Best of the Gibb River Road: an 11-day Kimberley itinerary

Leah McLennanBy Leah McLennan
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It’s the outback road trip to top them all, but don’t let that intimidate you – we’ve got just the thing.

Next time you hit the road, venture north for an epic 11-day trip through Western Australia’s captivating Kimberley wilderness. Hike to cascading waterfalls, camp near ancient boabs under a star-filled sky and find Aboriginal art in picturesque gorges.

The 660-kilometre mainly unsealed Gibb River Road cuts a swathe right through the heart of the Kimberley, between Derby and Kununurra. We’ve found the most ‘do-able’ way to navigate the iconic Gibb River Road.

Days one and two: Broome and Derby

In frangipani-scented Broome pick up some wheels – either a 4WD or campervan – and stock up on food and water, then head out of town to Derby, an easy two-hour drive on a sealed road.

two people stand captivated before a magnificent Boab Tree
Stand before the iconic boab tree just south of Derby. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Just before you reach Derby, your first stop is the ‘prison tree’, a large hollow boab believed to be around 1,500 years old. From here either pop into Derby for lunch (if you like kebab, head to the Cairo on Johnston Street) or turn onto the Gibb River Road after seeing the ‘prison tree’ and let the adventure begin!

the scenic rock formation at Windjana Gorge National Park, Gibb River Road itinerary
Windjana Gorge is carved out of the Napier Range. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Your next stop is two-hours down the track to stunning Bandiln͟gan (Windjana Gorge) National Park, situated within the Napier Ranges – an area partly made up of an ancient reef system formed around 350 million years ago.

a couple exploring Windjana Gorge with local Aboriginal tour guide, , Gibb River Road itinerary
Explore Windjana Gorge National Park with a local guide. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Once you’ve settled in, take the 3.5-kilometre Gorge Walk Trail, which winds its way through the gorge with its soaring 300-metre-high walls and deep freshwater pools. Keep an eye out for corellas, fruit bats and freshwater crocodiles.

Must-see highlights

Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek)

A trip out to Tunnel Creek, located 36 kilometres from Windjana Gorge, should be high on your agenda where you can make your way along the 750-metre-long subterranean waterway.

people visiting the Dimalurru Tunnel Creek, , Gibb River Road itinerary
Dimalurru Tunnel Creek is hidden beneath a mountain range. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Lillimilura Police Station

Visit the old homestead, which was built from local limestone in 1884 and later turned into a police outpost in Windjana Gorge National Park.

Accommodation tip: Bandiln͟gan (Windjana Gorge) Campground

Day three: Lennard River Gorge and Bell Gorge 

Wave goodbye to Windjana Gorge and hello to Lennard River Gorge, a 1.5-hour drive away. Pull on the walking boots again to take the challenging three-kilometre return walk from the parking area to the gorge lookout. If you can get there shortly after the wet season, you will see a spectacular cascading waterfall, which tumbles over red rocks and plunges into the narrow gorge below.

Possibly the prettiest gorge in the Kimberley, Bell Gorge, is a one-hour drive from Lennard River Gorge. From the car park, a short walk along Bell Creek leads to the gorge where water cascades down the cliffs into a deep pool that is perfect for swimming. Be prepared to spend the day here (it’s hard to leave). Flat rocks next to the waterhole make a divine sunbaking, snoozing or picnic spot.

the Bell Gorge, Gibb River Road, Kimberley WA
Immerse yourself in natural beauty at Bell Gorge. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Must-see highlights

Imintji Art Centre

Visit Imintji Art Centre  to view work from talented artists in the local community (you can refuel at Imintji Roadhouse).

kids painting at Imintji Campground Art Centre, , Gibb River Road itinerary
Immerse in local arts and crafts at Imintji Art Centre. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Galvans Gorge 

Take a dip at pretty Galvans Gorge, a good stop off on the journey between Bell Gorge and Manning Gorge (Mt Barnett Roadhouse).

the spacious grounds of Dulundi (Silent Grove) Campsite, Gibb River Road itinerary
Set up camp on Dulundi (Silent Grove) Campsite. (Image: Jacki Baxter)

Accommodation tip: Dulundi (Silent Grove) Campsite

Day four and five: Adcock Gorge and Manning Gorge

About halfway along the Gibb River Road, you’ll find Manning Gorge one of the most post-card worthy swimming spots in the Kimberley.

The campground is located seven kilometres from Mt Barnett Roadhouse and only a few minutes’ walk from the sandy banks of Manning Creek. Once you’ve set up camp, swim across the river to reach the start of the 5.6-kilometre return hike to Manning Gorge. You can easily spend hours here floating in the huge waterfall-fed pool.

a tranquil pool in Manning Gorge, Gibb River Road itinerary
Hike to the tranquil pool of the Manning Gorge. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Must-see highlights

Adcock Gorge

This secret little gem is just under an hours’ drive from Manning Gorge and boasts a dreamy emerald green pool with a small waterfall surrounded by ferns and grassy edges.

Gorges on Mt Elizabeth Station

It’s just 39 kilometres from Mt Barnett Roadhouse to Mt Elizabeth Station , home to Warla and Wunnamurra gorges, some of the quietest swimming and birdwatching spots in the Kimberley.

Accommodation tip: Camping area at Manning Gorge

Day six and seven: Drysdale River Station and Mitchell Falls

If you’re planning a trip to the Mitchell Falls (and why not?) then Drysdale River Station 165 kilometres from Manning Gorge on the Kalumburu Road is the place to stop on your way up and back.

If you have two nights to spare, continue your drive for four hours on the corrugated and rocky road to the Mitchell Plateau, where you can bushwalk, see Aboriginal rock art and swim at the four-tiered falls.

an aerial view of Mitchell Falls, Gibb River Road itinerary
The four-tiered Mitchell Falls from above. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Must-see highlights

Mitchell Falls walk

If you’ve made it all the way up to the Mitchell Plateau, then take the hike past Little Mertens Falls and Big Mertens Falls to the awe-inspiring Mitchell Falls.

a couple standing atop a cliff near Mitchell Falls, Gibb River Road itinerary
See the majestic Mitchell Falls. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Fly over Mitchell Plateau

Jump on a scenic flight at Drysdale River Station or at the Mitchell Falls Campground to see the unforgettable Mitchell Falls. From the campground it is possible to fly one-way and walk back (or vice versa).

an aerial view of the Mitchell Plateau
Fly above the Mitchell Plateau. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Accommodation tip: Drysdale River Station

Day eight: Ellenbrae Station 

Back on the Gibb River Road, it’s time for a cuppa and scones at Ellenbrae Station. Primarily a cattle station, in recent years it has become a popular stop for tourists during the dry season thanks to its rustic facilities, campground, cabins and two swimming holes.

the entrance at Ellenbrae Station
Step into an off-grid campsite at Ellenbrae Station.

Must-see highlights

Sandy Gorge

Take a dip or fish for Bream in the refreshing swimming hole Sandy Gorge on Ellenbrae Station.

Outdoor baths

Be sure to make time at Ellenbrae Station to wash away the dust in one of the outdoor claw baths, which can be booked for hour-long soaks. Take it up a notch and reserve the sunset session with cheese platter and bubbles for two.

the outdoor baths at Ellenbrae Station
Head to the outdoor baths to wash away the dust.

Accommodation tip: Ellenbrae Station

Day nine and ten: El Questro Wilderness Park

From Ellenbrae Station it’s a 160-kilometre drive south to El Questro Wilderness Park, an iconic outback holiday destination on the Kimberley’s eastern edge.

sunset at El Questro Wilderness Park, East Kimberley
El Questro Wilderness Park at sunset is beyond magnificent. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

To enter El Questro, you’ll cross the Pentecost River, one of the best spots in the area to go barramundi fishing. Set on 700,000 acres of stunning terrain, you’ll spot a plethora of native animals, birds and fish in the many rivers, freshwater springs and gorges.

the Pentecost River Crossing on a clear day
The Pentecost River Crossing spans through the central Kimberley Plateau to the Cambridge Gulf. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Must-see highlights

Chamberlain Gorge

Hop on a sunset cruise to Chamberlain Gorge for an excellent introduction to El Questro. On the water you’ll spot spitting Archer fish and huge, swirling Barramundi.

the Chamberlain Gorge in WA
Cruising the Chamberlain Gorge is truly one of a kind. (Image: Delaware North Companies/Tourism Australia)

Emma Gorge

Take the one-hour hike to Emma Gorge, a 30-minute drive from El Questro Station, and you’ll be rewarded with a swim in one of the Kimberley’s most spectacular and accessible gorges.

a woman sitting on a rock at Emma Gorge, El Questro Wilderness Park
Dip in a cool oasis between rocky cliffs at Emma Gorge. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Accommodation tip: Emma Gorge Resort

a couple sitting outside a luxury tent at Emma Gorge El Questro
Sleep under the stars at Emma Gorge Resort.

Day eleven: Kununurra

You’ve nearly made it! The last stretch of the Gibb River Road brings you to Kununurra, about 1.5 hours from El Questro.

For lucky folks with more time to spare, explore one of the Kimberley’s most incredible sites: Lake Argyle. Swimming or cruising on Lake Argyle, the largest man-made lake in the Southern Hemisphere, is the perfect way to finish an epic Gibb adventure.

an aerial view of Lake Argyle
Cruise along the calm waters of Lake Argyle. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Must-see highlights

Purnululu National Park

The World Heritage-listed Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park has become one of the most famous symbols of the Kimberley. See the giant rocky domes from the ground or the air.

huge striped rock formations at Purnululu National Park
Purnululu National Park is dotted with orange and black sandstone rock formations. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The Grotto

From El Questro, rather than heading to Kununurra first travel to Wyndham and squeeze in a visit to The Grotto. This spectacular swimming hole features a 120-metre cliff face that becomes a huge waterfall during the wet season.

two people atop The Grotto near Wyndham
Admire scenic landscapes atop The Grotto. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Accommodation tip: Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments

From Kununurra, either catch the plane or refuel and begin the stunning drive back to Broome via the Great Northern Highway (13 hours in total), stopping for a night at Fitzroy Crossing along the way.

The Crossing Inn in Fitzroy Crossing
Make a short stop to rest at The Crossing Inn. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
Leah McLennan
Leah McLennan is a freelance writer based in Darwin. She was a journalist in Sydney for over a decade and counts her time as travel editor for Australian Associated Press as one of the highlights of her career. From exploring remote campsites in the Top End with her family, to seeking out new art galleries in faraway cities, she’ll grab an adventurous or arty travel experience within her reach.
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7 Kimberley experiences that need to be on your bucket list

    Australian TravellerBy Australian Traveller
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    From thundering waterfalls to ancient Indigenous art, Kimberley’s raw beauty will take your breath away.

    Wild, pristine, and shaped by nature, the Kimberley Coast is one of Australia’s most spectacular landscapes. A remote and rugged frontier that remains a bucket list destination for many travellers. Its most breathtaking attractions – including Montgomery Reef, King George Falls and Horizontal Falls – are accessible only by sea or air, making a guided expedition cruise aboard Silversea’s luxury expedition ship, Silver Cloud, the ideal way to explore it.

    From its intricate intertidal zones to ancient rock art, extreme tides and rare wildlife found nowhere else in Australia – or the world – this journey offers an unparalleled exploration of one of Earth’s last true wildernesses.

    Why Silversea?

    Silversea offers a 10-day expedition departing Broome, or an extended 16-day expedition voyage from Indonesia, including landings on the hidden gems of Palopo Sulawesi and Komodo. Accompanied by expert guides and specialists in marine biology, history and geology, guests gain a deeper understanding of the Kimberley’s dramatic landscapes, rich cultural heritage and extraordinary biodiversity.

    Silversea offers one of the experiential travel industry’s leading crew-to-guest ratios. Along with all-suite accommodation (80 per cent with private verandah), 24-hour butler service, a swimming pool and four dining options. Silver Cloud also has an experienced crew of multilingual expedition guides and specialists in marine biology, history and geology to enhance your Kimberley Experience.

    silversea cruise ship pool deck
    Take a dip in the pool deck.

    1. Koolama Bay

    ​​Before visitors see King George Falls, they hear them – a growing rumble in the distance, steady and foreboding as the Zodiac glides through the gorge, the sound echoing off sheer rock formations. At 80 meters tall, the twin cascades carve through the red cliffs, churning the waters below in a spectacular finale – but Koolama Bay holds secrets beyond its striking scenery.

    Named after a ship that beached here following an aerial attack by Japanese bombers in World War II, the bay may seem desolate, yet it teems with life. With Silversea’s expert guides on their 10-day Kimberley itinerary, guests gain a sharper eye for its hidden wonders – rock wallabies darting across the cliffs, crocodiles lurking among dense green mangroves, and high above, the silhouette of a bird of prey circling the sky.

    King George Falls at koolama bay excursion on Silversea Kimberley Cruise
    Take a shore excursion to see King George Falls.

    2. Freshwater Cove / Wijingarra Butt Butt

    Connect with Country on a wet landing at Freshwater Cove, also known as Wijingarra Butt Butt. Considered one of the most special experiences on both the 16-day and 10-day Kimberley cruises, Silversea guests are welcomed by the traditional Indigenous custodians of the land, painted with traditional ochre, and invited to take part in a smoking ceremony.

    Located on the mainland near Montgomery Reef, Wijingarra Butt Butt holds deep cultural significance to the local Indigenous community. Here, rock formations along the shore represent spiritual ancestors, and guests are guided to a nearby rock overhang filled with ancient art, where traditional owners share the stories and meaning behind these sacred paintings.

    welcome to country on freshwater cove during silversea kimberley cruise
    Take part in a smoking ceremony. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

    3. Vansittart Bay (Jar Island)

    Modern history, ancient culture and mystery converge in Vansittart Bay, which is also known as Jar Island. Here, the first thing to catch the eye is the dented, silver fuselage of a World War II-era C-53 plane – a striking relic of the past. Yet, the true cultural treasures lie just a short hike away where two distinct styles of Indigenous rock art – Gwion Gwion and Wandjina – can be found.

    The Wandjina figures, deeply connected to Indigenous traditions, stand in stark contrast to the enigmatic Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) paintings, which date back more than 12,000 years. Significantly different in form and style, the two different styles create a striking juxtaposition, offering a rare glimpse into the region’s rich and complex past.

    aerial view of Vansittart Bay, See it in you Silversea Kimberley Cruise.
    Explore ancient Gwion Gwion rock art at Vansittart Bay. (Image: Janelle Lugge)

    4. Horizontal Falls

    Part illusion, part natural phenomenon, the Kimberley’s much-lauded Horizontal Falls aren’t a waterfall, but a tidal and geographic spectacle that visitors have to see to comprehend. Known as Garaanngaddim, the phenomenon occurs when seawater rushes through two narrow gaps- one just twenty metres wide, and the other seven metres in width, between the escarpments of Talbot Bay.

    With each tidal shift,  the force of the water creates whirlpools, furious currents and the illusion of a horizontal cascade as thousands of gallons of water are pushed and pulled in through the gap every six hours with relentless movement, making this one of the Kimberley ’s most mesmerising natural wonders.

    Horizontal Falls are described as "One of the greatest wonders of the natural world". They are formed from a break in-between the McLarty Ranges reaching up to 25m in width. The natural phenomenon is created as seawater builds up faster on one side of the gaps than the other, creating a waterfall up to 5m high on a King tide.
    Watch whirlpools and furious currents collide. (Image: Janelle Lugge)

    5. Montgomery Reef

    As the tide turns in Montgomery Reef, magic happens. With the Kimberley’s legendary tides varying up to ten metres, at low tide the submerged reef almost appears to rise from the depths: exposing up to four metres of the sandstone reef.

    The impact is otherworldly: as the water drains, waterfalls cascade on either side of the channel,  turtles left exposed scramble and dive, and fish leap in search of sanctuary in shallow pools. Meanwhile, the dinner bell rings for the migratory seabirds dugongs, reef sharks and dolphins that scavenge and feast in the area.

    Using zodiacs, guests cruise through one of the world’s most significant inshore reef systems navigated by experienced guides, exploring the most intricate and fascinating parts of a 300-square-kilometre-wide biodiversity hotspot.

    aerial view of boat going along Montgomery Reef
    Witness seabirds, dolphins and reef sharks on the hunt.

    6. Mitchell Falls by Helicopter

    Experiencing the Kimberley by sea allows you to feel the power of the tides, but travelling by helicopter reveals the sandstone tapestry of the Kimberley, a landscape geologists believe is over 1.8 billion years old.

    One of Silversea’s most popular optional excursions , guests who opt to fly into the interior from the onboard helipad soar up above the rust-coloured landscape of the Mitchell plateau, taking in one of Australia’s most scenic waterfalls: Mitchell Falls, a series of four emerald-coloured pools gently cascades into each other, before plunging down to the river below.

    Seeing the landscape from above reveals a landscape weaved and shaped by the power of the freshwater wet season, juxtaposed to the constant lapping of the relentless and powerful tide on the coast.

    aerial view of mitchell falls on silversea helicopter excursion
    See emerald pools cascade into the river below. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

    7. Indigenous Art Caves, Wandjina Art

    The Kimberley Region of Western Australia is home to some of the most striking and significant

    Indigenous rock art in Australia. Dotted throughout the landscape are caves, cliffs and rock overhangs depicting the striking, ethereal image of Wandjina, the rainmaker spirit and creation being central to many of the Dreamtime stories in this region.

    Some of the paintings are regularly repainted by traditional custodians, while others are believed to be over 4,000 years old. Each artwork serves as both a cultural record and a living connection to the past, offering a rare opportunity to engage with the enduring traditions of the Kimberley’s Indigenous communities.

    Freshwater Cover Rock Art the kimberleys
    Walk among cultural records preserved in stone. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

    See the best of this incredible part of the world on a Silversea Kimberley cruise. Book your 10- or extended 16-day expedition voyage at silversea.com