Gibb River Rd – Everything You Need to Know

There are many wondrous things to see along the 660-kilometre Gibb River Road in Western Australia’s Kimberley but, no matter which way you do it – whether you sleep under the stars or at five-star homesteads – it promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Neither saltwater crocodiles nor the blazing sun can put travellers off what many consider is Australia’s ultimate drive holiday. It leads to turquoise gorges, vast cattle stations and crosses ranges that were once coral reefs on the seabed.

Named after geologist Andrew Gibb Maitland, the Gibb traverses the traditional lands of many Kimberley Aboriginal people, including the Njikena, Bunuba, Ongkomi, Ngarinyin, Gedija, Worrorra and Wunumbal language groups.

The Gibb was constructed as a beef road in the 1960s but the history of the track stretches back some 60 years. Pastoralists had cut rough paths in the area to move cattle between the ports of Derby and Wyndham and outlying stations.

Today, most of this road between Kununurra in the east and Derby in the west is still unsealed, which means you will come across long stretches of road with heavy corrugations. It’s all part of the fun.

Gibb River Road main attractions

Windjana Gorge

To visit Windjana Gorge is to visit the bottom of a tropical sea – or what was one, some 380 million years ago. A walk into the valley reveals fossilised remnants of an ancient sea-dwelling creature – the nautiloid – etched into the gorge wall alongside you, and an olive-green valley of prehistoric proportions.

Windjana Gorge is carved out of the Napier Range. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

But the highlight is in the middle of it all; a bottle green stillness where dozens of freshwater crocodiles lie stationary. It feels like a land lost in time – and perhaps it is.

a freshwater crocodile at Windjana Gorge, Windjana Gorge National Park

Watch out for freshwater crocodiles along the gorge trail. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Bell Gorge

This gorge is considered the most beautiful of the Gibb, and with good reason: there are not one, but two Olympic-sized silken black pools here, cupped by an ochre amphitheatre and multi-tiered waterfall, which can be followed downstream to another waterhole, and another, and another.

The stunning Bell Gorge is situated just off Gibb River Road. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Though that means you’ll usually be surrounded by other visitors – a good 15 people were there when we visited; practically crowded by Kimberley standards – it’s nothing a swim downstream can’t fix. And let me tell you, little in life compares to sitting back and staring at the sky, as some of the world’s purest waters slide over your shoulders from the waterhole above.

water flowing downstream from above the Bell Gorge

Some of the world’s purest waters slide down the Bell Gorge. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Adcock Gorge

Most Kimberley guidebooks don’t have a lot to say about Adcock Gorge so it’s a bit of a secret gem. The short, five-kilometre trip off-road leads you to a fairly ordinary scene – a small, cloudy billabong, filled with a few plants – but follow the creek away from the grassy ‘car park’, over an easy scramble up rocks, and you’ll find a network of well-worn paths leading to a best-kept national secret.

The waterhole here – a beautiful, deep, shockingly turquoise pool – is a lush little den, framed by the majestic red-black swirl of rocky cliff face and lit by sunshine as soft and light as cotton wool. When you’re lying on your back, swimming in that water, take a moment to think about how fantastic outback life can be.

Manning Gorge

The path to Manning Gorge, an hour-long journey through the bush, is defined only by a smattering of painted rocks and strategically placed bits of plastic. There are no council-posted signs. No boardwalks. Just to access the track you need to cross a 100-metre wide creek – but the journey’s worth it for the adventure alone.

Once at your destination you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful, deep pool that you can jump into from several ledges on the waterfall; climb the waterfall to its top and there is another pool above that. Alternatively, turn left when you arrive, and you’ll find waterhole after waterhole downstream.

Dip in the tranquil pools of the Manning River. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Gibb River Road tours

An undeniable benefit of travelling the Gibb on an organised group tour is you don’t have to worry about driving, changing your own tyres, carrying enough water or getting lost. Here are some of the best Gibb tours on offer.

Kimberley Wild Expeditions

Family-owned and operated Kimberley Wild Expeditions offers excellent value tours along the Gibb in their custom built vehicles. Accommodation is in pre-erected tents and swags and all meals are included. Choose from the shorter five-day tour or go all out and jump on the 14-day Kimberley trail, which includes a journey to the Mitchell Plateau.

APT Touring

Get off the bitumen and jump on a 4WD adventure with APT, which boasts experienced driver-guides.

the Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park

Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park is awe-striking. (Image: Australian Pacific Touring Pty Ltd)

Their 15-day Kimberley Complete departs from Broome and travels along the Gibb, staying at comfy properties, including their Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge and Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge.

a couple sitting outside their tent at Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge

Stay in a luxury tent at Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge. (Image: Australian Pacific Touring Pty Ltd)

InStyle Adventures

For a truly intimate touring experience, opt for an adventure along the Gibb with InStyle Adventures.

Explore the Gibb with InStyle Adventures. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Their tours are offered as private departures, ideal for couples, families and friends, which are tailored to your interests, abilities and time frame. Alternatively join a scheduled small group shared departure.

a couple hanging out outside their luxury tent, InStyle Adventures, Kimberley

Experience outback luxury. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Sleep along the way in stylish outback accommodation, from remote wilderness lodges, to working cattle stations and motel style rooms.

a luxury tent at InStyle Adventures, Kimberley

Sleep under the stars in a luxury tent. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Gibb River Road accommodation

Accommodation along the Gibb River Road is as diverse as its waterholes, so you can really choose your own adventure. Whether you’re looking to bunker down at the classic cattle stations of Birdwood Downs, Mount Hart, Mount Barnett, Mount Elizabeth, Drysdale River or Ellenbrae Station, or under the canvas at one of APT’s perfectly positioned lodges, here are some of the best accommodations options.

El Questro Wilderness Park

This swathe of wilderness is home to several different kinds of accommodation, including basic camping and air-conditioned bungalows, but it is the luxe ultra-retreat, The Homestead, that draws travellers from across the globe.

Embrace off-grid living at El Questro Wilderness Park. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

With an upper limit of 20 guests at any one time – media moguls, music legends and movie stars often among them – the civilised microcosm of The Homestead sits in perfect contrast to the wilderness around it: a gentle blend of silver service and the rugged outback.

The Homestead at El Questro Wilderness Park

Stay by the side of the river at The Homestead. (Image: Delaware North Companies)

Ellenbrae Station

An English garden in the middle of the outback: why not? But the owners of Ellenbrae Station weren’t satisfied that they’d done enough to create an outstanding Kimberley experience with their verdant oasis: their locally famous scones, served with jam and cream on the homestead’s balcony, have made this a required pit stop along The Gibb.

Rest for a while at Ellenbrae Station.

APT’s Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge

In an enviable position just 200 metres off the Gibb River Road, Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge is located on an Indigenous-owned site close to the Imintji Aboriginal community. Although you’re right in the bush, you won’t be roughing it here. Think tented cabins with ensuites, three-course dinners and packed lunches.

the APT Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge at dusk

The APT tour package includes an exclusive stay at Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Gibb River Road itineraries

The Gibb is a 660-kilometre track accessible between April and October, weather dependent. Allow a week up to 14 days to experience all the Gibb has to offer, or choose your must-see locations for a shorter trip.

Derby to Kununurra in 11 days

Call into Derby before beginning your journey along the iconic Gibb River Road. During this 11-day odyssey you will discover the West Kimberley Gorges, the Mitchell Plateau and El Questro Wilderness Park.

a scenic view of the Mitchell Falls, Kimberley

The four-tiered Mitchell Falls is a sight to behold. (Image: Sarah Duguid Photography)

Derby to Kununurra in 14 days

Add on a couple of days to the 11-day itinerary by driving to the remote Mitchell Plateau and venture into Purnululu National Park to explore the Bungle Bungles and witness the vast waters of Lake Argyle.

The majestic Lake Argyle is teeming with diverse flora and fauna. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Western Gorges Loop

Plunge deep into the rugged, red reaches of the Kimberley with its majestic caves and cavernous gorges 350 million years in the making. Highlights of this itinerary include Broome, Derby and Fitzroy Crossing.

an aerial view of the Geikie Gorge National Park

Explore Geikie Gorge on a boat tour. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Start by travelling from Broome to Derby and on to Windjana Gorge and Fitzroy Crossing. From Fitzroy Crossing take the 20-kilometre drive north to Geikie Gorge National Park and the 90-kilometre journey east to the Mimbi Caves. Either return to Broome or drive on to Kununurra.

an aerial view of the Mimbi Caves, Kimberley

See striking limestone formations and fossilised reefs at Mimbi Caves. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Start planning

Fuel and basic supplies are available at a small number of roadhouses and stations along the Gibb River Road. Travellers are advised to carry jerry cans with extra fuel.

a man standing with a bonfire setup at sunset, the Kimberly and Gibb River Road trip

Prepare for a journey of a lifetime. (Image: Sean Scott)

Fuel along the Gibb River Road

Derby – Imintji Store – 227km
Imintji Store – Mt Barnett Roadhouse – 80 kilometres
Mt Barnett Roadhouse – El Questro – 320 kilometres
El Questro – Kununurra 81 kilometres

Fuel along the Kalumburu Road/Mitchell Plateau

Drysdale River Station

FAQ: The Gibb River Road

Where does the Gibb River Road start and end?

Just a few kilometres outside Derby (a two-hour drive from Broome) and 51 kilometres from Kununurra.

driving along Cockburn Ranges, Gibb River Road

The iconic Gibb River Road starts from Derby to Kununurra. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

How long does it take to drive the Gibb River Road?

Allow 7-14 days to experience all the Gibb has to offer. If you want to zoom along the 660-kilometre track without hardly any stops it would take 10 to 11 hours.

Buckle up and get ready for the long drive. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

How difficult is the Gibb River Road?

The majority of Gibb River Road is unsealed, which means you will come across long stretches of road with heavy corrugations, loose gravel, potholes and rocks. Be prepared for a bumpy and sometimes slow journey for most of the trip.

an aerial view of a vehicle driving along the red dirt on Gibb River Rd

Red dirt stretches across the remote Gibb River Rd. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Is Gibb River Road 4WD only?

To get the most out of the Gibb River Road you need a 4WD. If the Pentecost River level is high you won’t be able to go through it without a 4WD. For a taste of the Gibb without a 4WD you can travel from Kununurra to El Questro’s Emma Gorge, which is 25 kilometres on a sealed section of the Gibb River Road and just 2 kilometres on a gravel driveway.

a 4WD crossing the Pentecost River along the Gibb River Road

The drive across Pentecost River along the Gibb River Road. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

This remote corner of Australia is one of the world’s last frontiers. This is how to see it properly.

Vast, rugged and deeply spiritual, the Kimberley coast in Australia’s North West feels a world away from everyday Australia – and there are countless ways to explore it. But if you want to reach ancient rock art, hidden gorges and lonely waterfalls, it has to be by boat. Whether you’re aboard a nimble expedition vessel or a luxury yacht with all the trimmings, exploring by the water brings exclusive experiences, shows unique views and makes travel easier than any other mode. And that’s just the beginning of Australia’s North West cruises.

The True North Adventure Cruise in between sandstone cliffs.

Adventure starts where the road ends.

1. Discover Broome, and beyond

Explore your launchpad before you set sail: Broome. Here camels and their riders stride along the 22 kilometres of powdery Cable Beach at sunset. That’s just the start.

At Gantheaume Point, red pindan cliffs plunge into the turquoise sea, whose low tide uncovers fossilised dinosaur footprints. Broome’s pearling history runs deep. Japanese, Chinese, Malay and Aboriginal divers once worked these waters, and their legacy lives on in boutiques where South Sea pearls still shine.

If the moon’s right, you may catch the Staircase to the Moon over Roebuck Bay. Or simply kick back with a cold beverage and a film under the stars at Sun Pictures, screening since 1916.

Ride a camel along Cable Beach as the sun sinks into the Indian Ocean, casting golden light across the sand and sea.

Ride a camel along Cable Beach. (Image: Nick Dunn)

2. Unmatched access to The Kimberley

Once you’re onboard, expect a backstage pass to some of the most isolated places on Earth. No roads. No ports. No phone reception.

At Horizontal Falls/ Garaanngaddim, 10-metre tides surge through twin gorges like a natural waterpark ride that’ll make your palms sweat. Then there’s Montgomery Reef/ Yowjab: a giant living platform of coral and seagrass, where the sea pulls back to reveal waterfalls, sea turtles and ospreys.

Up north, King George Falls/ Oomari rage 80 metres down red cliffs. Zodiac boats often nudge in closer so you can feel the spray on your sun-warmed cheeks. You might even fly in to reach Mitchell Falls/ Punamii-unpuu, a four-tiered cascade where you can swim in freshwater pools above the drop.

Come spring, some itineraries veer west to Rowley Shoals: an atoll chain of white sand and reef walls. Then it’s up the winding Prince Regent River to King Cascade/ Maamboolbadda, tumbling over rock terraces, and into a Zodiac to view the Gwion Gwion rock art, whose slender, ochre-painted figures are older than the pyramids.

A cruise drifts beneath King George Falls, where sheer sandstone cliffs frame the thunderous plunge into turquoise waters.

Get closer to the Kimberley than ever before.

3. Taste the Kimberley with onboard hospitality

You might spend your days clambering over slippery rocks or charging past waterfalls. But when you’re back on the water, it’s a different story. Meals are chef-prepared and regionally inspired: grilled barramundi, pearl meat sashimi, mango tarts, and bush tomato chutney. One night it’s barefoot beach barbecues with your shipmates; the next, alfresco dining on the ship.

Small expedition ships each have their own personality, but many carry just 12 to 36 guests, making being out on the water a whole other experience. You might sink into a spa on the foredeck or sip coffee in a lounge while watching crocodiles cruise by. It’s choose-your-own-relaxation, Kimberley style.

4. Expert-led excursions through the Kimberley

These voyages are led by people who know the Kimberley like the back of their sunburnt hand. Attenborough-esque naturalists might gently tap your shoulder to point out rare birds or tell the story beneath a slab of rock. Historians can explain exactly how that rusted World War II relic came to rest here.

If your ship has a helipad, you might chopper straight to a waterfall-fed swimming hole. If not, you’ll still be hopping ashore for that wet landing at a secret creek.

Then come the evenings: songlines shared by Traditional Owners under the stars, or astronomy sessions that link what’s overhead with what’s underfoot and what’s within.

A small group glides through Kimberley’s rugged coastline by boat, passing ancient cliffs.

Explore with naturalists and historians by your side.

5. Relax in luxurious lodgings

Just because you’re off-grid doesn’t mean you have to rough it. These Kimberley vessels are small in size, but mighty in luxury. True North’s ships come with their own helicopters and a no-sea-days policy, so you’re always in the thick of it. Try the luxurious offerings from Ocean Dream Charters for exploration in style. Kimberley Quest offers a fast boat for easy, off-ship adventures. On the larger end of the scale, Coral Expeditions has open-deck bars and curated wine cellars. And then there’s Ponant’s luxury yachts – sleek and incredibly stylish French sailing yachts.

A helicopter soars above the sea, with a sleek cruise ship gliding in the distance.

See the Kimberley from sky to shore.

6. The adventure continues with pre- and post-cruise experiences

You’ve already come this far – so, why not go further? Broome makes it easy to ease in before you board, or wind down when your voyage ends, and there is no reason to stop there.

Head an hour and a half south to Eco Beach to stay off-grid and off the clock. Join a Yawuru guide for a mangrove walk or ocean forage. Dive even deeper into Broome’s pearling past at Willie Creek or Cygnet Bay, where divers and craftspeople still pull the seawater-slicked gems from the deep.

If you’re still craving adventure, it’s time to go further. Soar over the Buccaneer Archipelago, or detour inland with a 4WD trip along the Gibb River Road. Book a scenic flight over the Bungle Bungles. Or – because you never know when you’ll be back – do all three.

aerial of people walking on eco beach in the kimberley western australia

Stay off grid at Eco Beach. (Image: Tourism WA)

Find out more about your trip to Australia’s North West at australiasnorthwest.com.

Here’s everything you need to know about Gibb River Rd