bar and restaurant that seamlessly flows from an indoor setting to an outdoor oasis.

Rooms are white and contemporary, with pops of turquoise fabrics that match the dreamy waters of Roebuck Bay.

9. Oaks Broome Hotel

Address: 99 Robinson Street
Price: $$$

Stay in central Broome at Oaks Broome Hotel.

Broome is home to two Oaks properties – one close to Cable Beach and the other a short walk from Chinatown. An advantage of staying in a chain hotel is that you mostly know what to expect before you even check-in.

Near Broome’s retail centre, Oaks Broome Hotel has around 100 hotel rooms, studios, and one- or two-bedroom self-contained apartments. Guests get access to the umbrella-lined pool and a restaurant that offers alfresco and air-conditioned dining.

10. Oaks Cable Beach Resort

Address: 11 Oryx Road
Price: $$ – $$$

interior suite at Oaks Cable Beach Resort

Opt for Oaks Cable Beach Resort for an amazing pool and beach access.

If you love swimming, sunbathing and a bit of luxury, you must plan your vacation around an amazing pool. Oaks Cable Beach Resort boasts five swimming pools including an impressive lagoon-style pool and a children’s wading pool where parents can take up position on a sun lounger. Here you have a choice of modern studio rooms and apartments ranging from one bedroom to three.

11. Moonlight Bay Suites

Address: 51 Carnarvon Street
Price: $$$ – $$$$

Soak in views of Roebuck Bay. (Image: Facebook/Moonlight Bay Suites)

You won’t be far from Matso’s famous Brewery if you check into the Moonlight Bay Suites or the Bayside Holiday Apartments, both owned by the Kimberley Accommodation Group.

Overlooking Roebuck Bay, Moonlight Bay Suites has a huge swimming pool, manicured gardens and 50 one- and two-bedroom suites, 18 of which boast bay views.

On the corner of Hamersley Street, over the road from Matso’s, Bayside Holiday Apartments offers basic apartments and a pool.

12. Roebuck Bay Hotel

Address: 33 Carnarvon Street
Price: $$ – $$$$

Party on at The Roey. (Image: Facebook/Roebuck Bay Hotel)

In the heart of Chinatown, The Roey (as it’s affectionately known) is Broome’s longest-standing hospitality establishment, dating back to 1890. If drag bingo, wet t-shirt competitions and nightclubbing until 3am is your type of holiday, then make a beeline for the Roey Backpackers and Party Bar.

Take a dip in the pool, prep a snack in the communal kitchen and make yourself comfy in one of the many, many bunk beds. If you’re after a room of your own, Roebuck Bay Hotel, as the name suggests, also has standard hotel rooms.

13. Mantra Frangipani Broome

Address: 15 Millington Road
Price: $$$ – $$$$

a pond where water lilies grow, Mantra Frangipani Broome

There’s a pond where water lilies grow at Mantra Frangipani Broome. (Image: Roderick Eime)

Mantra Frangipani Broome has apartments ranging from one bedroom to three, which feature a beachside vibe with tiled floors and bright artwork. Cool off in your private outdoor shower or grab a sun lounge next to one of the two pools.

It’s an easy walk from this Accor-owned hotel to the Cable Beach restaurants, or you can catch a bus to town directly outside the resort.

14. Mercedes Cove Exclusive Coastal Retreat

Address: Dampier Peninsula
Price: $$ – $$$

an aerial view of the beach at Mercedes Cove Exclusive Coastal Retreat

A tropical getaway awaits at Mercedes Cove Exclusive Coastal Retreat.

Overlooking the white sand of Pender Bay on the Dampier Peninsula about 190 kilometres north of Broome, sits the idyllic Mercedes Cove Exclusive Coastal Retreat glamping spot. Cue endless stargazing by night and whale watching by day.

You can choose from two eco-tents, a cabin with a real bathroom or our favourite – Open Deck, where you’ll sleep in a double bed under a mosquito net on the verandah.

a beachfront dining setup at Mercedes Cove Exclusive Coastal Retreat

Dine by the beach at Mercedes Cove Exclusive Coastal Retreat.

15. Jetwave Pearl

Address: Horizontal Falls
Price: $$$$$

the living room interior of Horizontal Falls Accommodation at Jet Wave Pearl

The Jet Wave Pearl can fit up to 20 guests. (Image: Taryn Yeates)

If you love the Horizontal Falls and want to stay longer than just a day, there’s an overnight experience on offer aboard Jetwave Pearl.

Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures 24-hour tour includes seaplane transfers from Broome, powerboat rides, a sunset cruise, swimming in a marine enclosure and an overnight stay on the two-level, 10-room Jetwave Pearl. It is one of our top picks for Broome tours for a reason.

a bed facing windows with waterfront views in Horizontal Falls Accommodation at Jet Wave Pearl

Wake up to uninterrupted waterfront views. (Image: Taryn Yeates)

Find more insider travel tips in our Broome travel guide.

16 unique places to stay along the Gibb River Road