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.

a river near Munurru Campground — 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.

Outdoor bath tubs at Ellenbrae Station — 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.

the entryway at Ellenbrae Station — 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.

the bedroom at Birdwood Downs Station — 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.

WA might be enormous, but the right insider knowledge brings its mysteries a whole lot closer.

“Western Australia is a land of record-breakers,” says Carolyn Tipper, a Travel Director working on AAT Kings Western Australia tours. “It has the second-longest fault line, the second-largest meteorite crater, the second-fastest flowing river—it just keeps surprising you. And every area has its charm.”

From tropics to deserts, Australia’s largest state is a land of extremes. You can’t see all of Western Australia in a lifetime, but with the right guide, you can discover its hidden pockets of magic.

Carolyn wishes to reach her guests’ hearts. “I want them to enjoy and be in awe,” she says. “I want them to have the holiday of a lifetime.”

1. Mimbi Caves

You wouldn’t expect a Great Barrier Reef in the outback – but that’s what you’ll find at Mimbi Caves. Once part of a 350-million-year-old reef, these caves hold marine fossils, ancient Indigenous rock art, and Dreamtime stories shared by a Gooniyandi guide.

“That’s when the real connection happens,” says Carolyn, who has taken guests through on the AAT Kings Wonders of the West Coast and Kimberley tour . “When guests connect, not just with the land, but with the people who have called it home for tens of thousands of years.”

Eye-level view of traveller exploring Mimbi Caves. — Walk through ancient limestone passages. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

2. Kalbarri National Park

Nothing prepares you for the Kalbarri Skywalk: a 25-metre platform jutting over Murchison Gorge, 100 metres above the red cliffs and river below. From July to October, join the AAT Kings Untamed Pilbara and West Coast tour to see over 1000 wildflower species paint the park, and listen as an Indigenous guide shares their uses, bush foods and medicine plants.

“I want our guests to have an emotional experience,” says Carolyn. “It’s not just about seeing the land, it’s about stepping into the stories.”

An aerial view of the Kalbarri Skywalk, one of the secret places in Western Australia, with visitors on the edge. — Stand on the Kalbarri Skywalk in Western Australia. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

3. Hamelin Bay Wines

Margaret River isn’t just a top wine region – it’s a winner in every category. Where the Indian and Southern Oceans collide, granite cliffs rise, limestone caves sprawl and Karri forests tower. It almost distracts from the world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Almost.

Out of over 100 cellar doors, AAT Kings pick Hamelin Bay Wines as a favourite. Hosted tastings of small-batch wines on the Western Wonderland tour end with a group meal. The menu shifting with the seasons.

“Get off the beaten track to one of WA’s most relaxed venues for some amazing red and white signature wines,” explains Carolyn, “accompanied with upmarket pub food.”

Spectacular views.

A person raising a glass of Chardonnay against a glowing Western Australia sunset. — Sip world-class wines at Hamelin Bay in Western Australia. (Image: Getty)

4. Wildflower Guided Walk, Kings Park

Western Australia is home to 12,000 native plant species – 3000 bloom in Kings Park’s Botanic Garden. Stroll past Kangaroo Paw, Banksia and blooms from the Goldfields, Stirling Ranges and Kimberley. “The diversity of Western Australia is immense,” says Carolyn, who leads guests through on the South Western Escape tour .

Couple enjoying the view from the Lotterywest Federation walkway at Kings Park and Botanical Garden. — Wander among thousands of native plant species. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

5. Hoochery Distillery

Did you know that between Kununurra and Emma Gorge lies the state’s oldest continuously operating distillery? Well, the oldest legal one. Set on a family farm, Hoochery Distillery was hand-built using materials found on the property, conjuring up award-winning rum from local sugarcane, wet season rainwater and yeast.

Today, visitors can sample a hearty nip of rum, along with whiskies and gins – all crafted using traditional, labour-intensive methods. It’s the ideal way to soak up the ‘spirit’ of the Kimberley on the AAT Kings’ Untamed Kimberley tour .

People enjoying a rum tasting at one of the secret places in Western Australia. — Sample award-winning rum. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

6. Geraldton

The wildflowers of the Midwest will make your heart blossom. In Geraldton, the Helen Ansell Art Gallery brings the region’s botanicals to life in vivid colour and intricate detail. In nearby Mullewa, wander bushland trails lined with everlastings and native blooms. Further afield, Coalseam Conservation Park bursts into carpets of pink, white, and yellow each spring. Do it all on the Wildflower Wanderer tour with AAT Kings.

woman walking through Wildflowers, Coalseam Conservation Park — Chase vibrant wildflower trails. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

7. El Questro

Wake up after a night under the stars at Emma Gorge Resort, ready to explore the mighty beauty of the El Questro Wilderness Park. With deep gorges, thermal springs, and cascading waterfalls, time slows here.

Join the AAT Kings’ Wonders of the West Coast and Kimberley tour to drift through Chamberlain Gorge, where sheer sandstone walls glow burnt orange in the sun, archer fish flick at the surface, and rock wallabies peer down from ledges above. Then, step into Zebedee Springs, a secret oasis of warm, crystal-clear pools among prehistoric Livistona palms – a moment of pure, wild stillness.

Emma Gorge Resort at El Questro. — Wake to adventure at Emma Gorge Resort. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

8. Lake Argyle

Once vast cattle country, Lake Argyle now sprawls like an inland sea – Western Australia’s largest freshwater lake, created by the damming of the Ord River. Scattered with over 70 islands, its glassy waters teem with life, like freshwater crocodiles, barramundi, bony bream, sleepy cod and over 240 bird species. That’s nearly a third of Australia’s avian population.

Glide across the lake’s surface on a cruise as part of AAT Kings’ Untamed Kimberley tour , where the silence is only broken by the splash of fish and the call of birds. For Carolyn, this place is a perfect example of how WA’s landscapes surprise visitors. “Lake Argyle is a big puddle of water that became a game-changer,” she says. “Seeing it from a boat, coach, and plane is mind-blowing. It puts time, isolation and the sheer scale into perspective.”

Aerial View of Triple J Tours on the Ord River, near Kununurra. — Glide past islands on Western Australia’s largest freshwater lake. (Image: Western Australia)

Discover more of Western Australia’s hidden gems and book your tour at aatkings.com.

16 unique places to stay along the Gibb River Road