Best Of The Gibb River Road: An 11-day Kimberley Itinerary

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.

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

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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.

Accommodation tip: Ellenbrae Station

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

Time your visit to Margaret River just right, and you can spend the ultimate weekend wining, dining and exploring the region with Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover.

Wine, world-class produce, surf, sun and beaches: it’s an alluring combination. And the reason so many pin the Margaret River region high on their travel hit-lists. There’s drawcard after drawcard to the southwestern corner of Western Australia, and the Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover food and wine festival showcases the best of it over the course of one weekend in November. It’s never been easier to sip, see and savour the Margaret River region.

In partnership with Pair’d Margaret River Region, Range Rover invites you on a seven-day itinerary of refined adventure, where luxury and exploration go hand in hand. It’s the perfect WA road trip, and there’s no better way to do it than in a Range Rover.

Day 1

the pool at Pullman Bunker Bay — Check into Pullman Bunker Bay.

There’s no more popular West Australian road trip route than that between Perth and the Margaret River Region. It’s an easily digestible, three-hour drive, with worthy pit stops along the way.

Make the first of them one hour and 15 minutes in, at Lake Clifton. Here, find a 2000-year-old living thrombolite reef. Drive for a further 40 minutes and chance meeting some of Bunbury’s dolphin population at Koombana Bay.

Pullman Bunker Bay is the final stop, just over three hours south of Perth. This beachfront, five-star resort is the ultimate base for exploring the Margaret River Wine region.

Day 2

After a leisurely morning breakfast with an ocean view, start your Range Rover and head towards the Dunsborough town centre. Browsing the decidedly coastal-themed goods of the town’s many independent boutiques is a great way to while away the hours, breaking up the sartorial with an artisan gelato snack stop, or some good old-fashioned Australian bakery fare.

Leave room; you’ll need it for the Good Natured Gathering dinner at Wayfinder. Indulge in a four-course feast by chef Felipe Montiel, which uses produce from the winery’s market garden to enhance a selection of sustainably sourced seafood and meat. But food is just the support act. It’s organic wine that’s the star of the show, generously poured and expertly paired to each dish.

Day 3

Settle in for cabernet at Cape Mentelle Winery.

With a grand total of 20 wines from vintage 2022 to try, it’s a good thing Cape Mentelle’s International Cabernet Tasting kicks off early. Make your way to the estate for a 10:00 AM start, where a global selection of wines will be poured blind, before a long lunch by Tiller Dining is served.

Given that the Margaret River is responsible for more than 20 per cent of Australia’s fine wine production, it’s only right to delve into it while in the area.

Continue exploring the region via taste and terroir aboard Alison Maree, a whale-watching catamaran, as you cruise Geographe Bay . Admire the rolling green hills and crisp white beaches of Quindalup in sunset’s golden light, all the while sipping through the Clairault Streicker catalogue and dining on canapes.

For a more substantial dinner, venture into Busselton for a seven-course British x Australian mash-up , courtesy of Brendan Pratt (Busselton Pavilion) and Oliver Kent (Updown Farmhouse, UK). They’ll be putting their rustic yet refined spin on the likes of local marron, wagyu and abalone – championing the simple beauty of the world-class ingredients.

Day 4

Wrap your fingers around a wine glass and wiggle your toes into the sand at Pair’d Beach Club x Range Rover on Meelup Beach. Sit down to an intimate wine session with sommelier Cyndal Petty – or a four-course feast by Aaron Carr of Yarri – and revel in the open-air beach club, bar and restaurant’s laidback coastal vibe. It’s a whole new way to experience one of the region’s most renowned beaches.

Follow up a day in the sun with a casual Italian party at Mr Barvel Wines . Purchase wines –including the elusive, sold-out Nebbia – by the glass and enjoy canapes with the towering Karri forest as a backdrop.

If you’d prefer to keep it local, head to Skigh Wines for the New Wave Gathering , where the region’s independent wine makers and their boundary-pushing wines will be on show. Street-style eats, a DJ and complimentary wine masterclasses complete the experience.

Day 5

pair'd Grand Tasting — Taste your way through Howard Park Wines. (Image: C J Maddock)

Spend the morning at your leisure, driving the winding roads through the Boranup Karri forest in your Range Rover. Soak in the views at Contos Beach, and call into the small cheese, chocolate and preserve producers along the way.

Make your next stop Howard Park Wines for The Grand Tasting presented by Singapore Airlines . Numerous wine labels will be pouring their catalogues over four hours, accompanied by food from chefs Matt Moran and Silvia Colloca, with live opera providing the soundtrack.

Cap off a big weekend with one last hurrah at Busselton Pavilion. Six ‘local legends’ – chefs Brendan Pratt (Busselton Pavilion), Mal Chow (Chow’s Table), Aaron Carr (Yarri), Ben Jacob (Lagoon Yallingup), Corey Rozario (Dahl Daddies) and Laura Koentjoro (Banksia Tavern) – will be preparing a dish each. Dance the night away as vinyl spins and the sun sets on another day.

Day 6

Ngilgi Cave western australia — Head underground. (Image: Tourism WA)

After a busy few days of wining and dining, it’s wise to observe a rest day. There’s no easier task than unwinding in the Margaret River Region, also famous for its high concentration of world-class beaches.

Relax on the grassy knoll as you watch the region’s most experienced surfers braving the World Surf League break at Surfer’s Point, or don your own wetsuit and try out one of Gracetown’s more beginner-friendly waves. Swimmers will find their Eden at Meelup Beach, Eagle Bay, or Point Piquet, where the sand is brilliantly white and the water as still as a backyard swimming pool.

Not into sun, sand, and surf? Head underground at Mammoth Cave, just one of the region’s many stalactite-filled caves.

Day 7

Burnt Ends event at Pair'd — Farewell the Margaret River.

Pack up your Range Rover with new favourite wines and newfound memories, ready for the three-hour journey back to Perth.

Prebook your discovery journey through the south-west corner of Western Australia with Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover.

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

Days one and two: Broome and Derby

Must-see highlights

Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek)

Lillimilura Police Station

Day three: Lennard River Gorge and Bell Gorge

Must-see highlights

Imintji Art Centre

Galvans Gorge

AI Prompt

Day four and five: Adcock Gorge and Manning Gorge

Must-see highlights

Adcock Gorge

Gorges on Mt Elizabeth Station

Day six and seven: Drysdale River Station and Mitchell Falls

Must-see highlights

Mitchell Falls walk

Fly over Mitchell Plateau

Day eight: Ellenbrae Station

Must-see highlights

Sandy Gorge

Outdoor baths

Day nine and ten: El Questro Wilderness Park

Must-see highlights

Chamberlain Gorge

Emma Gorge

Day eleven: Kununurra

Must-see highlights

Purnululu National Park

The Grotto

This magical outback feast is hidden amid boab trees and red cliffs

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Time your visit to Margaret River just right, and you can spend the ultimate weekend wining, dining and exploring the region with Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover.

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Pair’d Margaret River Region is proudly owned by the Western Australian Government, through Tourism WA.