660 kilometres of red dirt, ancient gorges, station stays and some of the most spectacular scenery in Australia. Here's how to plan your Gibb.
Road conditions on the Gibb River Road change frequently. Always check current conditions with Main Roads WA (mainroads.wa.gov.au) before travelling. Information on this page is a guide only and may not reflect current conditions. mainroads.wa.gov.au
The Gibb River Road runs 660 km through the heart of the Kimberley, connecting Derby in the west to Kununurra in the east. Originally constructed in the 1960s as part of the federal Beef Roads Programme to transport cattle from remote stations to the ports of Derby and Wyndham, the road today is one of Australia's most iconic 4WD adventures.
The route crosses the traditional lands of many Kimberley peoples, including the Njikena, Bunuba, Ongkomi, Ngarinyin, Gedija, Worrorra and Wunumbal language groups. A rich Indigenous culture has been practised throughout the area for many thousands of years, and Gwion (Bradshaw) and Wandjina rock art traditions are features of the rock paintings found throughout the region.
The Gibb is unsealed for most of its length and a 4WD with good ground clearance is essential. The road is generally open from around May to October — check current conditions before you travel, as river crossings and road quality vary significantly from season to season.
The river gorges, cascading waterfalls and freshwater swimming holes along the Gibb are some of nature's best. While exploring, keep an eye out for Aboriginal rock art under ledges and overhangs — these are important cultural sites, so please do not touch or disturb them.
Tiered waterfalls and a deep swimming hole
Bell Gorge is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful spots on the Gibb — a series of tiered waterfalls dropping into a deep swimming hole surrounded by red rock. It's about 8 km from the Gibb River Road via a rough track. Camping is available at Silent Grove campground nearby.
The most accessible gorge on the Gibb
Galvans Gorge is just 1 km off the road, making it the most accessible gorge along the Gibb. A short walk leads to a pretty waterfall and swimming hole. Look for Aboriginal rock art on the walls. A popular and rewarding stop that suits all fitness levels.
A rewarding walk to a beautiful waterfall
Manning Gorge requires a short river crossing (rope provided) and a 3 km walk, but rewards with a stunning waterfall and deep swimming hole. It's at Mount Barnett Station, which also offers camping and a roadhouse. The crossing can be impassable after rain.
A peaceful swimming spot on Mt House Station
A peaceful and less-visited gorge on Mt House Station. A short walk leads to a pretty swimming hole with clear water and shaded banks. A good stop for a swim and a rest on the drive east.
A serene waterfall in a dramatic canyon
Emma Gorge is one of the most beautiful gorges in the Kimberley — a one-hour walk over rocky terrain leads to a serene waterfall and swimming hole enclosed by towering canyon walls. Located within El Questro Wilderness Park near Kununurra.
Ancient reef, freshwater crocs and towering walls
Windjana Gorge is carved through the ancient Devonian reef, with 90-metre limestone walls and a permanent waterhole home to freshwater crocodiles. One of the most accessible gorges on the Gibb, about 145 km east of Derby. Camping is available at the national park campground.
Dotted along the Gibb, a number of former and current cattle stations offer camping, comfortable accommodation and meals, as well as the chance to discover gorges and sights tucked away in millions of acres of remote country. Allow at least an overnight stay to give yourself enough time to explore.
~100 km west of Kununurra
El Questro sprawls over 700,000 acres and is one of the world's most unique holiday destinations. Options range from budget camping to the luxury Homestead. Highlights include Emma Gorge, Zebedee Springs (thermal pools) and Amalia Gorge.
~190 km east of Derby
Nestled in a hidden oasis along the Gibb, Mount Hart Wilderness Lodge is a popular base for adventurous travellers. Unbeatable proximity to many of the region's major gorges and walking tracks.
~340 km east of Derby
Located roughly halfway between Kununurra and Derby, Mt Elizabeth Station is about as close to the heart of the Kimberley as you can get. Camping and station accommodation available. Gateway to Manning Gorge.
~430 km east of Derby (230 km from Kununurra)
A much-loved stop for travellers seeking outback charm, shady lawns and freshwater swimming holes — and the most famous scones in the Kimberley. A warm welcome and a genuine station experience.
Several national parks and conservation areas are accessible from the Gibb River Road. A WA National Parks Pass is recommended if you plan to visit multiple parks.
Carved by the Lennard River through the ancient Devonian reef, Windjana Gorge is over three kilometres long with 90-metre walls. Freshwater crocodiles are a common sight in the permanent waterhole.
Western Australia's oldest cave system. Walk through 750 metres of tunnel carved by Tunnel Creek through the Napier Range — wading through water in places. Home to freshwater crocodiles and thousands of bats.
Situated on the south-western edge of the Kimberley Plateau along the Gibb River Road. Encompasses Bell Gorge and Silent Grove campground. One of the most visited areas on the Gibb.
The four-tiered Mitchell Falls is an iconic Kimberley attraction. Accessible via the Kalumburu Road detour north of the Gibb. A Unuguu Visitor Pass is required and can be purchased online or at Drysdale River Station.
Fuel and basic supplies are available at a small number of roadhouses and stations. Carry jerry cans with extra fuel — distances between stops can exceed 200 km, and side tracks to gorges and accommodation add extra kilometres.
Derby
Full fuel and supplies. Last major town before the Gibb.
Imintji Store (~227 km from Derby)
Diesel only. Mechanical and tyre repair. Grocery items. Hours vary — check before relying on it.
Mt Barnett Roadhouse (~307 km from Derby)
Diesel and petrol. Grocery items. Gateway to Manning Gorge.
Mt Elizabeth Station (~346 km from Derby)
Diesel only.
El Questro (~540 km from Derby)
Diesel and petrol. Minor mechanical and tyre repair. Grocery items.
Kununurra
Full fuel and supplies. End of the Gibb.
Drysdale River Station (Kalumburu Road)
Diesel and petrol. Tyre repairs. Grocery items. For travellers heading to Mitchell Falls.
A 4WD with good ground clearance is essential. The road surface varies from graded gravel to rough corrugations and rocky sections. River crossings can be deep after rain. Carry two spare tyres, a tyre repair kit, a high-lift jack and recovery gear. A snorkel is not required for most of the season, but useful early in the dry.
The Gibb is generally open from around May to October. The road is closed or impassable during and after the wet season. Opening and closing times vary each year depending on weather and road conditions. Check current conditions with Main Roads WA before you travel.
Many campgrounds and station stays require advance bookings, especially in peak season (June–August). National park entry fees apply at Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek and other DBCA-managed sites. A WA National Parks Pass is good value if you plan to visit multiple parks. Mitchell Falls requires a Unuguu Visitor Pass.
Stock up in Broome, Derby or Kununurra before you go — all have well-stocked supermarkets. Local butchers in Broome and Kununurra can cryovac meat packs for the trip; order well in advance. Carry enough water for at least two days. A satellite communicator is strongly recommended.
Allow at least 14 days to truly do the Gibb justice. This 7-day itinerary covers the highlights at a comfortable pace from Derby.
Derby
Arrive Derby. Explore the town, visit the Prison Boab Tree, stock up on supplies and fuel.
Windjana Gorge & Tunnel Creek
Morning at Windjana Gorge — walk the gorge floor and spot freshwater crocs. Afternoon at Tunnel Creek. Camp at Windjana.
Bell Gorge
Drive to Silent Grove campground via the Gibb. Walk to Dalmanyi (Bell Gorge) — swim in the tiered waterfall pools.
Galvans Gorge & Manning Gorge
Quick stop at Galvans Gorge (1 km off the road). Continue to Mt Barnett Station. Cross the river and walk to Manning Gorge waterfall.
Adcock Gorge & Mt Elizabeth Station
Stop at Adcock Gorge for a swim. Overnight at Mt Elizabeth Station — one of the most remote and authentic station stays on the Gibb.
El Questro Wilderness Park
Arrive El Questro. Zebedee Springs (thermal pools) in the morning, Emma Gorge walk in the afternoon. Overnight at El Questro.
Kununurra
Drive the final stretch to Kununurra. Explore Lake Argyle or rest up after the adventure.
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